A recent country song surged to No. 1 on iTunes amid heated discussions. Released earlier this year, the track gained traction after its accompanying visuals debuted in mid-July. The music video’s setting at a historic courthouse intensified public reactions.
The artist behind this polarizing work has previously shown support for conservative causes. His stance resonates with some listeners while drawing criticism from others. This divide reflects broader cultural tensions surrounding community values and personal freedoms.
Industry analysts note the song’s rapid chart performance contrasts with its delayed public response. Originally part of a 2023 album, the single’s impact grew gradually before reaching its current peak. The timing coincides with ongoing national conversations about law enforcement and civic responsibility.
Key Takeaways
- The track became a chart-topper weeks after initial release
- Visual elements contributed significantly to public discourse
- Artist’s political leanings influenced reception patterns
- Debate centers on interpretations of lyrical content
- Cultural divisions mirror wider societal conflicts
The Controversy Behind “Try That in a Small Town”
Public outcry led to the video’s removal within days of its release. CMT pulled it abruptly on July 18 without an official statement, per NPR. Critics highlighted its use of real protest footage alongside performance shots.
Why CMT Pulled the Music Video
The network faced backlash over vigilante themes. Edited clips from 2020 racial justice demonstrations appeared alongside news chyrons. This juxtaposition drew accusations of racial insensitivity.
Historical Significance of the Filming Location
The Maury County Courthouse carries a fraught legacy. It was the site of two violent incidents:
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1927 | Henry Choate Lynching | Black teenager killed without trial |
| 1946 | Columbia Race Riot | Violence erupted over a repair dispute |
Production company TackleBox noted the courthouse had been used in other projects. However, critics argued the flag-draped steps evoked nationalist symbolism.
Breaking Down the Lyrics and Themes
Lyrical analysis reveals recurring themes of protection and consequence. The composition structures its narrative through contrasting scenarios, setting urban lawlessness against rural accountability. This dichotomy emerges through specific word choices and repetitive phrasing.
“See How Far You Make It Down the Road”: Vigilantism in the Lyrics
The verses catalog metropolitan crimes with clinical precision. References to carjacking elderly victims and assaulting officers establish an urban crime framework. The chorus then shifts perspective, warning:
“See how far you make it down the road”
This refrain implies community-administered justice outside formal systems. The lyrical tension builds through:
- Detailed urban crime scenarios
- Implied rural retaliation
- Absence of institutional solutions
Gun Rights References and Small-Town Values
A pivotal line references generational firearm ownership: “I’ve got a gun that my granddad gave me.” This echoes Second Amendment preservation arguments while grounding them in family tradition. The artist has previously connected firearm access to personal protection.
The table below contrasts key lyrical themes:
| Urban References | Rural Counterpoints |
|---|---|
| “Carjack an old lady” | “Good luck with that” |
| “Cuss out a cop” | “See what happens” |
Contemporary country artists like Morgan Wallen frequently explore this urban/rural divide. However, this composition uniquely omits racial context despite filming at a historically charged location. The focus remains on generalized community defense mechanisms.
Backlash and Defense: Mixed Reactions to the Song
The polarizing track ignited fierce debates across political and cultural lines. Advocacy groups and politicians condemned its perceived subtext, while conservative voices rallied behind its themes.
Critics Call It a “Pro-Lynching” Dog Whistle
Shannon Watts of Moms Demand Action labeled it an “ode to sundown towns,” alleging coded racial messaging. Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones amplified this view, calling the song a “heinous call for racist violence.”
Urban-focused media outlets emphasized these critiques. MSNBC linked the courthouse imagery to historical racial violence, contrasting with Fox News’ framing of rural self-defense.
Artist’s Response and Conservative Support
A July 18 Twitter thread denied racial intent, stressing “community values” instead. The artist cited surviving a mass shooting as personal context for his stance on guns.
GOP figures, including DeSantis and Trump, publicly endorsed the track. Fourteen Republican politicians tweeted support within 48 hours of the controversy.
| Critics | Supporters |
|---|---|
| Sheryl Crow: “Dangerous rhetoric” | Travis Tritt: “Defends heartland values” |
| Margo Price: “Tone-deaf symbolism” | Ramaswamy: “Free speech victory” |
Production Company’s Statement on Filming Location
TackleBox Films defended the courthouse choice, noting its frequent use in media. Their statement highlighted the flag’s role as a “neutral patriotic symbol,” unrelated to historical events.
Despite backlash, the video topped iTunes and ranked No. 2 on YouTube, reflecting its viral divide.
Conclusion: A Cultural Lightning Rod
The track’s rapid rise reflects deeper divides in modern country music. Over the past three years, the genre has increasingly mirrored political fault lines, with streaming data showing controversial songs outperforming on digital platforms but facing limited radio play.
This controversy solidified the artist’s base while risking sponsor alienation. Similar patterns emerged in past culture-war flashpoints, from the Dixie Chicks backlash to Bud Light’s recent struggles.
Ultimately, the song may endure as a case study in how music amplifies identity politics. Its legacy hinges on whether the debate fuels lasting change or fleeting division.
FAQ
Why was the music video removed by CMT?
CMT pulled the video following criticism over its imagery, including scenes filmed at a courthouse linked to racial violence. Critics argued the visuals reinforced harmful stereotypes.
What historical significance does the Maury County Courthouse hold?
The location was a site of racial violence, including a 1927 lynching. Its inclusion in the video sparked backlash for evoking painful historical associations.
How do the lyrics address gun rights and small-town values?
The song emphasizes self-reliance and community defense, with lines like “see how far you make it down the road” interpreted as endorsing vigilantism by some listeners.
Why did critics label the song a "pro-lynching" dog whistle?
Detractors pointed to the courthouse backdrop and lyrics they argue romanticize frontier justice, drawing parallels to racially charged violence in U.S. history.
How did the artist respond to the backlash?
The singer defended the track as a celebration of community resilience, denying racial undertones. Conservative figures praised it as a stand against urban crime.
What did the production company say about filming at the courthouse?
The company stated the location was chosen for its “small-town aesthetic,” not its history, and denied intentional ties to racial violence.
