Dierks Bentley and Ashley McBryde Prove ‘Cowboy Boots’ Are More Than Just An Accessory In New Duet

Dierks Bentley and Ashley McBryde’s new duet is an ode to “Cowboy Boots.” 

The longtime friends and former tourmates teamed up on the traditional country anthem, which features expertly crafted lyrics that paint a picture in the mind of the listener. 

While cowboy boots are known as a staple in country music fashion, Bentley and McBryde remind listeners that they are more than just an accessory.

“They were made to ride and ramble / They were made for desert stars / They ain’t broke in ’til they’ve broken / A few horses and some hearts / Kickin’ dust up instead of habits / Got some bad ones they should lose / That’s why they call ’em cowboy boots / They were made to count a band off / Two-step across the floor / Push down on a throttle / Hide a bottle, kick down doors / They’ll make you feel ten feet tall / And cool like Chris LeDoux / That’s why thеy call ’em cowboy boots,” Bentley sings on the tune, which tips its hat to the country music fan’s favorite shoe.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley)

“When I first really fell in love with Country music, Jim Beam and cowboy boots came along for the ride,” Bentley said. “I’ve had a few pair of boots over the years, many requiring duct tape at times. But, they’ve been my consistent and steady companion through this crazy ride.”

He went on to explain that choosing McBryde as his duet partner for “Cowboy Boots” was a no-brainer for him as he is a big fan of her vocals and her authenticity.

“Not only does Ashley have one of the best voices in Country music, she also always rocked a pair of boots when we were on tour together last year,” Bentley added. ”I wanted someone that I could authentically sing this song with, and I didn’t have to look any further than stage left. She’s the real deal.”

Over the last 20 years, my #CowboyBoots have carried me through the gravel, the gold and everything in between. Had to use a little duct tape at times but we’ve come a long way! So honored to have Ashley McBryde sing on it with me. #CowboyBoots is out now: https://t.co/ZxQGFRLRtp pic.twitter.com/QfM9fYJePN

— Dierks Bentley (@DierksBentley) February 3, 2023

To accompany the track, Bentley and McBryde shared a live performance video, which was filmed in late January at Lower Broadway’s iconic Robert’s Western World in Music City. 

In the clip, Bentley and McBryde strum their acoustic guitars as they serenade a couple, who are seen “two-stepping across the floor” in the empty Downtown honky tonk. The video concludes as Bentley and McBryde share a shot at the bar before exiting the venue.

Co-written by Bentley alongside Casey Brown, Hunter Phelps, and Jordan Minton, “Cowboy Boots” will appear on Dierks Bentley’s long-awaited tenth studio album, GRAVEL & GOLD.

Arriving on February 24, the GRAVEL & GOLD will feature 14 tracks, including duets with Ashley McBryde and Billy Strings. The diverse project will be a celebration of Bentley’s 20-year career and will find the country hitmaker singing about perspective and self-awareness at many levels from personal to professional.

The record will include his previously released single “Gold,” “Same Ol’ Me,” as well as “Cowboy Boots” and “High Note,” which feature Ashley McBryde and Billy Strings, respectively.

Serving as the follow-up to 2018’s The Mountain, Bentley’s GRAVEL & GOLD takes its name from his latest chart-climbing single, “Gold.” Since the release of The Mountain, the Arizona native created and subsequently scrapped two albums because he felt they weren’t up to par with what fans have come to expect from him.

“It’s been four years since I put out an album, and part of the reason for that is that I wrote and recorded two records that I didn’t feel were good enough and had to start over…twice,” explains Bentley. “I’m going to be able look back on it for the rest of my life and be like, yeah, that was harder than I thought it would be, but zero regrets. I had to get it right. That’s the Gravel & Gold of it all.”

GRAVEL & GOLD will showcase Bentley’s diverse musical styling, from his love of bluegrass to his authentic modern country sound.

“Selfishly I’ve always wanted to have my cake and eat it too,” says Bentley. “I’m in the bluegrass space. I’m in the traditional country space. It’s always been important to me to have the love and support of this community in Nashville, particularly the older establishment and the Opry – and to know that I’m able to do that but also get out on the road and play the big venues too? It doesn’t get any better than that for me.”

Stepping outside his comfort zone, Bentley will serve as a producer for the first time alongside a mix of his longtime collaborators.

Dierks Bentley has yet to unveil a tour in support of the project, however, he already has several dates on the books throughout 2023. The superstar will take the stage at a number of high profile country music festivals, including Country Thunder Arizona, Country Concert, Country Jam USA, and more.

Bentley is also slated to perform at the sold-out George Jones tribute, Still Playin Possum, in Huntsville, Alabama. The event, which will take place on April 25, will also feature Brad Paisley, Tanya Tucker, Trace Adkins, Justin Moore, Jamey Johnson, and more.

GRAVEL & GOLD Track List

1. “Same Ol’ Me”

2. “Sun Sets In Colorado”

3. “Heartbreak Drinking Tour”

4. “Something Real”

5. “Still”

6. “Beer At My Funeral”

7. “Cowboy Boots” (Featuring Ashley McBryde)

8. “Gold”

9. “Walking Each Other Home”

10. “Roll On”

11. “All The Right Places”

12. “Ain’t All Bad”

13. “Old Pickup”

14. “High Note” (Featuring Billy Strings)
GRAVEL & GOLD is available for preorder/pre-save now HERE.