In a thrilling moment for fans at the opening night of his 2025 New Zealand double-header, country music sensation Luke Combs unveiled a stunning surprise, debuting a brand new unreleased track, “Ain’t No Cowboy,” to a packed Eden Park crowd. The heartfelt, stripped-back performance was a powerful reminder of Combs’ ability to capture raw emotion and storytelling magic in his music.
The ballad, “Ain’t No Cowboy,” is a poignant track that takes a fresh narrative direction, with Combs stepping into the shoes of a lover left heartbroken by a wandering cowgirl. The lyrics, delivered with all the soul and emotion that fans have come to expect from the North Carolina native, tell the story of a man who wishes he could have done more to win her heart. With lines like, “Ain’t no cowboy, but I wish I was / We would’ve rode off together / In the setting sun,” Combs taps into universal feelings of longing and regret.
This new song follows in the vein of some of Combs’ earlier fan-favorites, such as “Where the Wild Things Are” and “When It Rains It Pours,” both of which also explored rich, evocative storytelling. On his recent work, including the 2024 concept album Fathers & Sons, Combs has dug deep into personal experiences and themes of family, creating a compelling body of work that speaks to his evolution as an artist. “Ain’t No Cowboy” is a reminder that Combs can still craft captivating narratives, even as he continues to evolve sonically and lyrically.
“Ain’t No Cowboy” seems to mark a shift in his musical direction as he readies his new project. Although his recent work has ventured into personal and introspective territory, this song signals that Combs has more stories to tell—ones that are both heart-wrenching and memorable. The song’s narrative touches on familiar themes of lost love, missed opportunities, and the aching feeling of watching someone you care about slip away, which has long been at the core of his musical identity.
The debut of this song comes after Combs teased another new track, “More Less Than Perfect,” a playful duet that celebrates the imperfections and enduring love in his marriage. Fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next as Combs continues to push his musical boundaries. Given his recent hints at new material, it’s safe to say that a new studio album is on the horizon, potentially arriving later in 2025.
The show at Eden Park also featured plenty of Luke Combs’ beloved staples. From hits like “Lovin’ On You,” “Hurricane,” and “One Number Away” to fan-favorite deep cuts like “Honky Tonk Highway” and “Houston, We Got a Problem,” the crowd was treated to a setlist that spanned his career. Combs’ ability to balance his greatest hits with rarer songs kept the energy high and the audience engaged.
With more dates scheduled throughout January and February, including shows in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, the excitement around Luke Combs’ 2025 tour is palpable. As fans continue to sing along to his chart-toppers, we can’t wait to hear more of the new music Combs has in store for us. His ability to seamlessly weave his personal experiences with universal themes ensures that his music will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
