I’m a bit annoyed but I have to preface this post with a few things. 1. I do not know Jason Aldean personally. 2. I rarely post anything controversial. 3. If my post offends you or doesn’t fit with your line of thought process, please move on because I just don’t care.
Jason Aldean is a very popular country music star. Recently, his new hit, “Try That In A Small Town” has come under fire. He has been accused of all sorts of things, from having “lynching connotations” to “racial notes” in this song. As I have reviewed what Mr. Aldean has written on social media, along with what news outlets have stated, I feel the need to tear the song itself apart and break it down for a clearer understanding.
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
What happens when you hit someone? Sounds like you made a decision to put your hands where they don’t belong. There are consequences for those actions. What about when you decide to take someone’s vehicle? You become a thief, and there are laws regarding theft. Anytime you take someone’s property and fail to return it, it’s theft. Guns? If you pulled a gun on someone, I’m willing to bet the gun isn’t even registered legally in your name. Not only did you think about robbing the store but you also thought about killing someone in the process. That’s premeditated murder and aggravated robbery.
Cuss out a cop, spit in his face
Stomp on the flag and light it up
Yeah, ya think you’re tough
Do you really think you are “cool” doing these things, is it “cool” to spend years in prison? Who are you trying to impress while you are acting foolish? It makes me wonder how you were raised. Just because you had someone in the family behave inappropriately, doesn’t mean you have to choose the same path.
There is nothing “badass” about disrespecting law enforcement. My brother is an officer. My oldest son wants to be a police officer. I’ve got many family members who have served in the military. I have observed how respect for law enforcements and the law has changed in the last 20 years. In the state of Washington, police officers can no longer participate in high speed pursuits. While this is for the safety of the general public, drivers are not required to pull over for traffic violations when commanded to by local law enforcement. Police really have no authority and are disrespected these days. Behaviors that disrespect police would have not been tolerated when I was growing up. I was taught to pull over when the flashing lights were behind me and to admit responsibility for my actions. Society isn’t being taught that anymore. Destroying the American flag is nothing new. There are historical events demonstrating flag burning that goes back years. If you truly are proud to be an American and love this country, then don’t burn the flag! There is no purpose to destroying what that flag represents and the freedoms that allow it to fly proudly!
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
America was built on small towns. They are the backbone of today’s society and culture. The gigantic cities didn’t appear overnight out of nothingness. When something occurs in a small town, the residents of that town will rally. It doesn’t have to be a tragedy either. If someone needs something, the neighbors are there for each other. If someone does cross a line, they are brought to the table and held accountable. Nobody is being lynched and the law isn’t being taken into the hands of the residents. Instead, the wrongdoer is being held responsible for their wrongdoings within accordance to the law.
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
American citizens have the right to bear arms. It is our second amendment in the Constitution. We have the right to protect our lives and property by any means necessary. The government, despite all their huffing and puffing about gun control, does NOT have the right to take anyone’s legitimately owned guns. Now, if I had a gun in my possession that was not appropriately registered to me or someone in my household (hey, I do believe in knowing how to use a gun safely but I will not purchase one myself), then I fully expect it to be confiscated by law enforcement. My brother and I will most likely inherit my father’s guns when the time comes.
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
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
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
Try that in a small town
Ooh-ooh
Try that in a small town
I’ve lived in a few small towns. If you so much as fart wrong, everyone will know. You can’t escape the life of a small town. I remember moving to where my Dad currently lives. I ran into one of my Dad’s friends who simply said, “oh yeah, you’re Robert’s daughter. Welcome to southern Illinois! Glad you’re here.” Ummm, thanks.
While I prefer the anonymity of a big city, small town living does have some interesting perks. First of all, everyone knows everyone. Second of all, you’re family. Nobody cares what color you are or your bloodline. All they care about is that you mind your manners and behave yourself in a manner that makes the kinfolk proud to call you one of them.
Mr. Aldean, I get what you’re trying to say with this song. To put it simply, in a small town if you mess up, there are consequences that the whole town will know about. It doesn’t even need social media to spread the word. Your father’s cousin’s girlfriend’s uncle’s sister-in-law’s grandfather’s best friend’s husband’s ex-wife’s great aunt knows what you did wrong. That’s small town living.
Go ahead. Eff around and find out. Do something you shouldn’t and learn about the consequences. Good or bad, there are consequences for all actions.
Americans have the right to freedom of speech. General society needs to not get their panties in a wad over a simple song. It is a song that expresses the need for society to understand that there are consequences for every action. People need to know that certain behaviors are not acceptable or appropriate anywhere, small towns, big cities, or anywhere in between. Someone may do something while another isn’t looking but it doesn’t mean they will get away with it.
The Bible says in Luke 12 says “what is done in secret, will come to light”. I’m paraphrasing but the Higher Power sees all and will make wrongdoings known to others to establish the parameters of consequences.
Mr. Aldean, thank you for this song and for bring a very prevalent issue in society to light. I am raising my boys to respect authority and to understand the consequences their actions have. Society needs to take a stand and respect the laws of our great nation. Those laws are in place to protect those who accept accountability for their actions. Law enforcement needs to be respected as they have a duty to “protect and serve” the citizens of their communities. Nothing is without consequence.
Grow up, America. Take responsibility for your choices. Focus on correcting your actions and help others to create a better America. Collectively, we all can make America great again and no longer be the ridicule of other nations.
This Is All Of Me 