Country singer Jason Aldean has faced considerable criticism from individuals on the left in the past week due to their misinterpretation of his song “Try That in a Small Town.”
The song emphasizes standing up against violence and riots, particularly instances where people disrespect the flag. Aldean clarified that the song is about communities coming together to support one another and show resilience.
Aldean took to Twitter this past week to defend his new top hit. According to Aldean, the success of the song was influenced by the unspoken code of small towns, where the community supports and protects one another. He expressed concern that, over time, this sense of unity and respect may have diminished and said, “Deep down, we are all ready to get back to that.”
Aldean further shared that he hopes his new music video will resonate with listeners and reassure them that they are not alone in their longing for that same sense of community and connection.
“I hope my new music video helps y’all know that u are not alone in feeling that way,’ he tweeted.
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.…
— Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) July 18, 2023
In contrast, the leftist reaction to the song was overwhelming, with figures like Whoopi Goldberg labeling it as racist and alleging it promotes violence, despite the fact that the song actually denounces violence and does not reference race at all.
Country Music Television even removed the chart-topping song from its rotation due to the controversy, seemingly giving in to the pressure of public opinion.
Aldean’s response on Friday night, at his concert in Cincinnati, Ohio, made it clear that he is not yielding or offering apologies for the left’s attempts to cancel him. In fact, during his show, he fearlessly addressed “cancel culture,” which resonated with the enthusiastic cheers of his audience.
Aldean said, “Here’s the thing, I feel like everybody is entitled to their opinion. You can think something all you want to. It doesn’t mean it is true. What I am, is a proud American. I love our country. I want to see it restored to what it once was before all this bulls**t started happening to us.”
Amongst cheers from the crowd, Aldean finished by adding, “I love my country, I love my family and I will do anything I can to protect that.”
To assure his fans that he would continue playing his song at concerts, Aldean said, “The people have spoken. And you guys spoke very, very loudly this week!”
