Jason Aldean has responded to online backlash over his music video for the song "Try That in a Small Town," denying any racial undertones.
The country singer, 46, dismissed claims that the song referenced race or supported violence. The video, released last week, showcases how small towns would not tolerate the riots and lawlessness seen in many cities during the summer of 2020.
Aldean took to social media to address the accusations, stating, "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."
His wife, Brittany Aldean, also defended him, posting a selfie with her husband on the beach and writing, "Never apologize for speaking the truth."
The song, which is the second single from Aldean's upcoming 11th studio album, has faced criticism not only for its lyrics but also for its accompanying music video. The video was filmed at a controversial location and includes footage from Black Lives Matter protests in 2020.
Aldean clarified that the song's lyrics do not reference race and that the video features real news footage. He expressed his concern that the interpretation of the song had gone too far, stating, "While I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music, this one goes too far."
Some of the lyrics in the song include, "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, you cross that line, it won't take long for you to find out, I recommend you don't."
Aldean also addressed his personal connection to tragedy, mentioning his presence at the 2017 Route 91 music festival in Las Vegas where a mass shooting occurred. He emphasized that he, like everyone else, wants to see an end to senseless violence and headlines that tear families apart.
Explaining the meaning behind the song, Aldean wrote, "Try That In A Small Town, for me, refers to the feeling of a community that I had growing up, where we took care of our neighbors, regardless of differences of background or belief. Because they were our neighbors, and that was above any differences."
He added, "My political views have never been something I've hidden from, and I know that a lot of us in this Country don't agree on how we get back to a sense of normalcy where we go at least a day without a headline that keeps us up at night. But the desire for it to- that's what this song is about."
The choice of filming location for the video, the Maury County Courthouse, also drew criticism. Ashton Pittman, news editor at the Mississippi Free Press, pointed out that the courthouse was where a white lynch mob lynched Henry Choate in 1927. Pittman accused Aldean of singing about murdering people who don't respect the police at the site of this historical event.
Three days after the release of Aldean's video, CMT decided to pull it from rotation.
Jason Aldean's denial of racial undertones in his song and music video comes in response to online backlash. The country singer maintains that the song is about community and taking care of neighbors, regardless of differences. While the controversy surrounding the video continues, Aldean remains steadfast in his belief that the song does not promote violence or racism.
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