Try That in a Small Town is a standout country track on Jason Aldean’s 2018 album Rearview Town. The midtempo song was written by Brett Beavers, Ben Hayslip, and David Lee Murphy. It explores the quirks of small town living from an affectionate perspective. Aldean delivers a solid vocal performance backed by guitars. The song became a top 10 country hit for Aldean and exemplifies his mainstream, radio-friendly sound.
(Lyrics)
Try That In A Small Town
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
Summary
“”The lyrics depict scenes of senseless violence and unlawful acts, portraying behaviors such as assaulting an innocent victim, forcibly stealing a car from an elderly woman, and threatening violence through brandishing a firearm during a robbery. The perspective conveyed is unapologetic and defiant, embracing a distorted ethos that glorifies crime as daring and “cool.”
Yet below the surface lies a stern admonishment against such a delinquent mindset, warning that the admiration of violence and lawlessness leads only to harm and adversity, like a Troubled Sea churning in tumult. The lyrics provide social commentary through their shocking portraits, cautioning that the adolescent folly of flouting rules and conscience is a path towards turmoil and self-ruin. Their provocative tone aims to illuminate the ultimate emptiness of exalting vice over virtue, through the lens of consequences suffered both by victims and perpetrators.””
(Lyrics)
Cuss out a cop, spit in his face
Stomp on the flag and light it up
Yeah, ya think you’re tough
Summary
“”From the explicit act of cursing at a police officer to the disdainful act of spitting in their face and the symbolic desecration of the flag through stomping and setting it on fire, the song projects a strong sense of rebellion and audacity.
The line “Yeah, ya think you’re tough” implies a challenging and confrontational attitude towards societal norms and the expected standards of toughness. Collectively, the lyrics convey themes of rebellion, anger, and a potential sense of disillusionment with established systems or authorities. The song seems to serve as a bold expression of resistance against perceived injustices and a questioning of societal expectations.””
(Lyrics)
Well, try that in a small town
See how far ya make it down the road
Around 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
Summary
“”The words in these lyrics paint a picture of a tight-knit community in a small town, where everyone seems to be connected and united. The singer talks about the consequences that may come if someone crosses certain boundaries in such a close community. It’s like a friendly warning that actions have quick reactions here.
The main point of the lyrics is all about respecting the traditions and values of small-town life. It suggests that folks in these communities really care about each other and take pride in their shared connections. The message is clear – in a small town, people watch out for one another, and there’s a special importance placed on the bonds they share.””
(Lyrics)
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
Summary
“”The lyrics talk about defending your heritage and rights. They mention having grandpa’s old gun, showing connection to family tradition. There’s a sense of something coming that threatens their way of life, with the line “one day they’re gonna round up.”
The lyrics push back on outsiders who “might fly in the city” but won’t make it in their rural area. Overall it’s about sticking to your roots and not letting opposition stop you from protecting your values and lifestyle. The tone is defiant but also warns of a brewing fight over things like gun rights in different parts of the country. The lyrics tap into feelings of rural identity and pride.””
(Lyrics)
Try that in a small town
See how far ya make it down the road
Around 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
Summary
“”These lyrics get at the tight-knit feel of living in a small town. They warn against stepping out of line or going against the community’s rules. In a small town everyone knows each other, and word travels fast if you do something you shouldn’t. The lyrics say that kind of behavior won’t fly here – people will find out and you’ll have the whole town to answer to.
There’s a clear sense of loyalty and togetherness being protected. The vibe is that this small town sticks together through thick and thin. So outsiders looking to come make trouble would be wise to think twice. The lyrics speak to how in a tight-knit rural place, going against the grain can have consequences. People watch each other’s backs. The main point driven home is that you don’t mess with the bonds and norms that hold a small community together. There’s pride in small town life, and crossing certain lines here won’t be tolerated.””
(Lyrics)
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
Summary
“”These lyrics play up the rugged, no-nonsense attitude of folks from a small town. Words like “good ol’ boys” hint at salt-of-the-earth people raised with traditional values and close community ties. The lyrics double down on “Try that in a small town” as a dare or warning to outsiders who might think these folks will be easy pickings.
There’s a definite sense of pride and toughness wrapped up in small town living. The vibe is that people from these tight-knit rural areas stick up for their own and aren’t to be pushed around. The lyrics speak to the resilience of small towns and the shared bonds that help them band together when tested.
The overall message seems to be that people from small towns are independent yet loyal, and often ready to stand their ground if challenged. Underestimating their grit and the strength they draw from community would be unwise. These lyrics celebrate ideals often associated with rural life – self-reliance, resourcefulness, and looking out for your neighbors.””
(Lyrics)
Try that in a small town
See how far ya make it down the road
Around 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
Summary
“”These lyrics capture the essence of small town community. They portray how folks in a tight-knit rural area support and look out for one another. There is a strong loyalty among the residents. The lyrics suggest it’s unwise for an outsider to disrupt the social fabric, as the repercussions would be swift. The takeaway is that a small town bands together to defend its own against those who go against the grain.
At the same time, the lyrics also warn about overstepping boundaries within a small town. They imply that privacy is hard to come by when everyone knows your business. Going against norms and expectations in a close-knit community has consequences as word travels fast. Overall the lyrics celebrate the solidarity of small town life, while acknowledging the potential downsides of such an interconnected environment. There is both warmth and prickliness to living where ties run deep.””
(Lyrics)
Try that in a small town
Ooh-ooh
Try that in a small town
Summary
“”The lyrics “Try that in a small town” suggest doing something outside the norm in a rural, tight-knit community. Saying it over and over hammers home this idea of bucking small town convention and expectations. It hints at a rebellious spirit, a stirring to go against the grain of what a traditional small town finds acceptable. The lyrics capture a feeling of wanting to break free from the confines and watchful eyes of a small community.
There’s an urge being expressed to experiment, to explore new experiences and possibilities that more conservative small town perspectives might frown upon. It’s about pushing boundaries and chasing a sense of adventure or nonconformity. When Jason Aldean sings these lyrics, you can hear the yearning to break loose and do something bold and different. His delivery taps into feelings of small town restlessness and desire for excitement. The song becomes an anthem for going against the rules and norms of a too-close-knit rural place.””
