On June 26, Texan hero Cody Johnson released his tenth studio album, Banks Of The Trinity - a call back to his hometown roots.

With Johnson already having a monumental year, being named 2026 ACM Entertainer of the Year, this album is continuing the high that the cowboy has been riding for the last little while.

A new album from the country legend is exciting enough in itself, but the 2026 release features collaborations with Brothers Osborne and Luke Combs.

As two of the genre’s biggest vocalists, the pairing between Johnson and Combs was highly anticipated. With Combs’ 2024 album Fathers & Sons being a dedication to fatherhood and the joys and hardships that come along with it, his feature on what Johnson is calling his "most personal album yet" feels like a perfect fit. However, the track they’ve pieced together isn’t necessarily an emotional one.

‘Shoot The Bull’ is an all out country anthem. Sitting at track 12 on Banks Of The Trinity, it’s a boisterous, lively track that is bound to make arena audiences sing their hearts out. The two country stars are always in the spotlight, and so, they’re both in need of a break sometimes - this track is a return to their country roots and a break from the complications of fame.

Really, you just need the simple pleasures to let loose - no matter who you are.

‘Shoot The Bull’ offers a powerful combination of the Southern rock sound from Georgia-born Combs and Johnson’s own Texas roots. A catchy yet simple melody gives a radio-ready feel, one that will likely be on rotation all summer.

Surprisingly, Combs’ recognisable vocals come in first, as he sings of getting “country back on mainstream” before Johnson joins the track. With heavy guitars and strong offbeat percussion, the track is an immediate arena anthem straight out of the Combs catalogue.

'Hey, cowboy
You been throwing that rope, playing them shows, making Texas noise
Got country back on mainstream

Hey mountain man
You been gone singing them songs with your wild-card band
Selling out every seat'

As Combs kicks off the song, he sings to “cowboy” Johnson about the Texas noise he’s been making. Swapping narrative, Johnson then addresses “mountain man” Combs and the tales of his wild band. Both sides of the country genre are represented here - from Georgia and Texas - and rather than clashing with differences, they’re putting it all aside in a honkytonk where they both fit in and conversation flows.

'Let's load up some silver bullets, saddle up some old barstools
Set our sights on 2 a.m. and let the rowdy cut loose
Forget all of our problems, take that corner quarter jukebox to school
Crank up a little possum and shoot the bull'

The two country megastars are finding the break they both need from fame in a classic little honkytonk. Despite their geographical differences and the resulting subgenre contrasts, they both know that putting "The Possum" (the legendary George Jones) on the jukebox will bring some real country to the bar - no arguments there. With “shoot the bull” being a phrase that means to have light, casual conversation, the pair need nothing more than some classic barroom chat.

'Man, tell me 'bout them gold-plated buckles and tattooed knuckles
Well, buddy they're about first place and family
And while we're at it, tell me 'bout moonshine running and big deer hunting up in Appalachia
You'd have to see it to believe'

As the track continues, the two are asking each other more questions about what their “country” is, whether that be hunting, moonshine, rodeo or tattoos - all that conversation though, well it just “makes them wanna drink”.

“Hey, cowboy
You been throwing that rope, playing them shows, making Texas noise
Got country back on mainstream

-

Hey mountain man
You been gone singing them songs with your wild-card band
Selling out every seat

-

Let's slow down them highway wheels
Find a honky tonk to kill

-

Let's load up some silver bullets, saddle up some old barstools
Set our sights on 2 a.m. and let the rowdy cut loose
Forget all of our problems, take that corner quarter jukebox to school
Crank up a little possum and shoot the bull

-

Man, tell me 'bout them gold-plated buckles and tattooed knuckles
Well, buddy they're about first place and family
And while we're at it, tell me 'bout moonshine running and big deer hunting up in Appalachia
You'd have to see it to believe

-

Kinda makes me want a drink

-

Let's load up some silver bullets, saddle up some old barstools
Set our sights on 2 a.m. and let the rowdy cut loose
Forget all of our problems, take that corner quarter jukebox to school
Crank up a little possum and shoot the bull

-

How 'bout that Mossy Oak?
How 'bout that Resistol hat?
Them red, white, and blue boys and girls over there kicking ass?
Yeah, come on, raise a glass

-

Let's load up some silver bullets, saddle up some old barstools
Set our sights on 2 a.m. and let the rowdy cut loose
Forget all of our problems, take that corner quarter jukebox to school
Crank up a little possum and shoot the bull
Crank up a little possum and shoot the bull"

Cody Johnson

Artist

Luke Combs

Artist