Try That In A Small Town

The overall theme of the song is about community and protection in small towns. Aldean paints a picture of a place where people look out for one another. He contrasts this with the reckless behavior often seen in bigger cities, suggesting that such actions wouldn’t fly in a close-knit community. The song speaks to a sense of pride and a strong belief in standing up for what’s right.

Verse 1

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

In this first verse, Aldean lists various aggressive and disrespectful actions that some might think are acceptable. He highlights how reckless people can be, especially in urban settings. By mentioning these specific acts of violence and crime, he sets a tone of frustration and disbelief. It’s as if he’s challenging listeners to think about the consequences of such behavior, especially when it comes to the values of small towns.

Chorus

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

The chorus is a warning. Aldean emphasizes that small towns have their own rules and won’t tolerate the chaos seen in the city. It’s a rallying cry for local pride and a promise that community members will protect each other. The repetition of “try that in a small town” drives home the idea that the community has a strong sense of justice and won’t back down.

Verse 2

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

In this verse, Aldean introduces a personal touch by mentioning a family heirloom. This gun symbolizes tradition and self-defense. It suggests that the singer is prepared to protect his community and values. The line about city life contrasts with small-town ideals, reinforcing the idea that such violence may be accepted in urban areas but is met with serious consequences elsewhere.

Chorus

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

The repetition of the chorus serves to reinforce the theme of community. It’s like a mantra, reminding the listener of the strength found in small towns. Aldean is not just singing; he’s speaking directly to those who would think twice about their actions. The power in the chorus comes from its straightforward message: there are consequences for bad behavior.

Bridge

Full of good ol' boys, raised up right
If you're looking for a fight
Try that in a small town

The bridge is a nod to the upbringing of the people in these communities. Aldean paints the image of “good ol’ boys,” suggesting that these individuals have strong moral values. By saying “if you’re looking for a fight,” he implies that any troublemakers will be met with a unified front. It’s a clear indication that the community won’t shy away from defending itself.

Outro

Try that in a small town
Ooh-ooh
Try that in a small town

The outro echoes the main message of the song, leaving listeners with the same refrain. It’s almost like a final warning , a reminder that small towns have their boundaries and won’t tolerate disrespect or violence. This repetition gives the song a strong conclusion, emphasizing the pride and unity found in these communities.

Closing Thoughts

"Try That In A Small Town" is a powerful anthem celebrating small-town values and the strength of community. Aldean effectively contrasts the chaos of city life with the protective nature of rural living. The song speaks to many who value safety, tradition, and taking care of one another. It's a call to respect those values, reminding everyone that actions have consequences, especially where people are united.