About the song
David Allan Coe, a legendary outlaw country singer-songwriter, has left an indelible mark on the music industry with his gritty lyrics and soulful voice. One of his most iconic songs, “You Never Even Called Me By My Name,” has resonated with audiences for decades. The track’s raw emotion and relatable themes have cemented its status as a country music classic.
Originally released in 1973, “You Never Even Called Me By My Name” quickly became a fan favorite. However, it was Coe’s live performances that truly showcased the song’s power. The 1974 live recording, now remastered with improved audio, captures the energy and intensity of Coe’s performance.
The song’s introspective lyrics explore themes of loneliness, heartbreak, and the longing for connection. Coe’s gravelly vocals convey a sense of vulnerability and despair, drawing listeners into the emotional depths of the song. The stripped-down arrangement, featuring Coe’s acoustic guitar and his soulful voice, allows the lyrics to take center stage.
The live recording of “You Never Even Called Me By My Name” highlights Coe’s ability to connect with his audience on a profound level. His raw emotion and authenticity shine through in every note, creating a powerful and intimate experience. The audience’s enthusiastic response serves as a testament to the song’s enduring appeal.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes and Coe’s captivating performance. It’s a song that speaks to the human experience, exploring the complexities of love, loss, and longing. The 1974 live recording offers a glimpse into the raw power and emotion of Coe’s music, making it a must-listen for fans of country music and those who appreciate timeless songwriting.
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Lyrics
Well, it was all
That I could do to keep from crying’
Sometimes it seemed so useless to remain
But you don’t have to call me darlin’, darlin’
You never even called me by my name
You don’t have to call me Waylon Jennings
And you don’t have to call me Charlie Pride
And you don’t have to call me Merle Haggard anymore
Even though you’re on my fighting’ side
And I’ll hang around as long as you will let me
And I never minded standing’ in the rain
But you don’t have to call me darlin’, darlin’
You never even called me by my name
Well, I’ve heard my name
A few times in your phone book (hello, hello)
And I’ve seen it on signs where I’ve played
But the only time I know
I’ll hear “David Allan Coe”
Is when Jesus has his final judgment day
So I’ll hang around as long as you will let me
And I never minded standing’ in the rain
But you don’t have to call me darlin’, darlin’
You never even called me by my name
Well, a friend of mine named Steve Goodman wrote that song
And he told me it was the perfect country & western song
I wrote him back a letter and I told him it was not the perfect country & western song
Because he hadn’t said anything at all about mama
Or trains, or trucks, or prison, or getting’ drunk
Well, he sat down and wrote another verse to the song and he sent it to me
And after reading it I realized that my friend had written the perfect country & western song
And I felt obliged to include it on this album
The last verse goes like this here
Well, I was drunk the day my mom got out of prison
And I went to pick her up in the rain
But before I could get to the station in my pickup truck
She got run over by a damned old train
And I’ll hang around as long as you will let me
And I never minded standing’ in the rain, no
But you don’t have to call me darlin’, darlin’
You never even called me
Well, I wonder why you don’t call me
Why don’t you ever call me by my name