Coe's rebellious attitude, wild image, and unconventional lifestyle set him apart from other country performers, both winning him legions of fans and hindering his mainstream success by alienating the music industry establishment. Coe continues to be a popular performer on the country circuit.
Coe was born in Akron, Ohio. His favorite singer as a child was Johnny Cash. After being sent to the Starr Commonwealth For Boys reform school at the age of nine, he spent much of the next 20 years in correctional facilities, including three years at the Ohio Penitentiary. Coe claimed he received encouragement to begin writing songs from Screamin' Jay Hawkins, with whom he had spent time in prison.
After concluding another prison term in 1967, Coe embarked on a music career in Nashville, living in a hearse which he parked in front of the Ryman Auditorium while he performed on the street. He caught the attention of Shelby Singleton, owner of the independent record label Plantation Records and signed a contract with his label.
He is the father of Tyler Mahan Coe, who created the country music podcast Cocaine & Rhinestones. He has a daughter, Shelli Coe Mackie, and is father-in-law to the late Michael Mackie, formerly of Texas band 'Thunderosa'.
Coe's musical style derives from blues, rock, and country music traditions. His vocal style is described as a 'throaty baritone'. His lyrical content is often humorous or comedic, with William Ruhlmann describing him as a 'near-parody of a country singer'. Stephen Thomas Erlewine describes Coe as "a great, unashamed country singer, singing the purest honky-tonk and hardest country of his era […] he may not be the most original outlaw, but there is none more outlaw than him".
Coe's lyrics frequently include references to alcohol and drug use, and are often boisterous and cocky. Coe's debut album Penitentiary Blues was described as "voodoo blues" and "redneck music" by Allmusic's Thom Jurek. It focused on themes such as working for the first time, blood tests from veins used to inject heroin, prison time, hoodoo imagery, and death. The album's influences included Charlie Rich, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bo Diddley, Lightnin' Hopkins, and Tony Joe White. Coe later explained to Kristofer Engelhardt of Review: "I didn't really care for some of the country music until people like Kris Kristofferson and some of those people started writing songs. They had a little more to say than just, 'Oh baby I miss you', or whatever. I don't do anything halfway. Once I got into country music, I went back and researched it, and learned everything there was to know about it. I could do impersonations of Roy Acuff, Ernest Tubb, Hank Snow, Marty Robbins, just about anybody. I knew just about all there was to know about country music."
Coe's first country album, The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy, has been described as alt-country, 'pre-punk' and "a hillbilly version of Marc Bolan's glitz and glitter". Credited influences on the album include Merle Haggard. In his early career, Coe was known for his unpredictable live performances, in which he would ride a Harley-Davidson motorcycle onto the stage and curse at his audience. Coe has also performed in a rhinestone suit and a mask which resembled that of the Lone Ranger, calling himself the 'Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy'.
The album Rebel Meets Rebel featured a song, "Cherokee Cry", which criticizes the United States government's treatment of Native Americans. When asked why he did not write more political songs, Coe replied, "I live in my own world, not thee world. I just write songs about what affects me in everyday life. At one point I wrote a song that was sort of a protest about when they were talking about drafting women into the military. It was about my son making it past the draft, but my daughter didn't. And I've done Farm Aid."
In his review of Coe's 1987 album A Matter of Life...and Death, Allmusic's Thom Jurek wrote, "Coe may have had some hits, but it is records like this that make one wonder if there was not a conspiracy to marginalize him and make him fail. Coe is a brilliant songwriter well into the 21st century, and deserves to be lauded along with the likes of [Willie] Nelson and [Waylon] Jennings and Kristofferson and Newbury – and even Cash."
