Jason Aldean’s ‘Try That in a Small Town’ Tops Charts Despite Controversy

Jason Aldean's new controversial track 'Try That in a Small Town' has hit the No. 1 spot on iTunes' Top Songs and Music Videos chart, despite accusations it's racist and "pro-lynching."

The song has now had over 3.8 million Spotify streams, and has 1.8 million views on YouTube, also holding the No. 4 spot on the site's trending music videos.

It was reported the song will remain in ABCs broadcast of the CMA Music Festival, which was filmed between June 8th and 11th.

However, viewers won't see glimpses of the music video during the broadcast.

The popularity grows continuously even after the video was pulled by the CMT from the rotation, featuring protest footage, and Jason performing in front of a Tennessee courthouse known for historic lynchings.

He also defended himself from backlash calling accusations he "released a pro-lynching song ... not only meritless, but dangerous."

“‘Try That in a Small Town,’ for me, refers to the feeling of a community that I had growing up, where we took care of our neighbors, regardless of differences of background or belief. Because they were our neighbors, and that was above any differences."

“My political views have never been something I’ve hidden from. And I know that a lot of us in this country don’t agree on how we get back to a sense of normalcy, where we go at least a day without a headline that keeps us up at night, but the desire for it to — that’s what the song is about."

TackleBox Films, which produced the music video, said the courthouse is a "popular filming location outside of Nashville," and Jason didn't personally select the backdrop.

They claimed multiple other music videos and movies were filmed there.

“Any alternative narrative suggesting the music video’s location decision is false."

The first verse of the song goes: “Sucker punch somebody on a sidewalk / Carjack 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.”

The second verse says: “Full of good ol’ boys, raised up right / If you’re looking for a fight / Try that in a small town.”

Sheryl Crow also called Jason out for "promoting violence."

“@Jason_Aldean I’m from a small town. Even people in small towns are sick of violence. There’s nothing small-town or American about promoting violence. You should know that better than anyone having survived a mass shooting."

“This is not American or small town-like. It’s just lame."