A song titled “Go Woke, Go Broke” has exploded across social media platforms, gaining significant traction and sparking discussions online. This catchy tune, crafted in a style reminiscent of country music star Jason Aldean, has quickly become a viral sensation, despite the fact that Aldean himself has no connection to its creation or performance.
The track has been widely circulated on platforms such as TikTok and Twitter, resonating with audiences due to its lyrical content that seemingly criticizes entities like Bud Light, Target, Disney, and Country Music Television (CMT) for their perceived support of LGBTQ+ initiatives and “woke” ideologies. This virality arrives amidst ongoing controversy surrounding Jason Aldean and his song “Try That in a Small Town,” further complicating the narrative and fueling online debate.
The “Go Woke Go Broke” Phenomenon Explained
Jason Aldean has recently been under intense scrutiny for his single “Try That in a Small Town” and its accompanying music video released in July. The song, contrasting city and small-town life, includes lyrics that have drawn criticism for their perceived aggressive stance. Lines such as “cuss out a cop, spit in his face” or “stomp on the flag and light it up,” followed by the warning “try that in a small town,” have been interpreted by some as promoting intolerance and vigilantism. Further fueling the controversy are lyrics like “Got a gun that my granddad gave me. They say one day they’re gonna round up/ Well, that s*** might fly in the city, good luck.”
Country music artist Jason Aldean performing on stage. A viral song titled “Go Woke Go Broke” is circulating online, mistakenly attributed to him, sparking discussions about cultural and political themes in country music.
Adding to the storm, the music video for “Try That in a Small Town” was filmed at the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, the site of the 1927 lynching of Henry Choate, a Black man. This location choice amplified criticism, with many accusing Aldean of insensitivity and racial undertones. CMT initially played the video for three days before pulling it from rotation. While CMT did not release an official reason for the removal to Newsweek, the decision came amidst growing backlash. Subsequently, parts of the video were reportedly altered, with news footage of a Black Lives Matter protest and other imagery being removed.
Despite the criticism, Aldean’s song also garnered significant support, even topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It is within this climate of controversy and cultural division that the “Go Woke, Go Broke” song emerged.
The Origin of “Go Woke Go Broke” and the Aldean Misconception
The “Go Woke, Go Broke” track is the creation of a TikTok user with the handle @jokesonwokes, a supporter of Aldean. The song explicitly targets what the lyrics describe as “hypocritical woke liberals.” Teaser clips shared on TikTok by @jokesonwokes have amassed over 3 million views, with many users initially believing it to be a new release from Jason Aldean himself. This misconception is further fueled by imagery of Aldean performing onstage included in some versions of the viral video and the use of #JasonAldean and #gowokegobroke hashtags.
The song’s lyrics directly call out brands and entities that have faced conservative boycotts and criticism for embracing progressive values. The lyrics include: “Dear Bud Light, dear CMT/ We were happy as as can be/ ‘Til you caved and bent the knee/ Good luck coming back from that/ Tell us what were you thinking/ f****** with the can we were drinking/ Tread all you want you’re still sinking down.”
The song continues its critique, targeting Target, Disney, and others, with lines like: “These hypocritical woke liberals know they’re never gonna learn, it seems/ They’re calling me stupid, calling me dumb, driving my song to number 1/ Shoulda known it by now, f*** around and find out, you joke.”
Further verses target Starbucks, Netflix, The View, the movie Barbie, and President Joe Biden, while expressing support for Donald Trump and his potential 2024 presidential run.
“Go Woke Go Broke” as a Cultural Commentary
Despite being intended as “a goof” by @jokesonwokes, the “Go Woke Go Broke” song has tapped into a significant cultural conversation. It reflects the “go woke go broke” narrative prevalent in some conservative circles, arguing that companies and organizations that embrace progressive or “woke” values will face financial and reputational repercussions. The song’s virality underscores the deep divisions within American society regarding cultural issues and the ongoing “culture wars.”
When contacted by Newsweek, @jokesonwokes expressed surprise at the song’s rapid ascent, stating he is “shocked that this silly song has taken off like this,” and clarifying that it was “pretty much intended as a goof.” He also addressed the confusion surrounding Jason Aldean’s involvement and debunked claims of AI generation, stating, “I can assure you there was absolutely no AI involved at all.”
The “Go Woke Go Broke” song, released on Apple’s iTunes on August 1, serves as a potent example of how quickly and powerfully opinions and sentiments can spread in the digital age. It highlights the ongoing debate surrounding “wokeness,” cancel culture, and the intersection of entertainment, politics, and consumerism. While Jason Aldean distances himself from this particular song, the themes it explores are undeniably intertwined with the controversies surrounding his own music and the broader cultural landscape of 2023.
Jason Aldean himself has defended his song “Try That in a Small Town,” dismissing accusations of racism as “not only meritless, but dangerous.” He has received public support from figures like Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis. During a concert in Cincinnati, Aldean addressed “cancel culture,” stating, “I feel like everybody’s entitled to their opinion. You can think something all you want to, it doesn’t mean it’s true, right? What I am is a proud American. I’m proud to be from here. I love our country, I want to see it restored to what it once was before all this bulls*** started happening to us.”
In conclusion, the “Go Woke Go Broke Song” is more than just a viral tune; it’s a cultural artifact reflecting current societal tensions and the power of social media to amplify voices and narratives, even those initially intended as satire. Its unexpected popularity, and the confusion surrounding its origins, underscore the complexities of the modern media landscape and the ongoing debates shaping contemporary culture.
