Jason Aldean’s New Song Stirs Controversy

Song Release Sparks Tension

Jason Aldean, a notable country music artist, has become the target of widespread criticism following the release of his latest song, “Try That in a Small Town”. The controversy erupted on various social media channels due to the contentious decisions he made for both the song and its music video.

Contentious Lyrics and Video

The music video, an amalgamation of news clips primarily from “Black Lives Matter” protests and controversial lyrics, has caused quite a stir. Lyrics like “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 town / See how far ya make it down the road,” and “Around here, we take care of our own / See how fast you find out if you step over that line, I wouldn’t recommend it,” have sparked a wave of reactions. The video transitions from these provocative images to a montage of grainy footage depicting tranquil townsfolk engaging in daily activities with their families, crops, and livestock.

Historical Significance of Video Location

The location chosen for the video shoot has historical significance, which adds fuel to the fire. The site is recognized as the place where an 18-year-old African-American man named Henry Choate was lynched in the 1920s.

Music Video Pulled Amid Controversy

Following complaints that the song and lyrics seemingly endorse racism and lynching, CMT decided to remove the music video. The company, however, refrained from providing a specific rationale for their decision.

While Aldean’s intentions behind the song and video remain open to interpretation, the outcry it triggered across different platforms highlights the sensitivity and importance of considering historical context and potential implications when creating content. This situation serves as a reminder that artists, while exercising their creative freedom, should also consider the potential impact of their work on diverse audiences.