selling the image

 Was reading about the controversial song by Jason Aldean titled, try that in a small town. After a bit of reading, I went to you tube to check out the video to see for myself what the fuss is all about. Now I'm not a fan of Jason Aldean or many of these new age cowboys. I am in that group that feels country music died on music row some years back. But I listened to the lyrics in-between the rock and roll guitars and shouting that passes for singing these days and I have to say I didn't hear anything controversial at all. Sounds just like the boys in the locker room when I was in school, on ships when I was in the navy, and in every barroom, I've ever been in. You can call it by many names, but it is all the same, bravado. That talk is designed to intimidate or impress. That's what it is. Others will join in and support that to live vicariously through the ones bold enough to say it out loud. Or, stupid enough to say it out loud, depending. I know, been there, done that, both ways.

 I get it, I really do. I was young once, full of bravado. The objective was to be a man among men. Call them rednecks, bikers, or whatever, the image is one of being a tough guy. Machismo is another way of saying that. I'm cool man. This song was written for one purpose only, to sell records. The songwriters, and there were four of them, collaborated to write a song to appeal to the audience. That's what song writers do. It's just business. Yes, the writers will often tell you how they are explaining the mysteries of life or putting forth a deep meaningful message. But the bottom line is, they write songs for a living. In the political climate of today supporting what many would say are traditional values causes controversy. It's Donald Trump philosophy! Hey Trump said that himself one time, remember he said it was just locker room talk. He was right about that, heard that kind of talk many times myself and knew it was all talk when the person was saying it. The crowd mentality. I remember well when "outlaw country" was causing all the problems. Those pot smoking cowboys! Later a few cowboys tried their hand at rapping, thankfully that didn't catch on. Yes, the "get down" cowboys are the thugs of the country. They are cool, bro.

 The thing is this is just another opportunity for some to stir the pot. We can't have people thinking independently now, can we? No, we are supposed to be accepting and tolerant of others regardless of how much they offend or disrespect our traditions and beliefs. What they are seeking is the removal of consequence. There are those that simply what to do whatever they like without regard to anyone else. Now the things he says in that song are true to a certain extent. It's called culture. And yes, in the country the culture is different than in the city. The cities have their neighborhoods, the country folks have towns. Both are protected with equal zeal. It's true that things in the country take a bit longer to change, that's a part of the culture. Those in the big cities are always changing. That's a part of their culture. With this song many in the city are decrying it promotes violence. Well, the truth is that it is far more violent in the city than in any country town in America. You know it is exactly like Barney Fife said, you have to nip it! Nip it in the bud. And that is what those songwriters were saying with that song. Try that crap in a small town and see how far it gets you. There will be consequences, good and bad. The message is the same however, city or country. It's all about image. Intimidation and impressions. I don't have to be a bad man as long you think I am.

 The music younger people generally listen to promote the present culture. It's what's in. It really is that simple. In years past I remember when Dylan was the man, spreading his philosophy. I remember the hard rock boys, the punk rockers, and those boy bands. All enjoyed success during their time and remain in business for a simple reason, nostalgia. We all like to listen to the soundtrack of our lives. Cowboys went from drinking beer, loving momma, and working hard to being pot smokers with long hair that love momma, work hard and are cool. 

 All the same stuff in a different package. Sometimes a song writer will express a thought in such a way that it just sticks with you. One of those lines for me is, "I guess everything does change, except what you chose to recall" from a Merle Haggard song. What we remember. That Jason Aldean song reminds me of another Merle Haggard song, the fighting side of me. Same message. Toby Keith sang, courtesy of the red, white, and blue. Same message. If you read some rap lyrics, you will find they say the same thing too. It's a very old theme. The battle hymn of the republic and dixie. Same thing. John Browns' body lies a molding in his grave, his soul is marching on. You know the Democrats didn't like that song much either. Just sayin'