Cody Johnson Blends Country Music and Rodeo in Powerful ‘The Fall’ Music Video

Cody Johnson’s worlds collide in the new music video for his current hit single “The Fall.” Tapping into his passion for professional bull riding, his country music career and his gift for storytelling, the CMA Entertainer of the Year nominee delivers a cinematic experience that brings to life the song’s reflective, bittersweet journey through life’s highs and lows.

The tune, penned by Ray Fulcher, Bobby Pinson and Jeremy Stover serves as the second single from the deluxe version of Johnson’s Leather album. In the video directed by award-winning director Dustin Haney, world champion bull fighter Cody Webster takes the lead as a rider who faces brutal round in the arena but repeatedly gets back on, embodying the song’s message of resilience and perseverance.

Viewers will see the clips alternating between Johnson performing in a dark field as rain pours down around him and Webster’s intense bull-riding scenes. Even though Webster continues to fall down and get beat up by the sport, he doesn’t let his moments of failure define him. This is the same message that Cody Johnson brings forth with the powerful tune.

With his signature vocals on full display, the COJO Music / Warner Music Nashville artist reminds listeners that every one of their experiences, both good and bad, shapes the journey and contributes to a life well lived. “The Fall,” he refers to throughout the tune is ultimately a celebration of life’s imperfection and enounces one to cherish the journey that comes, no matter how many obstacles get in the way.

He sings, “The ride was worth the fall/ The fall was worth the smiles/ The smiles were worth the tears/ Tears were worth the miles/ Miles were worth the pain/ Pain was worth it all/ It’s all worth this life/ Life is worth the ride/ The ride is worth the fall.”

Following the launch of the new music video, fans who tuned in had the chance to take part in a YouTube after party premiere that offered exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the video.  

The video arrives shortly after Johnson’s second-annual COJO Championship Event, presented by Tractor Supply Company. The event was held in Benton, Texas last week, however, the “I’m Gonna Love You” singer was unable to attend due to his emergency surgery.

Johnson took to social media last week to share with fans that after battling a “severe upper respiratory and sinus infection,” he burst his eardrum. This meant he had to undergo immediate surgery and was unable to attend the Championship Event.

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Despite his absence, the competition highlighted top team roping and breakaway athletes from across the country, with proceeds supporting the Texas FFA Foundation. Funds were raised both during the event and through the Champs for Charity: Cowboy auction and dinner, reflecting Cody’s ongoing dedication to empowering the next generation of agricultural and rodeo leaders.

Along with missing the event, Johnson revealed he would be canceling the rest of his 2025 tour dates in order to heal properly. Johnson hopes that by having the procedure, he will avoid having to take even more time off from performing and potentially doing further damage.

He wrote, “Without the surgery my downtime could be months. I pray for full healing so I can get well and return to doing what I love. Thank you COJO Nation for the love and support, now, and always.”

It’s unclear exactly when he will be able to return to the road, but until then, fans will be able to cheer Cody Johnson during the“The 59th Annual CMA Awards.” He is going into the coveted evening a four-time nominee in the categories of Entertainer of the Year, his first-ever with the CMA’s, Male Vocalist of the Year as well as Music Event and Video of the Year with Carrie Underwood for their two-week No. 1 hit “I’m Gonna Love You.” 

The CMA Awards will be broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, November 19 on ABC and the next day on Hulu.