Country star Jason Aldean’s latest music video for his single “Try That in a Small Town” has been met with a medley of reactions, following its release in May. This lead single from Aldean’s upcoming eleventh studio album, which the singer did not pen himself, has kindled controversy due to its controversial lyrics and contentious imagery.
Jason Aldean’s Divisive Lyrics and Confrontational Imagery
Some fans claim the song promotes violence and racism, as the lyrics seemingly hint at an aggressive approach, featuring lines such as ‘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’. The lyrics, paired with the provocative imagery in the recently released video, have fueled a divisive debate among listeners and critics alike, as they dissect the message and intent behind the song.
Location of Controversy: Maury County Courthouse
The video, directed by Shaun Silva and released on July 14, places Aldean at the center stage in front of the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, a location historically known for the 1927 lynching of an 18-year-old Black man, Henry Choate. The choice of this site, coupled with visuals of vandalism and scenes reminiscent of the 2020 racial injustice protests, has stirred significant conversation. Some critics have even questioned the accuracy and context of the rioting scenes, as a few TikTok users noted they were stock footage or snippets from protests abroad.
A Well-known Filming Location, Says Production Company
In response to the criticism, Tacklebox, the production company behind the controversial music video, stated that the filming location is a popular spot just outside Nashville. It’s been frequently used for various music videos and films, underlining its appeal and versatility in the entertainment sector. Notable examples include the Lifetime Original movie “Steppin’ into the Holiday,” featuring Mario Lopez and Jana Kramer, the music video “We Were Rich” by Runaway June, and the Paramount holiday film “A Nashville Country Christmas” starring Tanya Tucker.
As the debate surrounding “Try That in a Small Town” continues to intensify, one thing is clear: The use of historical locations and provocative imagery has significant impacts on the reception of an artist’s work, warranting careful consideration and sensitivity.
