In the aftermath of widespread backlash, Country Music Television (CMT) has ceased broadcasting the music video for Jason Aldean’s “Try That In A Small Town.” Critics had flagged the video, leading to its withdrawal from the network’s rotation, as a CMT representative informed USA TODAY.
A significant factor in the uproar is Aldean’s history as a survivor of a 2017 mass shooting, which unfolded during one of his live performances. Critics of the music video interpret the song’s lyrics as supporting gun violence and encouraging vigilantism.
Upon the video’s launch, online detractors voiced their concerns about the song’s lyrics, fearing they could foster violence and vigilantism among Aldean’s small-town fan base. One verse from the song that attracted particular criticism is, “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 / Around here, we take care of our own.”
The controversy also extends to the video’s filming location, the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, which holds a disturbing history. In 1927, 18-year-old Black man Henry Choate was lynched there, and it was the site of the infamous Columbia Race Riot in 1946.
Rejecting the criticism on Twitter, Aldean shared his personal interpretation of the song, arguing that the critique was excessive.
The “Try That In A Small Town” music video was released as part of the promotional campaign for Aldean’s upcoming album, and it has garnered significant attention, albeit for the wrong reasons. In his release statement, Aldean emphasized the small-town ethos of community and respect, lamenting its loss and expressing his hope that his video could help reignite it.
Critics of the video, including the founder of gun violence advocacy group Moms Demand Action, Shannon Watts, singer Sheryl Crow, and Tennessee state Rep. Justin Jones, shared their reservations on social media. They accused the song of advocating violence, misusing free speech, and promoting gun extremism and vigilantism.
Addressing the issue on Twitter, Aldean stated that the song refers to the neighborly spirit he experienced in his upbringing, irrespective of differing backgrounds or beliefs. The production company behind Aldean’s video, TackleBox, clarified that the controversial filming location was not chosen by Aldean but is a widely used site for various other film projects.
The 46-year-old singer has previously faced criticism and controversy, especially after the 2017 mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Festival, where he was performing when the incident occurred. His political beliefs and past controversies, including wearing blackface for a Halloween costume, visiting former President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, and a perceived transphobic incident involving his wife, also contribute to the debate surrounding his latest music video.
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