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Luke Combs<\/a>\u2019 new single \u201cBack in the Saddle\u201d comes with a music video all about grit, dirt, and getting back to your roots \u2014 and you can thank Dale Earnhardt Jr.<\/a> for that vibe.<\/p>\n The NASCAR legend didn\u2019t just show up in the video; he put on his director\u2019s hat and helped shape the story.<\/p>\n In today\u2019s world of creativity<\/a>, sometimes it all starts with a simple text.<\/p>\n On a new episode of his podcast Ask Jr.<\/em><\/a>, the racing icon shared how Combs reached out casually:<\/p>\n \u201cLuke Combs texted me the other day, going, \u2018Hey man, I got a video idea. You wanna be in it?\u2019 And I\u2019m like, \u2018Of course I do.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Combs had pitched a concept, but Earnhardt wasn\u2019t sold<\/a>. The plan was for him to drive a Next Gen car at Charlotte Motor Speedway.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Luke Combs Loses Composure, Cries While Singing Special Song About His Kids [Watch]<\/a><\/p>\n After hearing the song, Earnhardt spoke up: \u201cThe song sounds like it\u2019s about grassroots racing to me… like a guy getting back into his old s–t.\u201d<\/p>\n He added, \u201cI\u2019ve never driven a Next Gen car and I never will, so it didn\u2019t feel authentic.\u201d<\/p>\n The Next Gen car is NASCAR\u2019s current Cup Series vehicle<\/a>, introduced in 2022 to modernize the sport and reduce costs.<\/p>\n With updated tech, independent rear suspension, and a sleeker design, it\u2019s a big leap from what drivers like Earnhardt raced during their careers.<\/p>\n For Jr., who never competed in one, hopping behind the wheel of a Next Gen for the video didn\u2019t feel real<\/a>.<\/p>\n Instead, he suggested filming at a local short track and showcasing late model stock racing \u2014 the grassroots action that fits the song\u2019s message perfectly.<\/p>\n His idea won, and that\u2019s what made it into the final video, which also features racing legend Richard Petty.<\/p>\n \u201cBack in the Saddle\u201d is Combs\u2019 first new single in over a year<\/a> \u2014 and it hits hard.<\/p>\n Written by Combs, Jonathan Singleton, Dan Isbell, and The Brothers Hunt, the track delivers a rock-tinged energy made for stadiums.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>25 Most Important Country Men of the Last 25 Years, Ranked<\/a><\/p>\n Fans of \u201cAin\u2019t No Love in Oklahoma\u201d will recognize the loud guitars and outlaw attitude, but this one feels more personal.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not exactly a comeback song<\/a> \u2014 it\u2019s a declaration.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the full lyrics to \u201cBack in the Saddle,\u201d where Combs delivers a gritty, determined anthem about getting back to what he does best.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve been gone for a little too long \/ I’ve been waitin\u2019 on the drummer to kick off a comeback song \/ I\u2019ve been waitin\u2019 in the wings like a dog on a chain \/ I can feel this fire building up a little wild in it \/ Went and checked the wire, sure enough there\u2019s live in it \/ Try to stop it but I can\u2019t, it\u2019s callin\u2019 my name.<\/em><\/p>\n Chorus:<\/strong> This time I\u2019m takin\u2019 what\u2019s mine \/ Like a long lost out west outlaw outta his mind \/ I\u2019m ridin\u2019 into town, no turnin\u2019 back now.<\/em><\/p>\n Repeat Chorus<\/strong><\/p>\n Repeat Chorus<\/strong><\/p>\n Don\u2019t worry where I\u2019ve been \/ I\u2019m back in the saddle again.<\/em><\/p>\n Country music and NASCAR have a long history! Many fans of the genre just so happen to be fans of the motorsport and so are many of the artists themselves. So it’s no surprise there are a few songs inspired by racing.<\/p>\n We’ve rounded up eight of the best country songs about NASCAR.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Jess Rose<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWait \u2014 What\u2019s a Next Gen Car?<\/h3>\n
Cranking Up the Volume on a New Era<\/h3>\n
\u2018Cause I\u2019m back in the saddle like some old cowboy \/ Who dug his way out of his grave \/ Pulled up his boots, put his pistol on his hip \/ Climbed up and took hold of the reins \/ Don\u2019t worry where I\u2019ve been \/ I\u2019m back in the saddle again.<\/em><\/p>\nBest Country Songs About NASCAR<\/h2>\n