Cody Johnson is releasing his new song "The Painter" Thursday night - and it's in tribute to his wife, Brandi.

"My favorite lyric in 'The Painter' is, 'For every wall I built, she saw a canvas,'" Johnson said. "If there's anything that describes my marriage with my wife, Brandi, it's that line."

He said it's why they've been together for 15 years, and he hopes fans hear the song and are encouraged to appreciate the people around them who make their life beautiful.

"Remember them and tell them you love them," he said.

Johnson sat down with Apple Music's Today's Country Radio with Kelleigh Bannen to chat about the song and the ups and downs he and his wife have endured in their relationship and his career. 

"There's always been start agains," he said. "In my music career, you get to the point where you're like, 'I don't know if I can do this anymore. I've been traveling up and down the roads making $100 a night in a van and can't afford to put gas in it.' And she's going, Yes, you can. You left your steady job for a reason and yes, you can do it.'"

So, he started again. He said the same is true in their marriage. 

"There's been times where we've had to stop, regroup with each other, and go, 'Hey, we're not going anywhere, so let's just pick this stopping point right here. Let's start over and say, 'We're going to approach this together because we know that it's what's supposed to happen,'" he said. "I think that that's a very vulnerable line, and also, it brings to light for me how a man should take the time to stop and recognize the fact that she can make you remember what's right and what's wrong."

Sometimes Brandi makes the decision about what's right and wrong on her own and tells her husband what it is. Johnson, who has a history in the rodeo, was considering get back on a bull for charity. Brandi said no.

"She's like, 'No, I don't think so,'" Johnson said. "I'm like, 'Dude, I'm in way better shape now than I was when I was riding bulls, and I could probably raise a ton of money for a really good cause.' And she's like, 'No, I don't think so.' And then like a week later, she was talking about life insurance policies, and so I don't know."

Johnson said he admits that Brandi is tougher than he is - because she has to be. 

"It's not all frills and rainbows," he said. "But yeah, she's definitely the motor behind a lot of this, and I admit that."

"The Painter" is from Johnson's forthcoming album that is due to be released later this year.