Coyne was born in Derby on 27 January 1944 and educated at Joseph Wright School of Art (1957-1961) then Derby College of Art (1961-1965) where he studied graphics and painting, obtaining the N.D.D. in 1965. Early musical influences were Little Richard, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and later (at art school), Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and Jimmy Reed.
Coyne's first job was a social therapist at Whittingham Hospital, Lancashire (1965-1968). In late 1968 he moved to London, starting work for the Soho project as a counsellor for drug addicts in 1969. This work was a source for many of his early songs and remains a major influence today.
In 1973 a youthful and idealistic Coyne signed as a solo artist for "Virgin Records" (after a five album spell with Siren on Dandelion Records) proceeding to make eleven LPs over the next eight years. During this period he recorded with the likes of Andy Summers, Zoot Money, Carla Bley (for her album "Silence") and Dagmar Krause. It was a productive time in his career, with tours of Australia, Europe, Canada, the U.S.A. and work in the theatre (the self-composed musicals "Babble" and "England, England"). Life was hectic. Something had to give.
A complete nervous breakdown came in 1981, the main causes being alcoholism and overwork. After leaving "Virgin Records," he created a succession of dark, brooding albums for the label "Cherry Red."
The year 1985 was one of big changes. Coyne left London and resettled in Nuremberg, Germany. The move was a good one, resulting in formation of a German group (The Paradise Band), a fresh recording career and a drastic change in life-style. He quit drinking for good in 1987. Ten albums had been recorded in Germany. The musical future continued to look bright and positive.
Kevin Coyne's writing, painting career had truly blossomed in Germany. Four books had been published with one still in print. (Two, "Show Business" and "The Party Dress", were published by "Serpent's Tail" in London) and numerous exhibition of his visual work have been mounted throughout Europe. The response to his work has often been reassuringly strong. Exhibitions in Berlin, Amsterdam, and Zurich were particularly well reviewed and attended.
Since the mid-eighties the irrepressible Coyne had instigated and been involved in numerous special projects. "Burning Head" (1992) for instance, was a limited edition of one thousand CDs, sold with an exclusive Coyne original picture for each record. "The Adventures of Crazy Frank" (1995) which evolved from a record into an improvised stage musical about the life of English comic Frank Randle featuring Coyne as Randle and Nuremberg dancer, singer Julia Kempken as his wife was performed in Germany and Austria.
"Tough and Sweet" (1993) is a free wheeling collection of over twenty rock and blues influenced songs that just happens to be the first ever Coyne album to use the talents of his musical sons, Robert and Eugene.
"Knocking on Your Brain" is a double album, recorded in Duisburg late 1996 and utilizes the writing and musical talents of top German musicians Ali Neander (Rodgau Montones, Xavier Naidoo), Tom Liwa (Flowerpornos), Ralf Gustke (Gianna Nannini) and Willy Wagner (ex Rio Reiser). Special guest on the CD is guitarist Gary Lucas, formerly with the Magic Band, Jeff Buckley, Joan Osborne (he was nominated for a Grammy Award for his writing on her record), Nick Cave, Lou Reed, and Leonard Bernstein. His slide guitar playing and arrangement of the opening track "Wonderland" is a delight, as are Kevin's vocals, lyrics and improvising. The 20 songs that make up the CD were recorded in just three days.
The years 1998 and '99 had seen Coyne recording and touring constantly. His CD, "Sugar Candy Taxi," included the playing and songwriting talents of his sons Robert and Eugene. A new touring group developed (no longer called the Paradise Band) that featured Robert Coyne on guitar and keyboards with Steve Smith on drums. The 1999 touring schedule included the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, and Holland as well as other locations. Reception was excellent throughout. The change to a new record label in 1999 - from Rockport to Ruf Records - appeared to be a very positive move. With "Sugar Candy Taxi," his first release for Ruf Records, Coyne immediately reached a larger international audience.
Beginning in 2000, the following recordings were released - some posthumously:
• Room Full of Fools (2000)
• Life is Almost Wonderful (with Brendan Croker) (2002)
• Carnival (2002)
• Donut City (2004)
• One Day In Chicago (with Jon Langford) (2005)
• Underground (2006)
Diagnosed with lung fibrosis in 2002, Coyne died peacefully at his home.