Spotlight
David Allan Coe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All of my music is lonely yeah all of my heartaches were free
Don't waste your time or your flash bulbs too many heroes are dead
You like to live in the city yeah I like to live in my head
Somebody shoot out that spotlight spotlights ain't nothing but jive
Roll me a smoke and give me some coke treat me like I am alive
Tell all the ladies I'm single tell Lone Star beer that I'm dry
Everyone's lying bout livin' everyone's livin' a lie
I spend my nighttime's in mourning I spend my morning's alone
You spent your your money to see me tonight yeah I spent all mine gettin' stoned
Now that they're both kinda busted doesn't it seem kinda strange
That I lay down knowing we're two of a kind you'll leave here knowing my name
Somebody shoot out that spotlight spotlights ain't nothing but jive
Roll me a smoke and give me some coke treat me like I am alive
Tell all the ladies I'm single tell Lone Star beer that I'm dry
Everyone's lying bout livin' everyone's livin' a lie
The lyrics to David Allan Coe's song "Spotlight" present a commentary on the nature of fame and the music industry. Coe describes the feeling of being constantly in the spotlight, with all eyes on him as he performs his music. However, despite the attention and adoration of his fans, he still feels incredibly lonely and isolated. He laments that all of his music is lonely and that all of his heartaches were free, suggesting that his fame has come at a great personal cost.
Coe suggests that the music industry is full of false heroes and that too many of them end up dead. He also points out the dichotomy between his own desire to live in his own head and the expectations of his fans, who want him to be the larger-than-life persona they see on stage. Coe seems to be calling for a more authentic connection with his audience, asking them to treat him like a real person and not just a performer.
Overall, the song is a reflection on the highs and lows of fame and the toll it can take on a person's mental and emotional wellbeing. Coe's lyrics express a desire for something more meaningful and authentic in his life, even as he continues to perform on stage.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't see nothing but spotlights spotlights see nothing but me
The constant attention and judgment from others have caused me to feel isolated and alone. All people see is the persona I have created on stage.
All of my music is lonely yeah all of my heartaches were free
My songs are reflections of my personal struggles and emotional pain. I pour my heart out in each one, but they bring me no solace.
Don't waste your time or your flash bulbs too many heroes are dead
Fame is fleeting and often leads to an early demise. Don't waste your time or energy trying to create a myth around me.
You like to live in the city yeah I like to live in my head
You enjoy the chaos and constant stimulation of city life, while I prefer to retreat into my own thoughts and imagination.
Somebody shoot out that spotlight spotlights ain't nothing but jive
The spotlight is a false construct that creates a persona and image that does not reflect the true self. It's time for it to be dispelled.
Roll me a smoke and give me some coke treat me like I am alive
I am seeking temporary relief from the pain and loneliness of my existence. By indulging in drugs and vices, I feel like I am truly living.
Tell all the ladies I'm single tell Lone Star beer that I'm dry
I am not interested in relationships or romantic involvement at this time. Let everyone know that I am focusing on my music and need to stay sober to do so.
Everyone's lying bout livin' everyone's livin' a lie
Nobody truly lives an authentic life, as societal expectations and norms compel us to lead false, inauthentic existences. We are all performing a role.
I spend my nighttime's in mourning I spend my morning's alone
Outside of the spotlight, I am consumed by my own pain and sorrow. I am perpetually alone with my thoughts, mourning the losses and hardships of my life.
Now that they're both kinda busted doesn't it seem kinda strange
Now that both of us are past our primes and no longer in the spotlight, it seems strange that we once occupied such a prominent place in the public consciousness.
