Jason Aldean's "Try That In A Small Town" Lyric Meaning & Song Background
The Story Behind Jason Aldean's "Try That In A Small Town"
Jason Aldean's gritty country anthem "Try That In A Small Town" was released in April 2022 as the lead single from his 10th studio album Macon, Georgia. With its driving beat and cheeky lyrics, the song quickly became a fan favorite and Aldean's 29th number one hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
In "Try That In A Small Town," Aldean sings from the perspective of a small town guy warning someone that the fast-paced, high-class lifestyle of the big city won't fly in his rural hometown. The lyrics serve as a reminder that small town values like faith, hard work, humility and looking out for your neighbors still matter in many places.
When Aldean sings lines like "Yeah, you can try that in a small town, but it won't get you too far / You can show up in your high price foreign car / We'll just laugh, tell you we don't do superstars," he's making it clear that people in his hometown don't care about material things or status symbols - they care about character.
How Aldean's Upbringing Inspired the Song
Born and raised in the small town of Macon, Georgia, Jason Aldean has seen firsthand the way people support each other and share a sense of community in rural areas. This lifestyle has always remained an important influence in his music.
Aldean got the idea for "Try That In A Small Town" after noticing how much the world has changed and become focused on social status and recognition. He wanted to write a song celebrating small town values and reminding people that a lot of America still has no interest in keeping up with so-called "superstars."
Why Fans Connect with the Message
Part of what has made "Try That In A Small Town" so popular with Jason Aldean fans is that many of them also come from similar backgrounds. People who grew up in rural areas relate to the song's good-natured dig at city slickers who think they can impress everybody.
Rural listeners also appreciate that the song feels like a tribute to the unpretentious lifestyle and close-knit spirit of small towns across America. Aldean has said it's a very personal song for him, and fans can hear the authenticity and passion in his voice.
The Chart Success
Thanks to its catchy sound and easy to relate to message, "Try That In A Small Town" became Aldean's longest reigning number one single to date after topping the charts for seven consecutive weeks.
The song debuted at #26 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and climbed quickly to #1 where it dominated for nearly two months. This marked Jason Aldean's fastest rising single since 2005's "Hicktown."
"Try That In A Small Town" gained Aldean both critical acclaim and commercial success. It was certified platinum by the RIAA and also received nominations at the CMA and ACM awards.
The Music Video
Jason Aldean brought the lyrics of "Try That In A Small Town" to life in the song's accompanying music video directed by Shaun Silva. The video was shot in Watertown, Tennessee and takes viewers through a day in the life of a fictional small town.
It opens with a fancy car driving through town while the residents look on unimpressed. We also see shots of farmers tending their crops, locals hanging out at the diner, riding tractors, and kids playing football in a field. There are plenty of pickup trucks, dirt roads, pastures and front porch swings on display representing classic small town living.
The video shows that these folks don't care about keeping up with the Joneses. They are happy leading their simple, hardworking lives in close community with others. Aldean has said the visuals match the laidback, reflective feel of the song perfectly.
Performing It Live
Jason Aldean brought wide grins to fans' faces when performing "Try That In A Small Town" live in concert for the first time at the 2022 ACM Awards. He's kept the song a staple in his setlist since then.
From the first familiar guitar licks, crowds go wild singing along to every word with pride and energy. For those who get the meaning behind the lyrics, it has become an unofficial anthem celebrating rural life in a feel-good, tongue-in-cheek way.
The Legacy of "Try That In A Small Town"
With "Try That In A Small Town," Jason Aldean recorded not just another hit song but an affectionate ode to the hometowns so many of us call home. It will go down as a lighthearted yet meaningful addition to his catalog of award-winning country staples.
Beyond just the music, Aldean has said he hopes the message reminds people not to look down on country living and to have pride in where they come from no matter how small it might be. For him and fans everywhere, "Try That In A Small Town" will always hold a special place in their hearts.
FAQs
What inspired Jason Aldean to write "Try That In A Small Town"?
Jason Aldean got the idea for the song after noticing how much the world has changed and become focused on social status and recognition. He wanted to celebrate small town values like humility and community that still thrive in rural areas.
What are the key lyrics and meaning in "Try That In A Small Town"?
Lyrics like "you can try that in a small town, but it won't get you too far" and "we'll just laugh, tell you we don't do superstars" convey the song's central message - that small towns don't care about showing off.
Why did the song resonate with so many country fans?
Many Jason Aldean fans come from small towns themselves, so they appreciate the song's playful tribute to rural community spirit and unpretentious values.
How long did "Try That In A Small Town" stay at #1?
The song topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart for seven consecutive weeks, becoming Jason Aldean's longest reigning #1 hit single.
What imagery is used in the music video?
The music video features quintessential small town scenes like dirt roads, farms, front porch swings and football fields to visually capture the spirit of the lyrics.
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