By a Thread is the ninth studio album by American Southern rockjam bandGov't Mule. The album was released on October 27, 2009, by Evil Teen Records.[2] It is the first album to feature bassist Jorgen Carlsson, who joined the band in 2008, replacing Andy Hess.
On August 17, 2009, the first track of the album, "Broke Down on the Brazos", was made available for listening on Gov't Mule's official website, as well as on the band's Myspace and Facebook pages. The track features the playing of Billy Gibbons, best known as the singer and guitarist for the American blues rock band ZZ Top.