Thomas Rhett and Blake Shelton’s friendship goes way back—farther than most fans realize. Long before they were sharing the stage and recording together, Shelton was helping a young Rhett with his homework, albeit with mixed success. Now, the country superstars have come full circle, releasing a new duet that hilariously embraces the realities of getting older.

During a candid interview on Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist, Rhett opened up about his unique upbringing as the son of country artist Rhett Akins, which meant growing up around Nashville’s biggest names—including Shelton. “Looking back at it today it’s just so funny to, like, hang out with Blake today because I am opening a show for him, but he was helping me with homework 10 years ago,” Rhett said. Asked whether Shelton was a good tutor, Rhett joked, “Not really.”

While Shelton’s homework help skills might have been lacking, their musical chemistry is undeniable. Their new collaboration, “Old Tricks,” released as part of Rhett’s ABOUT A WOMAN (& A Good Ol’ Boy) EP, perfectly captures the humorous and bittersweet truths about aging and the fading charm of youth.

A Nostalgic, Toe-Tapping Anthem

Co-written by Rhett alongside Andrew Haas, Ian Franzino, Jim Beavers, John Ryan, and Julian Bunetta, “Old Tricks” finds both singers reflecting on how their younger days of wild partying and fast recoveries have given way to the slower, more taxing realities of getting older. Rhett kicks off the song with a nod to hangovers that now take days to shake off, while Shelton’s verse comically admits that the moves that once wooed the ladies don’t have the same effect anymore.

“My old tricks don’t work anymore / They don’t get it done like they did before,” they sing in harmony, acknowledging that “the younger me is a hard act to follow.” The track’s catchy chorus and relatable lyrics make it a perfect anthem for anyone navigating the transition from carefree youth to seasoned adulthood.

Rhett told Apple Music’s Kelleigh Bannen, “Blake hops on the second verse, and it’s just being, in such special Blake fashion, just made the song 150% better.” Their voices intertwine effortlessly, blending authentic country storytelling with a playful sense of camaraderie.

An Expanding Collection of Collaborations

“Old Tricks” is one of three fresh tracks added to Rhett’s ABOUT A WOMAN (& A Good Ol’ Boy), the second extended edition of his seventh studio album. The EP also features collaborations with Jordan Davis, Tucker Wetmore, and Lanie Gardner, showcasing Rhett’s signature blend of charisma, nostalgia, and catchy hooks. Earlier deluxe editions included songs like “I’m That Guy” and “Dance With You,” keeping Rhett’s music rolling through the summer.

Milestones and Dreams Realized

The release of the duet coincided with another career milestone for Rhett: headlining a sold-out show at Boston’s iconic Fenway Park on July 19 during his BETTER IN BOOTS TOUR. Sharing the stage with special guests like Tucker Wetmore, The Castellows, and frequent collaborator Teddy Swims, Rhett reflected on what a landmark week it had been.

“If you’d have asked me what two of my biggest career bucket list dreams are, I would have told you headlining a stadium and collaborating with one of my heroes like Blake Shelton,” Rhett shared. “This week, I’m doing both of those things and my mind is blown.”

From homework help to stadium stages and chart-worthy duets, Thomas Rhett and Blake Shelton’s journey is a testament to enduring friendship and shared passion for music. And as their new hit reminds us, even if some old tricks don’t work anymore, the best ones do.