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."
Willie Waylon And Me
David Allan Coe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just the beginning of
Everything music could be
Just like The Stones
I was rolling along
Like a ship lost
Out on the sea
For the future
And Dylan would write poetry
And in Texas the talk
Turned to Outlaws
Like Willie and Waylon and me
Hey, well that they say
Texas music is in the make
And we've been making
Music that is free
Doing one night stands
And playing with our bands
Willie Waylon and me
The opening lines of Willie Waylon And Me by David Allan Coe speak of how The Beatles and The Rolling Stones had changed the music industry by broadening the horizons of what music could be. The singer then speaks of how he was lost in a sea of uncertainty and chaos, but was inspired by musicians like Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan. The song's title comes to life as the focus shifts to Texas where a movement of outlaw country music began to gain popularity. The singer mentions the likes of Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, who were two of the pioneers of this unique style that blended rock and roll, country, blues and other influences.
The overall message of the song is how it's not just the music that makes these musicians unique, but also their attitude and way of life. These musicians were outsiders and rebels who defied the norms of their time and chose to live life on their own terms. They faced challenges and hardships but remained true to themselves and their art. The singer identifies with these musicians, as he too is a part of this movement and feels a sense of pride and belonging in a community that values creative freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
They say The Beatles were
According to popular opinion, The Beatles were
Just the beginning of
The start of
Everything music could be
All that the world of music could ever offer
Just like The Stones
Likewise just how The Rolling Stones were
I was rolling along
I was moving forward
Like a ship lost
As if I was a misplaced vessel sailing amidst the water
Out on the sea
Far out in the ocean
And Joplin would die
Evening in the event that Joplin would pass away
For the future
For something to look forward to
And Dylan would write poetry
Bob Dylan would create lyrical literature
And in Texas the talk
And in Texas there were conversations
Turned to Outlaws
That shift towards the lawless
Like Willie and Waylon and me
Similar to Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and myself
Hey, well that they say
Well, that's what is said
Texas music is in the make
Texan music is being brought to life
And we've been making
Meanwhile, we've been creating
Music that is free
Music that is unrestricted by rules or prejudice
Doing one night stands
Performing live for a single evening
And playing with our bands
Accompanied by our own musical groups
Willie Waylon and me
Together, that's Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and me
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: David Allan Coe, Deborah L. Coe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thetruthisonlyperspective4872
"My name is David Allen Coe and I'm from Dallas, Texas"
Thank you for your struggle in life and your contribution to country music Mr.Coe.
If I ever get the chance to shake your hand and embarrass myself on your guitar, I'll die a happy man.
It's funny as an outsider who's only ever seen you in person from 150' away how much of an impact you've left on me. Times change and i know certain songs you used to play you'll never touch again, but for me at least, that doesn't knock down the greats that you've made.
You, Cash, Nelson, Jennings, Kristofferson.... what the fuck would we be without yall?
I realize you'll probably never read this, but at least, even if I die tomorrow, I've tried to let you know how important you are to the American southern.
With the most generous sincerity, I wish you the best life you have left, and I want you to know that my son's know your work... you'll live on if nothing else but us by the next 80yrs
o7 David Allen Coe, God bless 🙏.
@nbroachful
This man is a legend. He is highly underrated. If you're new to him, do some digging for his "controversial" songs. I got my Yankee girlfriend into real country music with David Allen Coe. Some of my earliest and fondest memories are riding in my dad's truck as a child listening to his cassettes.
@canadianthistle3915
Finger fuckin sally is a good start for new fans 🎉
@MrOnQuest
Never sing one of his songs when there is an actual Egyptian present. Then someone explained what i said... LOL Fun times.
Robin Sage 1989/90
@daniellerider2363
Fucking Truth.
@fuckoffjesus
3:30
@chancieowens3538
Damn i thought your comment was mine 😂
@larrymattera6678
I am from Chicago my seventh grade music teacher was from Tennessee and played this for us, this is my favorite music ,
@Cl0ckcl0ck
You could do a lot worse. I like french troubadours because of youthful exposure, pitty my soul.
@susanfallon9191
Ppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp]p]]ppppp]p]]]p
@liberaltears4195
Bro your teacher ruled