Luke Combs Speaks About Political ‘Tension’ in America: ‘Nobody Can Even Agree to Disagree’

Luke Combs, the chart-topping country music star, recently opened up about the political climate in America, expressing his concerns over the growing divisiveness and inability of people to respectfully disagree. In a candid interview with The Independent, Combs discussed the contentious reaction to his 2021 collaboration with Billy Strings, “The Great Divide,” and addressed the backlash over his past association with the Confederate flag.

“The Great Divide,” which features poignant lyrics such as, “We’re striking matches on the TV / Setting fires on our phones / Bearing crosses we believe in dying on,” was released in 2021. Despite its impactful message, Combs insists the song was not intended as a political statement. Nevertheless, it sparked significant controversy.

Following the song’s release, fellow country artist Margo Price highlighted images from a 2015 music video showing Combs performing with Confederate flag imagery, including a decal on his guitar. This revelation prompted Combs to issue a public apology for his past use of the flag, explaining that, growing up in North Carolina, he had associated it with a different meaning.

“I am now aware how painful that image can be to someone else. And no matter what I thought at the time, I would never want to be associated with something that brings so much hurt to someone else,” Combs stated during the 2021 Country Radio Seminar.

Reflecting on the situation, Combs told The Independent that he regrets using the Confederate flag but was taken aback by the intense reaction to “The Great Divide.” He expressed his frustration with the current political atmosphere, stating, “Everything is so contentious and heated, and that’s always been super frustrating to me. I think what makes our country great is people’s ability to have their own opinions and have the ability to disagree. Right now, everyone is just so hot about everything. And that adds to the tension that was going on.”

Combs explained that the song was written to convey the feeling that “nobody can even agree to disagree” in today’s America. Despite the backlash, he remains unafraid to stand up for what he believes is right, acknowledging that the song did upset some people but accepting that “it is what it is.”

In a June interview with The New York Times, Combs discussed the mixed reactions from fans regarding his apology for his previous association with the Confederate flag. “There were fans that were upset that I apologized and fans that were glad I did,” he said. “That was a tough time. Before it was all roses, then this thing happens and it’s like, ‘Hey man, you’re a racist.’ I’ve never been that political of a dude but someone telling me I’m racist was a big problem for me, because I’m not racist.”

Instead of staying silent, Combs felt compelled to address the issue head-on. “I’m a people-pleaser,” he explained. “I’m a guy that derives a lot of my happiness from making sure other people are happy. That’s the nature of my job.”

Combs’s reflections on these events highlight the broader issue of political tension in America. His experiences underscore the difficulty many face in navigating a polarized society where even attempts at unity can lead to further division. As he continues his career, Combs’s commitment to addressing important issues and fostering understanding remains a defining aspect of his journey.