Try That In A Small Town: Unpacking Its Controversial Echoes
The release of Jason Aldean's "Try That In A Small Town" in 2023 ignited a firestorm of debate, transforming a country song into a national conversation about crime, community, and the deeply rooted divisions within American society. Far from a simple chart-topper, this track quickly became a flashpoint, drawing both fervent support and widespread condemnation, particularly after its accompanying music video dropped.
This article delves into the origins of the song, the specifics of the controversy, and the broader implications of "Try That In A Small Town" on music, culture, and public discourse. We aim to provide a comprehensive, balanced perspective, drawing directly from the public record and the reactions that unfolded.
Table of Contents
- Jason Aldean: A Brief Biography
- The Genesis of "Try That In A Small Town"
- Lyrics That Raised Brows and Sparked Debate
- The Music Video: A Catalyst for Controversy
- The Firestorm of Criticism and Accusations
- Industry Response and Public Backlash
- Defending the Message: Aldean's Perspective
- The Broader Cultural Conversation
- The Legacy and Impact of "Try That In A Small Town"
Jason Aldean: A Brief Biography
Jason Aldean, born Jason Aldean Williams, is a prominent American country music singer. Known for his distinctive blend of country, rock, and southern influences, he has become one of the genre's most successful artists since his debut in the early 2000s. Aldean's music often explores themes of small-town life, hard work, and personal relationships, resonating with a large fan base across the United States. His career has been marked by numerous hit singles, platinum albums, and prestigious awards, cementing his status as a modern country icon.
Personal Data and Biodata
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jason Aldean Williams |
| Born | February 28, 1977 |
| Birthplace | Macon, Georgia, U.S. |
| Genre | Country, Country Rock, Southern Rock |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Years Active | 2005–present |
| Associated Acts | Broken Bow Records |
The Genesis of "Try That In A Small Town"
Jason Aldean's single, "Try That In A Small Town," was officially released on May 19, 2023, with its audio video following on May 22, 2023. Initially, the song didn't immediately spark widespread reactions, despite its somewhat provocative lyrical content. It was presented as a country song infused with rock and southern influences, a style consistent with Aldean's established musical identity. The track was also noted as the latest music from Aldean’s forthcoming new album, following his national television debut performance of another new track, “Tough Crowd,” which he officially debuted at the ACM Awards.
The song's core message, as described by many, criticizes crime prevalent in large cities and praises small towns for their perceived ability to "take care of their own." It speaks to a sense of community vigilance and a different approach to maintaining order, a theme that resonates deeply with a segment of the country music audience. However, it was the subsequent release of the music video that truly catapulted "Try That In A Small Town" into the national spotlight, transforming it from a mere song into a cultural flashpoint.
Lyrics That Raised Brows and Sparked Debate
Even before the music video, the lyrics to "Try That In A Small Town" already "raised some brows when it first came out." The song's verses paint a vivid, stark contrast between urban and rural environments, detailing various acts of crime and defiance, and then posing a challenge to those who engage in such behaviors: "well, try that in a small town."
The lyrics include lines such as:
- "Sucker punch somebody on a sidewalk"
- "Carjack an old lady at a red light"
- "Pull a gun on the owner of a liquor store"
- "Cuss out a cop, spit in his face"
- "Stomp on the flag and light it up"
These scenarios are juxtaposed with the implied consequences in a small town, suggesting a more immediate and severe form of justice. The chorus, "Well, try that in a small town, See how far ya make it down the road, Around here, we take care of our own, You cross that line, it won't take long, For you to find out, I recommend you don't, Try that in a small town," clearly articulates this sentiment. While proponents viewed this as a call for law and order and community self-reliance, critics immediately flagged these lyrics as potentially promoting vigilantism, violence, and an us-versus-them mentality.
The Music Video: A Catalyst for Controversy
The true turning point for "Try That In A Small Town" arrived on July 21, 2023, when its official music video was published. This visual accompaniment contextualized the track even further, and as a result, "people couldn't help but" react strongly. The video quickly generated headlines for its lyrical content, as well as its accompanying visuals, which featured Jason Aldean performing in front of the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, interspersed with news footage of protests, robberies, and civil unrest.
The Historic Backdrop and Its Implications
One of the most significant aspects of the controversy stemmed from the video's filming location. The Maury County Courthouse is not just any building; it is a site with a dark and painful history. In 1927, Henry Choate, a Black teenager, was lynched and hung there. This historical context immediately drew accusations of insensitivity and racism against Aldean and the video's producers. Critics argued that filming a song about community justice and perceived threats at a site associated with racial violence was either deeply ignorant or deliberately provocative, especially given the song's themes and the ongoing national conversations about racial justice and police brutality.
Footage of Unrest and Its Interpretation
Beyond the courthouse location, the video also incorporated real news footage depicting protests, looting, and civil unrest. While Aldean sings about gun ownership and community self-defense, these images further fueled the accusations. Critics contended that the juxtaposition of Aldean's lyrics with these clips created a narrative that glorified gun violence, demonized protestors, and presented a skewed, potentially racist, portrayal of urban life and social movements. This visual storytelling element significantly amplified the song's controversial nature, making it far more than just an audio track.