He is survived by his wife Helmi and his sons Eugene, Robert and Nico.
Asylum
Kevin Coyne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sunlight streaming into my room, Lord
Winter's waning, summer's new
I love my baby, yes it's true
You know I'll always love you
You know I'll always love you
You know I'll always need you
Summer roaming through the park
Light and brightness, darling, no more dark
Flowering cherry, love on fire
Baby loves me, my desire
You know I'll always love you
You know I'll always love you
You know I'll always need you
You know I'll always want you
You know I'll always need you
You know I'll always love you
You know I'll always need you
You know I'll always want you
Flowering cherry, roses bloom
Sunlight streaming into my room, Lord
Winter's waining, summer's new
I love my baby, yes it's true, Lord
Oh yeah
Yes it's true, Lord
You know I do, yes
The lyrics of Kevin Coyne's song "Asylum" paint a vivid picture of love and joy. The opening lines describe the beauty of nature, with a reference to a flowering cherry and roses in bloom. The imagery of sunlight streaming into the singer's room signifies a sense of brightness and positivity. The mention of winter waning and summer's arrival further reinforces the theme of renewal and new beginnings.
The following lines express the singer's deep love for their partner. They declare that their love is true and express a sense of devotion and need for their loved one. The repetition of the lines "You know I'll always love you, You know I'll always need you" emphasizes the intensity and certainty of their love.
The song continues with references to summer roaming through the park, symbolizing the freedom and joy the singer feels in their relationship. The flowering cherry becomes a metaphor for their love, igniting a fire of passion. The singer's desire for their partner is clearly articulated, reinforcing the emotional intensity of their love.
The closing lines echo the sentiment expressed at the beginning of the song. The repetition of the lines "You know I'll always need you, You know I'll always love you" serves to emphasize the unwavering commitment and longing the singer feels.
Overall, "Asylum" is a love song that celebrates the beauty of nature and expresses a deep and unwavering love for a partner. It conveys a sense of joy and positivity, emphasizing the transformative power of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Flowering cherry, roses bloom
Nature's beauty is flourishing with the blooming of cherry blossoms and roses
Sunlight streaming into my room, Lord
The warmth and light of the sun entering the singer's space brings a sense of positivity and spirituality
Winter's waning, summer's new
The cold and darkness of winter is fading away, making room for the vibrant and lively season of summer
I love my baby, yes it's true
The artist has genuine and deep affection for their significant other
You know I'll always love you
The artist assures their loved one of their everlasting love and devotion
You know I'll always need you
The singer expresses their constant reliance and dependence on their loved one
You know I'll always want you
The singer acknowledges their perpetual desire and longing for their loved one
Summer roaming through the park
The artist enjoys the freedom and joy of exploring the park during the summer season
Light and brightness, darling, no more dark
The presence of their loved one brings light and happiness, eliminating any darkness or sadness in their life
Flowering cherry, love on fire
The passion and intensity of their love is compared to the vibrant blossoms of a cherry tree
Baby loves me, my desire
The singer's love interest reciprocates their feelings, fulfilling their emotional and physical desires
You know I'll always need you
The artist emphasizes their continual need for their loved one's support and presence
You know I'll always love you
The singer reiterates their unwavering love for their significant other
You know I'll always need you
The singer reaffirms their constant need for their loved one's companionship and assistance
You know I'll always want you
The singer articulates their constant longing and desire for their loved one
You know I'll always need you
The artist acknowledges their everlasting need for their loved one's support and love
You know I'll always love you
The artist once again declares their eternal love for their significant other
You know I'll always need you
The singer emphasizes their ongoing need for their loved one's presence and support
You know I'll always want you
The singer confirms their enduring longing and desire for their loved one
Flowering cherry, roses bloom
The beauty and growth of nature's blossoms continue to thrive
Sunlight streaming into my room, Lord
The artist experiences the continued blessings and positivity brought by the sunlight
Winter's waning, summer's new
The transition from winter to summer symbolizes a fresh start and new beginnings
I love my baby, yes it's true, Lord
The singer genuinely and truthfully expresses their love for their significant other
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KEVIN COYNE, NICK CUDWORTH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind