Country star Brad Paisley is not apologizing for the song “Accidental Racist,” despite the stir it has caused among some listeners who find the lyrics appalling.
The track from Mr. Paisley’s just-released album “Wheelhouse” attempts to address race relations in the United States. In the song, Mr. Paisley looks in part at being a white man from the South in modern times, while trading lines with New York rapper LL Cool J, who is black.
The song, released online Monday, was immediately met with a barrage of criticism on social media networks. Mr. Paisley contends it has stoked discussions on race relations, which is a plus.
He took to Twitter on Tuesday to promote his new album and emphasize that he won’t apologize for ruffling feathers, tweeting, “’Cause I wouldn’t change a thing. This is a record meant to be FAR from easy listening. But fun. Like life, Have a ball, ya’ll, love -brad.”
The song opens with Mr. Paisley highlighting the different views over the Confederate flag: He sees it as an ode to the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, others as an embrace of racism.
The verse from LL Cool J includes the lyrics, “I guess we’re both guilty of judgin’ the cover not the book. I’d love to buy you a beer, conversate and clear the air. But I see that red flag and I think you wish I wasn’t here.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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