Jason has found himself at the center of controversy after his recent single and music video sparked a backlash over the past week.
After his latest track and music video drew criticism last week, Jason Aldean has condemned “cancel culture”.
The 46-year-old country artist came under fire after releasing the song “Try That in a Small Town,” which features footage of him performing near the historic Tennessee lynching site.
The controversial song, according to its detractors, has lyrics warning anyone who causes trouble in the narrator’s neighborhood, as well as references to the Black Lives Matter demonstrations that erupted across America following the 2020 police shooting of George Floyd.
Before Aldean sings, “Well, try it in a small town / See how far you can take it down the road / Here we mind our own,” the song lists several examples of wrongdoing: “Sucker punch somebody on the sidewalk / Carjack an old lady at a red light / Pull a gun on a liquor store owner.”
Country music channel CMT removed the song’s video from rotation following significant backlash from social media and other artists including Sheryl Crow, according to Billboard and Deadline.
Aldean issued a furious defense of his song on July 18 via Twitter. He wrote: “In the last 24 hours I have been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song (a song that has been out since May) and have been compared to being (direct quote) not too happy about the nationwide BLM protests.
In addition to being worthless, these references are risky. While I can try to appreciate others who have their own interpretation of the song with the music, this one goes too far. There isn’t a single line in the song that references or points to race, and there isn’t a single video clip that isn’t an actual news recording.
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
The performer said: “Our community recently suffered another sad loss. I was present at the 2017 Las Vegas shooting at the Route 91 Harvest music festival. NO ONE, INCLUDING ME, wants to keep reading about unnecessary tragedies or seeing families torn apart.
He then went on to say that the song is about “the sense of community I grew up in, where we looked after our neighbors, regardless of differences in background or beliefs”.
“I’ve never tried to hide my political views and I know a lot of people in this country don’t agree with me on how to get back to normal where we can go at least a day without reading a headline that keeps us up at night. But the song is about wanting that to happen,” he added.
The ‘Dirt Road Anthem’ actor has now responded to the criticism once again, this time in front of a crowd at Cincinnati’s Riverbend Centre.
Aldean claimed it had been a “long** week” before declaring that “everyone’s entitled to their opinion” while talking about his love and pride for his country.
“I love our country and I want to see it return to its former glory before all this started happening to us. Before a resounding rendition of “USA” during the concert, Aldean declared, “I love my country, I love my family, and I would do anything to protect it.”
He continued: “It’s something where people try to make sure they can cancel you if they don’t like what you’re saying, which means they’re trying to ruin your life, ruin everything.
“One thing I noticed this week was a group of country music enthusiasts who are able to cut through a lot of BS. I witnessed a gathering of country music lovers unlike anything I’ve ever seen and I have to say it was really wild. Thank you guys so much.
The ‘Got What I Got’ singer continued to consider the values ​​of his audience, stating that they want to take their kids to the movies and not have to worry about a theater shooting. He then performed ‘Try That in a Small Town’ to a roaring audience.
In times of increased sensitivity and differing opinions, it is essential to encourage open dialogue and respect for different perspectives. While Jason Aldean’s song may not resonate with everyone, it certainly sparked important conversations about music’s role in reflecting and shaping social attitudes.
As the country music community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this controversy, it is critical to find common ground and strive for understanding, empathy, and compassion. Only through meaningful conversations and a willingness to listen to each other can we hope to bridge the divides that divide us and move towards a more united and inclusive future.