Bo Burnham’s satirical genius has once again found itself in the spotlight as his 2016 country song parody, “Country Song (Pandering),” gains renewed attention amidst the controversy surrounding Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town.” Featured in his Netflix special Bo Burnham: Make Happy, the track is now being lauded for its prescient commentary on themes prevalent in contemporary country music, especially in light of the backlash against Aldean’s song.
The firestorm around Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town” erupted last week, igniting a debate about its message and perceived racist undertones. The song’s lyrics, deemed by many as pro-gun and aggressive, led Country Music Television (CMT) to pull the music video from its network, further intensifying the controversy and prompting boycott calls. Listeners and critics alike have scrutinized lyrics such as: “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.” Followed by, “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.” These lines have been at the center of the debate, raising questions about the song’s message of community, justice, and tolerance.
In stark contrast, Bo Burnham’s “Country Song (Pandering)” takes a comedic approach, mocking the very tropes that have landed Aldean in hot water. Burnham, known for his sharp wit and musical satire, skewers the stereotypical subjects often found in modern country hits. While Aldean’s song is interpreted by some as a serious anthem about small-town values, Burnham’s parody cleverly dismantles the clichés associated with the genre. He sings, “No shoes, no shirt, no Jews, you didn’t hear that, sort of a mental typo. I walk and talk like a field hand, but the boots I’m wearing cost three grand. I write songs about riding tractors from the comfort of a private jet.” Further highlighting the performative aspect of some country songs, Burnham adds, “I could sing in Mandarin, you’d still know I’m pandering, hunting deer, chasing trout, a Bud Light with the logo facing out.”
The resurgence of Burnham’s parody is largely fueled by social media platforms like Twitter, where users are drawing direct comparisons between “Country Song (Pandering)” and Aldean’s controversial track. Many online commentators are pointing out the ironic timing and the insightful nature of Burnham’s satire. One Twitter user remarked that Burnham “did #JasonAldean’s concept of a small town country song first and better,” sharing a video clip of Burnham’s performance that quickly garnered tens of thousands of views. Another user succinctly stated that “Jason Aldean is exactly that kind of dude Bo Burnham wrote the country song about,” while a third echoed the sentiment, noting Burnham’s song is “literally Jason Aldean to a tee.” For many, Burnham’s parody serves as a humorous yet poignant critique of the very themes and approaches now under scrutiny in Aldean’s work.
Despite the widespread criticism, Jason Aldean has also garnered significant support, illustrating the deep divisions stirred by “Try That in a Small Town.” Figures like former President Donald Trump have publicly defended Aldean, praising the song. Similarly, other celebrities and political figures, including country artist Travis Tritt and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, have voiced their support, highlighting the polarized reactions to Aldean’s musical statement.
It’s worth noting that Jason Aldean’s perspective is also informed by personal experience. In 2017, he was on stage during the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, the site of a mass shooting that became the deadliest in modern U.S. history. This tragic event, where 60 lives were lost, occurred when a gunman opened fire from a hotel room overlooking the concert. In subsequent interviews, Aldean has addressed the complexities of the gun control debate. He expressed his view to the Associated Press in 2018, stating, “It’s too easy to get guns, first and foremost,” and questioning the depth of background checks. These comments provide context to Aldean’s stance on community and self-defense, themes that appear to resonate in “Try That in a Small Town,” though interpreted controversially by many.
As the debate around Jason Aldean’s song continues, Bo Burnham’s “Country Song (Pandering)” provides a timely and comedic counterpoint. Its resurfaced popularity underscores the enduring power of satire to dissect cultural trends and provoke thought, especially in moments of public discourse and controversy within the music industry.