The Firestorm of Criticism and Accusations
As a direct result of the video's release, Jason Aldean found himself in the middle of intense controversy. The song and video sparked debates about racism, violence, and free speech, polarizing audiences and commentators alike. Critics accused him of racism, insensitivity, and hypocrisy, citing not only his lyrics and the music video but also his political views. The accusations were varied but often centered on the idea that the song promoted vigilantism, glorified gun violence, and, for some, even promoted white supremacy.
The song was described as a "controversial country song by Jason Aldean that contrasts rural and urban lifestyles and faces criticism for its lyrics and video." The debate escalated quickly, with social media platforms becoming battlegrounds for opposing viewpoints. Many pointed to the historical context of the filming location as undeniable proof of the video's problematic nature, while others defended Aldean's artistic expression and the song's message about community safety.
Industry Response and Public Backlash
The controversy surrounding "Try That In A Small Town" was so significant that it prompted direct action from within the music industry. Country Music Television (CMT), a major platform for country music videos, announced that it would no longer air the music video. This decision came after critics of the video said it contained lyrics that glorified gun violence and, implicitly, due to the backlash regarding its visual content and historical context. The removal from CMT's rotation was a clear signal of the industry's discomfort with the video's message and the public outcry it generated.
The public backlash wasn't limited to online discourse. It fueled a broader discussion about the responsibility of artists, the interpretation of artistic works, and the line between commentary and incitement. The song's virality on platforms like YouTube, where "concert events listed are based on the artist featured in the video you are watching, channels you have subscribed to, your past activity while signed in to YouTube, including artists you search," meant that the controversy only amplified Aldean's visibility, ironically driving more attention to the very content being criticized.
Defending the Message: Aldean's Perspective
In response to the mounting criticism, Jason Aldean defended his song and video. He maintained that the song was not intended to be racially charged or to promote violence. Instead, he asserted that "Try That In A Small Town" was about the sense of community, safety, and vigilance found in smaller towns, and a criticism of the rising crime rates and perceived lack of respect for law and order in larger cities. He emphasized that the song was a commentary on the deterioration within our cities and the idea of "doing something about it" within a tight-knit community.
Aldean's supporters echoed these sentiments, arguing that the song was simply an expression of common frustrations felt by many Americans living in rural areas. They saw it as a patriotic anthem that championed traditional values and a strong stance against criminal behavior. For them, the controversy was an overreaction, an attempt to "cancel" an artist for expressing views that resonated with a significant portion of the population. They viewed the song as a celebration of community self-reliance, not an endorsement of vigilantism.
The Broader Cultural Conversation
Beyond the immediate controversy surrounding Jason Aldean and his song, "Try That In A Small Town" tapped into several deeper cultural and political fault lines in America.
Rural vs. Urban Narratives
The song's central theme of contrasting rural and urban lifestyles highlighted the growing divide between these two segments of American society. It played into existing stereotypes: the idyllic, safe, and morally upright small town versus the chaotic, crime-ridden, and disrespectful big city. This narrative, while simplistic, resonates with many who feel a disconnect between their lived experiences and the portrayal of society in mainstream media or political discourse. The song became an anthem for those who feel their values and way of life are under attack or misunderstood by urban centers.
Free Speech and Cancel Culture
The debate also became a proxy battle in the ongoing discourse about free speech and "cancel culture." Supporters of Aldean argued that the backlash and CMT's decision to pull the video were examples of censorship and an attempt to silence voices that don't conform to certain progressive ideologies. They emphasized an artist's right to express themselves, even if their message is controversial. Conversely, critics argued that free speech does not equate to freedom from consequences, especially when content is perceived as promoting harmful or hateful messages. This aspect of the controversy underscores the complexities of navigating artistic expression in a highly polarized social and political landscape.
The Legacy and Impact of "Try That In A Small Town"
"Try That In A Small Town" will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most controversial songs of 2023, if not the decade. Its impact extends beyond music charts, influencing discussions on social issues, media responsibility, and the power of art to provoke and divide. The song's ability to generate such intense debate due to its "bold lyrics and themes" demonstrates the significant role popular culture plays in reflecting and shaping societal tensions.
Despite, or perhaps because of, the controversy, the song achieved massive commercial success, topping charts and becoming a rallying cry for many. This phenomenon highlights how cultural products, when they touch on sensitive nerves, can transcend their original medium and become symbols in broader ideological battles. The discussion around "Try That In A Small Town" serves as a potent reminder of the complexities inherent in interpreting art, the weight of historical context, and the ongoing struggle to find common ground in a fragmented world.
What are your thoughts on "Try That In A Small Town" and the debates it sparked? Share your perspective in the comments below. If you found this analysis insightful, consider sharing it with others or exploring our other articles on contemporary cultural phenomena.
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