It seems to be open season for country western singers. You already know about the Jason Aldean song, “Try That in a Small Town.” It is firmly atop the country's Western song charts and high up on other charts. Concurrently, the Left has gone completely bonkers. Because he used the backdrop of the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, where a lynching occurred 96 years ago, the accusations about the song and videos have been flying out of the woodwork.
The attacks are complete balderdash. That same building has been used for movies, other videos, news reporting, and a variety of documentary, entertainment, and civic productions. In all those instances, who raised an eyebrow?
Those on the Left NEED to be upset about something, or they don't know they're alive. Next week, they’ll find some other story that they can twist and parade all over the airwaves and the Internet.
A Candle in the Wind
Here's one Leftist gripe that you might not yet have encountered: In 1988, 24-year-old American singer-songwriter, Tracy Chapman, stunned the British audience of 72,000 on hand for Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday tribute concert at England’s Wembley Stadium.
Offering her unique vocals, she sang her song “Fast Cars.” With its captivating lyrics, haunting melody, and irregular syncopation, her performance was unlike anything most of the people in the crowd had ever heard. Over the years, the song has become iconic and when you hear it, you really can't forget it.
Flash forward 35 years: Luke Combs produces a ‘countrified’ version of “Fast Cars,” which quickly becomes a mega-hit, climbing to the top of the charts everywhere.
Immediately, the mainstream media experiences a writhing fit. How dare this white male country western dude usurp the creativity, words, and genius of Tracy Chapman!
The very nerve of him! This is just another indication of how white males have dominated society at the expense of everyone else. Boycott the record. Boycott anybody who endorses it. Hell, string him up.
To the Left, Facts Don’t Matter
Only one itty bitty little problem with this crazed collective mindset: Luke Combs asked Tracy Chapman for permission to record her song. On top of that, he included a royalty percentage of the sales. Last week, Chapman earned $500,000 from the Luke Combs recording. That is not bad for a song introduced 35 years ago. In addition, Ms. Chapman, who will be 60 next March, has been thrust back into the limelight. Pretty cool, considering that her last album was produced 15 years ago.
Does it matter that numerous other artists have recorded “Fast Cars?” The Jonas Blue version from 2015 is particularly noteworthy, with its captivating, upbeat dance tempo and vocals from British singer Dakota. Other artists have offered sterling renditions of “Fast Cars.” Moreover, virtually any value song has been covered by other artists over the years for as long as you wish to research.
When Joe Cocker sang “With a Little Help from My Friends,” the Beatles didn't go nuts. When Elvis Presley recorded “Hound Dog,” originally sung by Big Mama Thornton only a few years before, the press said nothing. Of course, this was long before wokesters even knew they were wokesters. No one batted an eyelash when Isaac Hayes recorded “The Look of Love,” a Brazil ‘66 song.
The press was silent when that paragon of progressive virtue, Sheryl Crow, recorded “Wild Horses” by Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones. Covers of popular songs happen all the time. Get used to it.
Set Your Timer
When will those on the Left learn their lessons about jumping to ridiculous conclusions about matters of which they have little to no knowledge? We know by now never to hold our collective breath, because they'll never learn. They will continue with their kneejerk reactions to all that they deem to be offensive. They will defend those who don't want or need it. They will rush to the aid of those whom they deem to be downtrodden, whether such parties are or not.
In a matter of days or weeks, the Left will get furious about the subsequent ‘infraction’ perpetrated by somebody on the Right. They hope it will be a white male, then Leftists can once again feel morally justified in their disdain, create a bevy of false narratives, spread them around the globe, sit back, and feel proud of themselves.
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