Try That In A Small Town

Lyrics meaning of Try That In A Small Town by James Aldean

"Try That in a Small Town" is a comparison between living in the country versus the city. "Try that in a small town, see how far ya make it down the road" and "if you're looking for a fight, try that in a small town" are statements that suggest actions like flag burning, carjacking, protests, and attacks against police officers will have more severe repercussions in a rural area than in an urban one. Aldean sings on gun rights and his desire to keep his own unhindered in the second verse.

Following the release of the music video in July 2023, the song became the focus of intense controversy and media attention. Aldean and the creators of the video have refuted claims that the song is a disguised encouragement of racism and lynching. "Try That in a Small Town" experienced a meteoric rise in popularity following the ensuing widespread media coverage.

Aldean's first-ever number-one performance on the US Billboard Hot 100 was achieved by the song, which had its greatest sales week for a country single in over a decade in late July.

Try That In A Small Town lyrics by James Aldean

Sucker punch somebody on a sidewalk

Car jack 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

Cuss out a cop, spit in his face

Stomp on the flag and light it up

Yeah, ya think you're tough

Well, try that in a small town

See how far ya make it down the road

'Round 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

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

Well, try that in a small town

See how far ya make it down the road

'Round 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)

'Round 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, mm-mm

Try that in a small town