Singer-songwriter Jeff Plankenhorn recently teamed up with Texas country legend Ray Wylie Hubbard for his new song "Tooth and Nail," and they're premiering the official music video for the track exclusively for readers of The Boot. Press play above to listen.

Plankenhorn and Hubbard co-wrote "Tooth and Nail." It's an ode to the struggles of the songwriter, with Hubbard contributing the song's hard-driving hook and (of course) his iconic drawl.

"The song is about the struggles of a writer to fight through fear and doubt to find what's on the other side," Plankenhorn tells The Boot. "It even speaks of some friends along the way who have inspired me to do so."

Plankenhorn name-drops a few of those friends and influences in the song's third verse. Listeners will hear references to Hayes Carll and Jaimee Harris in the lyrics.

"Ray has taught me more than anyone about the craft of songwriting, but "Tooth and Nail" also mentions newer influences," Plankenhorn says. "[Harris really] does have the best Townes Van Zandt tattoo I've ever seen."

"Tooth and Nail" appears on Plankenhorn's forthcoming album, Sleeping Dogs, which also features a cameo from Patty Griffin, on the song "Holy Lightning;" the project follows his 2016 release, SoulSlide. The Ohio-born artist has called Texas home for more than 17 years, growing close with Hubbard and his wife Judy, both of whom he cites as close friends.

Sleeping Dogs is set for release on May 4. Visit JeffPlankenhorn.com for more details.

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