“Try that in a small town”: the song-phenomenon that reveals the truest and most profound America
Country singer Jason Aldean wrote a hit song, but, having made a video attacking the violence caused by the BLM and Antifa movements, he was accused of "racism" and "inciting lynching", with even some music stars participating in the assault.
Such has been the controversy that CMT, or Country Music Television, will no longer air the music video for Jason Aldean's "Try That In A Small Town," even though the song hit No. 1 on the iTunes chart.
Not bad, because the controversy has brought the singer who is enjoying an unexpected national notoriety to the center of attention.
The music video, which features Aldean singing in front of a government building with an American flag, incorporates footage from various protests – including those associated with Antifa and Black Lives Matter – was released on Friday. Here it is from Youtube, where it had 2.6 million views and 600,000 likes
CMT played it until Sunday, then canceled it from Monday, but in the meantime it has become something of an icon, a sort of “Ltt's Go Brandon” of 2023. Here are the lyrics of the song:
A nerd punches someone on a sidewalk
I kidnap an old lady at a red light
Point a gun at a liquor store owner
You think it's cool, well, play dumb if you want
Curse a policeman, spit in his face
Stomp on the flag and light it
Yes, you think you're tough
Well, try it in a small town
See how far along the road you are
Around here, we take care of our own
Cross that line, it won't be long
To get caught, I advise you not to
Try it in a small town
I have a gun that my grandfather gave me
They say they'll do the roundup one day
Well that shit might fly to town, good luck
Try it in a small town
See how far along the road you are
Around here, we take care of our own
Cross that line, it won't be long
To get caught, I advise you not to
Try it in a small town
Full of good kids, raised well
If you are looking for a fight
Try it in a small town
Try it in a small town
Try it in a small town
See how far along the road you are
Around here, we take care of our own
Cross that line, it won't be long
To get caught, I advise you not to
Try it in a small town
Try it in a small town
Try it in a small town
The video ends with an interview with a disabled person who recalls how neighbors competed to help him when he found himself in a wheelchair, all in solidarity with the community.
Could there be something further from the world of US entertainment and music, that of trappers who incite violence and vulgarity? I do not think so. And in fact the reaction was broken down
Chris Willman of Variety exclaims, in an article titled: “ Jason Aldean already had the most despicable country song of the decade. The video is worse”, Aldean's “Try That in a Small Town” is close to being the most cynical song ever written…”.
The Daily Beast published one of the most high-profile critiques of the song in the article " Jason Aldean Lashes Out Against Racist, Pro-Gun Lyrics: A Modern Lynching Song."
A strong wave of support
Too bad not everyone sees it in the same way, indeed a phenomenon has started that we could compare to "Let's Go Brandon" or the boycott of Bud Light in support of Aldean
Just so we're clear it's cool if hip-hop songs glamorize rape, domestic violence, misogyny, racism, murder, killing the President, gang warfare , guns, violence and hate but if @Jason_Aldean talks about what's actually happening it's racist?
— Rosie Memos (@almostjingo) July 19, 2023
"Interestingly, countless rap songs encourage murder, drug dealing, pimping and countless other crimes, and are celebrated in the media, but a video of a country singer talking about self-defense and neighbors watching each other's backs is banned."
Almost all of the 85,000 comments on her video are also positive, and often come from black people. Here some examples
@iamprosperity9129
I'm a 40 year old black woman and I think I missed the racism that was said to be in the song. This man is stating facts, and the only people who would have a problem with it are those who are actually criminals or approve of what criminals are doing. I approve of your message. People are FKING sick of it.
@blackberryjamchicago
Nothing wrong with this tune. It's about standing together against criminals and not backing down and protecting your family and personal property. I love it!
I grew up in a small town in Ohio. Things are just like the song says. Sorry people can't handle the truth. Great job Jason. DON'T LET YOURSELF BE SILENCED!!!!
@coreyharrison9898
I am a black veteran of the United States Army.
As long as we speak up and stand up for all the people in a “small town”, I approve of his message!! #StandForAllNotJustSome
@jillrosa7916
I really appreciate this song!! I live in a small town and that's exactly what we do. Stand up for each other. Everything in this song states the facts and it's nothing new compared to what we've seen on the news or on you tube. THIS song is one of my favorites! I'm also a first responder and it's about time someone made a song about what the real world is like. And everyone who is offended by this song does not see the big picture and is only part of the problem described in
Aldean stated that the song is not meant to promote any specific political agenda, but rather a desire for a return to normality where the headlines are less consumed with tragedy and division.
“My political views have never been something under wraps,” Aldean added, acknowledging that not everyone in the country shares the same views on how to “get back to a sense of normality where we go at least one day without a headline to keep us up at night.”
However, he emphasized that the essence of the song lies in a desire for a better future, free from the constant specter of violence and discord. That's "what the song is about," she said.
Aldean insisted that the song's intentions were grossly misunderstood.
He concluded his statement by expressing the hope that fans and critics will listen with an open heart and understand the true message behind the song. For now, however, it has brought many people together….
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The article “Try that in a small town”: the song-phenomenon that reveals the truest and deepest America comes from Scenari Economici .
This is a machine translation of a post published on Scenari Economici at the URL https://scenarieconomici.it/try-that-in-a-small-town-la-canzone-fenomeno-che-rivela-lamerica-piu-vera-e-profonda/ on Fri, 21 Jul 2023 19:57:28 +0000.