Well, try that in a small townSee how far ya make it down the roadAround here, we take care of our ownYou cross that line, it won’t take longFor you to find out, I recommend you don’tTry that in a small town
Country music star Jason Aldean’s newest hit is causing a stir and has been censored by Country Music Television (CMT) yet the controversy is causing the hit single to rise to the top of the charts, hitting #1 on iTunes and #2 on Billboard.
Aldean’s new hit song, “Try That in a Small Town,” speaks out against rioters, looters, backlash against police, and vandalism, seeming to reference the BLM-inspired riots after the death of George Floyd. In light of the controversy, Country Music Television (CMT) censored the song’s music video, removing the video from circulation, yet it’s still topping the charts.
Accusations of racism
The accusation is that the music video is racist because it was shot in front of a courthouse in Colombia, Tenessee, which was the site of a lynching in 1920!
Aldean denies the accusations and calling them meritless and dangerous. “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,” Aldean shared on social media.
Refuting the accusations
“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,” responded Aldean. “And while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music- this one goes too far. As so many pointed out, I was present at Route 91-where so many lost their lives- and our community recently suffered another heartbreaking tragedy. NO ONE, including me, wants to continue to see senseless headlines or families ripped apart.”
