Country music star Jason Aldean defends controversial song after backlash
Country Music Television (CMT) recently pulled Jason Aldean’s song “Try That in a Small Town” from the airwaves, sparking a heated debate. However, Aldean is standing by his song and defending its message.
CMT confirmed to Billboard that they removed the video from rotation, but did not provide further comment on their decision.
Legacy media outlets and leftist social media users have criticized the song, claiming that the anti-riot lyrics are actually “pro-lynching.”
The song, which was released in May, gained renewed attention due to a recently released music video that has sparked controversy. Critics point to the lyrics where Aldean appears to reference anti-police rioters:
Cuss out a cop, spit in his face
Stomp on the flag and light it up
Yeah, ya think you’re tough
Well, try that in a small townSee how far ya make it down the road
Around here, we take care of our own
You cross that line, it won’t take longFor you to find out, I recommend you don’t
Try that in a small town
Aldean has vehemently denied any racist undertones in the song.
In response to the backlash, Aldean took to Instagram Stories to address the accusations, stating, “In the past 24 hours I have been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song (a song that has been out since May) and was subject to the comparison that I (direct quote) was not too pleased with the nationwide BLM protests. These references are not only meritless, but dangerous.”
He further explained, ”There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it – and there isn’t a single video clip that isn’t real news footage – and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music – this one goes too far.”
Aldean emphasized that the song’s message is about communities coming together to solve problems. He stated, “‘Try That In A Small Town,’ for me, refers to the feeling of a community that I had growing up, where we took care of our neighbors, regardless of differences of background or belief. Because they were our neighbors, and that was above any differences.” He also expressed his preference for unity in the nation despite differences in political views.
Aldean previously tweeted, “When u grow up in a small town, it’s that unspoken rule of ‘we all have each other’s backs and we look out for each other.’ It feels like somewhere along the way, that sense of community and respect has gotten lost. Deep down we are all ready to get back to that. I hope my new music video helps y’all know that u are not alone in feeling that way.”
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
