Jason Aldean Responds to “Pro-Lynching” Accusations in New Song

Jason Aldean is addressing allegations of racism in his new song.

The country singer faced backlash over the lyrics to his May 2023 song “Try That In A Small Town,” which threatens violence against perceived criminals, as the lyrics call out people who carjack, assault strangers and rob liquor stores.

“Got a gun that my granddad gave me / They say one day they’re gonna round up / Well, that s–t might fly in the city, good luck,” Aldean sings. “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.”

Aldean—who also describes the small town as “full of good ol’ boys, raised up right”—released an accompanying music video July 14, which was reportedly filmed at a courthouse in Colombia, Tenn. where a Black man named Henry Choate was lynched in the 1920s, per Billboard.