Jason Aldean ran the Country music headlines after releasing the music video for "Try That in a Small Town." The said song talked about violent behavior, and coupled with the music video's imagery, the performance received criticism from many.
Aldean has denied the racist undertones of his song and pro-lynching themes, which was clear and evident in the material.
What Does The 'Try That in a Small Town' Meant?
Many suggest that the "Try That In A Small Town" music video and the song hold suggestive lyrical interpretations that it is about lynching or it is pro-lynching.
Notably, Aldean shot the music video in front of a courthouse in Colombia, Tennessee, which is known for being the site of a lynching incident in the 1920s. At the time, a Black man was lynched in front of the building. Many people have pointed out that the imagery and the thematic meaning of the song were racially charged.
According to Entertainment Tonight, Tacklebox, the production company behind the "Try That in a Small Town" music video was a "popular filming location outside of Nashville" which was why it was selected for the music video and not for the historical significance of the site.
After citing some music videos that were also shot in the area, many pointed out that the music video was also interposed with video snippets of the police brutality and racial unrest that took place during the pandemic.
Very recently, Sheryl Crow also fired a Tweet alluding to Aldean's controversial lyrics.
"I'm from a small town. Even people in small towns are sick of violence. There's nothing small-town or American about promoting violence. You should know that better than anyone having survived a mass shooting. This is not American or small town-like. It's just lame," she said.
READ ALSO: Jason Aldean 'Try That In A Small Town' Removed From CMT Following Controversial Lyrics
Jason Aldean CMA Fest Performance Still Aired; Received Flak
ABC was blasted for its decision to air Aldean's "Try That In A Small Town" performance during their CMA Fest concert special earlier this week. (via The New York Post)
"Turning off #CMAFEST because Jason Aldean's song "In a Small Town" should not be playing anywhere. You should be ashamed of yourself @abc," a user said.
"Honestly CMA fest allowing disgusting @Jason_Aldean to still perform is g r o s s," another tweeted.
