Cody Johnson Supports Jason Aldean Amid Controversy Over "Try That In A Small Town"

Cody Johnson is siding with Jason Aldean in the heated controversy surrounding Aldean's current single, "Try That in a Small Town." Over the weekend, Johnson voiced his support for Aldean while onstage performing a show of his own, stating that he disagrees with the outrage the song and its accompanying music video have garnered in recent days. The debate has sparked significant attention, with many weighing in on the implications of the song's lyrics and visuals.

During his performance, Johnson expressed his frustration by saying, "...Everybody gets pissed off at Jason Aldean for putting out a song." He encouraged Aldean to continue being true to himself, saying, "If you're videoing this, Jason Aldean, if you're seeing this video, keep it up, brother. You do you, boo-boo." This sentiment of support highlights the strong camaraderie within the country music community, even in the face of criticism.

Johnson further explained his interpretation of Aldean's song as patriotic and emphasized that patriotism should never be something anyone has to apologize for. He boldly stated, "If being patriotic makes you an outlaw, then by God, I’ll be an outlaw." This declaration resonates with many fans who see the song as a reflection of their values and beliefs.

"Try That in a Small Town" has been available since May, but the backlash intensified after Aldean released its music video in mid-July. Critics have labeled the lyrics as racist and accused the song of glorifying gun-based vigilante justice, particularly due to the video's filming location outside the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, a site with a dark history of racial violence.

Aldean responded to the backlash, calling the accusations of racism "meritless" and "dangerous." He acknowledged the concerns raised about the song's pro-gun message, especially given his past experience as a performer during the tragic 2017 Route 91 Harvest Festival mass shooting. Aldean made it clear that he does not support violence and stated, "NO ONE, including me, wants to continue to see senseless headlines or families ripped apart."

The discussion surrounding Aldean's song has led to a divide among fellow country artists. Supporters like Lee Greenwood and Travis Tritt have backed Aldean, while artists like Blanco Brown have expressed mixed feelings, labeling the song as "just bad songwriting." After deleting a previous tweet, Brown shared that he believes the timing and visuals of the song do not align with positivity, leading to inevitable backlash.

Jason Isbell, another prominent figure in the country music scene, offered his perspective on the matter by tweeting, "Dare Aldean to write his next single himself. That’s what we try in my small town." This comment sparked a response from Jake Owen, who criticized Isbell for his opinion, calling it "stupid." This exchange highlights the contentious nature of the debate within the industry.

Aldean's "Try That in a Small Town" continues to generate strong reactions, both for and against, showcasing the complexities of patriotism, artistry, and the responsibilities of public figures in today's society. As the conversation evolves, it reflects broader societal debates about race, justice, and the meaning of being an artist in the public eye.