About the song
“You Never Even Called Me by My Name” by David Allan Coe is a quintessential country song that has charmed listeners with its humor and heartfelt lyrics since its release. Featured on Coe’s 1975 album, “Once Upon a Rhyme,” this track has become one of his most iconic songs, beloved by fans for its clever storytelling and relatable themes.
The song was written by the talented Steve Goodman and John Prine, two renowned songwriters who crafted the lyrics as a light-hearted yet sincere ode to the country music genre. In “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” Coe narrates the tale of a country singer lamenting that despite his significant other’s love, she never addresses him by his given name. The song humorously touches on the classic elements of country music, including heartache, trains, trucks, and prison, all wrapped up in a catchy, sing-along chorus.
When it was released as a single, “You Never Even Called Me by My Name” achieved considerable success, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. This achievement helped to solidify Coe’s reputation in the country music world and brought a wider audience to his unique blend of traditional and outlaw country styles.
The song is particularly famous for its tongue-in-cheek final verse, where Coe recounts how Steve Goodman claimed it was “the perfect country and western song,” but Coe insisted it wasn’t until Goodman added the final verse, which humorously includes all the stereotypical elements of country songs. This playful self-awareness has endeared the song to many, making it a staple at country music gatherings and a favorite sing-along for fans.
David Allan Coe, known for his distinctive voice and rebellious persona, brings a perfect mix of sincerity and wit to his performance of “You Never Even Called Me by My Name.” His delivery captures the song’s blend of humor and genuine emotion, making it resonate deeply with listeners who appreciate both the artistry and the fun inherent in country music.
For long-time fans of David Allan Coe and those who cherish the classic sounds of country music, “You Never Even Called Me by My Name” remains a beloved tune that encapsulates the spirit and joy of the genre. It’s a song that invites listeners to laugh, sing along, and remember the enduring appeal of a well-crafted country song.
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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