The wait is officially over. Cody Johnson and Luke Combs have finally joined forces on the long anticipated collaboration “Shoot The Bull,” and fans are already calling it one of the standout moments on Johnson’s tenth studio album, Banks Of The Trinity. Released as the album’s twelfth track, the song brings together two of country music’s biggest modern stars in a way that feels completely authentic, capturing the chemistry and friendship they have built over the years.
Penned by Ray Fulcher, Casey Brown, Josh Phillips, and Drew Parker, “Shoot The Bull” was written with one goal in mind. The song was specifically crafted for Johnson and Combs, with lyrics built around their personalities, careers, and real life friendship. When Luke Combs first heard the demo, he reportedly knew there was only one possible outcome, saying there was simply no way they could pass on recording it together.
The track opens with Combs tipping his hat to Johnson, praising the Texas cowboy for making plenty of noise and helping bring country music back into the mainstream. Johnson answers with a playful salute to the mountain man himself, celebrating Combs and his powerhouse band for packing arenas and selling out every seat they play. Fueled by roaring guitars, pounding percussion, and larger than life energy, the song feels tailor made for stadium crowds ready to sing every word.
For Johnson, the recording perfectly reflects the friendship they share away from the spotlight. He explained that the song sounds exactly like the two of them sitting together in a bar simply talking, laughing, and shooting the bull. While many fans assume they spend their time discussing music, Johnson revealed they are actually more likely to talk about watches than hit songs.
Their bond has been evident for years. Johnson famously dedicated his ACM Entertainer of the Year victory to Luke Combs, showing the respect and admiration the two artists have for one another. Now, that friendship has found its way onto the record in the form of a collaboration fans have been hoping for. With “Shoot The Bull,” Cody Johnson and Luke Combs have proven that when two country heavyweights finally come together, the result is every bit as unforgettable as fans imagined.