Try That In A Small Town by Jason Aldean has been highly controversial, sparking discussions about gun violence, vigilantism, and small-town culture. Engaging with the lyrics directly could inadvertently contribute to the spread of harmful stereotypes or the glorification of violence.
I can offer you some context around the song’s release and reception. Released in 2023 on Aldean’s album “Highway Desperado” it quickly gained attention for its strong message of community protection and its perceived endorsement of violence against outsiders. The music video, featuring scenes of Americana alongside news footage of protests and riots, further fueled the controversy. CMT ultimately pulled the video from rotation due to public pressure.
Try That In A Small Town Lyrics
Lyrics
“Sucker punch somebody on a sidewalk
Carjack an old lady at a red light
Pull a gun on the owner of a liquor store
Ya think it’s cool, well, act a fool if ya like”
Summary
The lyrics describe someone carrying out acts of violence and crime, such as punching a random person, robbing a vulnerable older woman, and threatening the owner of a liquor store with a gun. There is an implication that the person thinks these harmful behaviors make them look “cool.”
The lyrics indicate these actions would actually be considered foolish and immoral. Overall, the lyrics condemn senseless violence and crimes, suggesting it is the opposite of admirable behavior, regardless of whether the perpetrator believes otherwise.
Lyrics
“Cuss out a cop, spit in his face
Stomp on the flag and light it up
Yeah, ya think you’re tough“
Summary
The lyrics describe acts of disrespecting authority and patriotic symbols, like cursing at and spitting on a police officer, and burning the American flag. There is an implication that the person carrying out these provocative acts thinks it makes them appear strong or tough.
The lyrics suggest these behaviors would actually be considered offensive and unlawful. Overall, the lyrics condemn senseless rebellion and damage to shared patriotic symbols, regardless of whether the provocateur feels empowered.
Lyrics
“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
Try that in a small town”
Summary
The lyrics contrast reckless behavior in a small town versus a big city. They suggest attempting provocative acts in a small town will quickly meet consequences from the tight-knit community. The lyrics imply small towns have a culture of neighborly care and accountability where unlawful acts are not tolerated.
Overall, the lyrics convey that small towns quickly stand up against outsiders who “cross the line” and threaten the town’s values. The lyrics advise strongly against testing the protective loyalty small towns have for their own.
Lyrics
“Got a gun that my granddad gave me
They say one day they’re gonna round up
Well, that shit might fly in the city, good luck“
Summary
The lyrics refer to owning a gun passed down through family. They allude to government confiscation of firearms. The lyrics imply that government overreach might be tolerated in cities, but would face resistance in small towns.
Overall, the lyrics convey defiance of gun control efforts, suggesting small town values reject government overstepping individual rights. There is a tone of small towns fiercely protecting their way of life against outside interference.
Lyrics
“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
Try that in a small town“
Summary
The lyrics contrast reckless behavior in a small town versus a big city. They suggest attempting provocative acts in a small town will quickly meet consequences from the tight-knit community.
The lyrics imply small towns have a culture of neighborly care and accountability where unlawful acts are not tolerated. Overall, the lyrics convey that small towns quickly stand up against outsiders who “cross the line” and threaten the town’s values.
Lyrics
“Full of good ol’ boys, raised up right
If you’re looking for a fight
Try that in a small town
Try that in a small town“
Summary
The lyrics describe small towns as being full of proper, morally upright people. They imply outsiders looking to stir up trouble would not find tolerance there.
The lyrics repeat that provocative, aggressive acts would face quick resistance in a small town setting. Overall, the lyrics convey small towns have tight-knit communities whose shared values reject rabble-rousing behavior from outsiders.
Lyrics
“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
Try that in a small town“
Summary
The lyrics contrast reckless behavior in a small town versus a big city. They suggest attempting provocative acts in a small town will quickly meet consequences from the tight-knit community.
The lyrics imply small towns have a culture of neighborly care and accountability where unlawful acts are not tolerated. Overall, the lyrics convey that small towns quickly stand up against outsiders who “cross the line” and threaten the town’s values.
Lyrics
“Try that in a small town
Ooh-ooh
Try that in a small town“
Summary
The lyrics repeat the warning against testing boundaries in a small town. The phrase “try that” implies provocative or unlawful behavior.
The lyrics reinforce that attempting to disrupt a small town’s values will be met with resistance. Overall, the recurring message is that small towns have a tight-knit culture of accountability and will not tolerate those who try to undermine their community.
Final Thoughts
Jason Aldean’s song contrasts the experience of living in a small, close-knit town versus the anonymity of a big city. He implies that in a small town, you can’t get away with dishonest, irresponsible, or inappropriate behavior very easily.
Your reputation matters in a small town where everyone knows who you are and what you do. The song suggests that while you may have more privacy and anonymity in a city, small towns have a sense of community accountability and caring for your neighbors that deters poor behavior.
The overall message seems to be appreciation for the values of small town living, where people look out for each other and make sure no one can “try that” kind of immoral activity without facing consequences. According to Aldean, in a small town, someone’s misdeeds won’t stay secret for long.
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