That I lay down knowing we're two of a kind you'll leave here knowing my name
Despite our similarities, you will leave this encounter with a greater knowledge of me and my music than I will have of you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID ALLAN COE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@meltv3399
I can't see nothing but spotlights spotlights see nothing but me
All of my music is lonely yeah all of my heartaches were free
Don't waste your time or your flash bulbs too many heroes are dead
You like to live in the city yeah I like to live in my head
Somebody shoot out that spotlight spotlights ain't nothing but jive
Roll me a smoke and give me some coke treat me like I am alive
Tell all the ladies I'm single tell Lone Star beer that I'm dry
Everyone's lying bout livin' everyone's livin' a lie
I spend my nighttime's in mourning I spend my morning's alone
You spent your your money to see me tonight yeah I spent all mine gettin' stoned
Now that they're both kinda busted doesn't it seem kinda strange
That I lay down knowing we're two of a kind you'll leave here knowing my name
Somebody shoot out that spotlight spotlights ain't nothing but jive
Roll me a smoke and give me some coke treat me like I am alive
Tell all the ladies I'm single tell Lone Star beer that I'm dry
Everyone's lying bout livin' everyone's livin' a lie
@Cynaster00
I can't see nothing but spotlights spotlights see nothing but me
All of my music is lonely yeah all of my heartaches were free
Don't waste your time or your flash bulbs too many heroes are dead
You like to live in the city yeah I like to live in my head
Somebody shoot out that spotlight spotlights ain't nothing but jive
Roll me a smoke and give me some coke treat me like I am alive
Tell all the ladies I'm single tell Lone Star beer that I'm dry
Everyone's lying bout livin' everyone's livin' a lie
I spend my nighttimes in mourning I spend my morning's alone
You spent your your money to see me tonight yeah I spent all mine gettin' stoned
Now that they're both kinda busted doesn't it seem kinda strange
That I lay down knowing we're two of a kind you'll leave here knowing my name
Somebody shoot out that spotlight spotlights ain't nothing but jive
Roll me a smoke and give me some coke treat me like I am alive
Tell all the ladies I'm single tell Lone Star beer that I'm dry
Everyone's lying bout livin' everyone's livin' a lie
@estebandavila9971
I can't see nothing but spotlights spotlights see nothing but me
All of my music is lonely yeah all of my heartaches were free
Don't waste your time or your flash bulbs too many heroes are dead
You like to live in the city yeah I like to live in my head
Somebody shoot out that spotlight spotlights ain't nothing but jive
Roll me a smoke and give me some coke treat me like I am alive
Tell all the ladies I'm single tell Lone Star beer that I'm dry
Everyone's lying bout livin' everyone's livin' a lie
I spend my nighttimes in mourning I spend my morning's alone
You spent your your money to see me tonight yeah I spent all mine gettin' stoned
Now that they're both kinda busted doesn't it seem kinda strange
That I lay down knowing we're two of a kind you'll leave here knowing my name
Somebody shoot out that spotlight spotlights ain't nothing but jive
Roll me a smoke and give me some coke treat me like I am alive
Tell all the ladies I'm single tell Lone Star beer that I'm dry
Everyone's lying bout livin' everyone's livin' a lie
@guadriver
I can't see nothing but spotlights spotlights see nothing but me
All of my music is lonely yeah all of my heartaches were free
Don't waste your time or your flash bulbs too many heroes are dead
You like to live in the city yeah I like to live in my head
Somebody shoot out that spotlight spotlights ain't nothing but jive
Roll me a smoke and give me some coke treat me like I am alive
Tell all the ladies I'm single tell Lone Star beer that I'm dry
Everyone's lying bout livin' everyone's livin' a lie
I spend my nighttime's in mourning I spend my morning's alone
You spent your your money to see me tonight yeah I spent all mine gettin' stoned
Now that they're both kinda busted doesn't it seem kinda strange
That I lay down knowing we're two of a kind you'll leave here knowing my name
Somebody shoot out that spotlight spotlights ain't nothing but jive
Roll me a smoke and give me some coke treat me like I am alive
Tell all the ladies I'm single tell Lone Star beer that I'm dry
Everyone's lying bout livin' everyone's livin' a lie
@jhelch1
Everyone's lying about livin , everyone's livin a lie. Reminds me of social media.
@Captain_Wet_Beard
Came from a blessed time before that particular brand of cancer, and I miss those days more and more with every passing year
@Boreascorax
Man, that's exactly the line that brought me back to this tune after over 40 years and another round of the latest "news".
@BigBodyRearWheelFord
Add me on Twatter?
@pauldecouto6031
2022 even worse god bless.
Donald trump 2024!
@ACMxxxx2
Lol he would get canceled so quick on social media. These cultural revolutionaries have no patience for country greats like DAC.
@Topher_1551
One of my favorite songs of all time.
@phil.d-roll6393
🍻
@georgeptolemy7260
Same
@JD97711
DAMN ! Looking back now. Wish it could stayed that way forever. GOOD TIMES !