Country megastar Tim McGraw takes a co-writing credit on Def Leppard's new single, "Nine Lives," the leadoff cut from the veteran rock group's forthcoming album, "Songs from the Sparkle Lounge."

"We didn't start with any preconceived notions about the song," McGraw--who co-wrote the song along with Def Lep members Phil Collen, Joe Elliot and Rick Savage--said in a prepared statement. "Each of us brought something different to the table and we drew on each others' influence to finish it out. They are simply one of the best rock bands ever and it was a great time working together."

McGraw--who also makes a guest appearance on the track, according to Def Leppard's website--put the wheels in motion three years ago when he suggested the collaboration to his longtime tour manager, Robert Allen, brother of Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen, according to a press release. Things progressed when McGraw sat in on the group's 2006 Hollywood Bowl show.

"Songs from the Sparkle Lounge" is due in stores March 18.