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.
It's Not Me
Kevin Coyne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I said who made Black Africa fall?
I said who spit the blood on the wall?
I said who never answers when I call?
I said who made me stumble and crawl?
Chorus: It's not me, it's not me, it's not me, it's not anyone (x2)
Anyone (x4).
Who tried to tame the plains?
Who drew blood and smiled?
Who does it all the while?
Chorus - Solo - Chorus
Who? It must be you
Who? Any fool will do
I said you! You're stealing all the gold
I said you! You ought to be buried low
Chorus
Who? Oh you swine!
Always breaking this heart of mine
I said who? It must be you
Who? It's all up to you
The lyrics of Kevin Coyne's song "It's Not Me" are an exploration of the human condition and our tendency to blame others for our problems rather than taking responsibility for our actions. The song begins with questions posed to an unseen entity, perhaps a higher power, asking who is responsible for the world's problems - the fall of Black Africa, the blood on the wall, the lack of an answer when we call out for help. The repeated chorus of "it's not me, it's not anyone" seems to suggest that there is no one specific answer to these questions, highlighting the complexity of society and the interconnectedness of our actions.
The middle section of the song continues to pose questions, this time about those who have tried to control nature or extract resources for their own gain. The chorus is repeated once again before Coyne turns his focus directly to someone he perceives as an enemy - "you", who is stealing gold and breaking his heart. The song ends with one final chorus and the assertion that we have the power to make positive change, but it is up to us to take action. Overall, "It's Not Me" is a melancholic reflection on humanity's struggles and the need for personal responsibility.
Line by Line Meaning
I said who made Black Africa fall?
Who caused the downfall of the continent of Africa and its people?
I said who spit the blood on the wall?
Who caused the violent destruction and death that I see all around me?
I said who never answers when I call?
Who is ignoring me and not providing the answers or help that I need?
I said who made me stumble and crawl?
Who caused me to struggle and suffer in life, leaving me feeling helpless and weak?
Chorus: It's not me, it's not me, it's not me, it's not anyone (x2)
Anyone (x4).
No one person can be held accountable for all the problems and pain in the world, including myself.
Who tried to catch the rain?
Who attempted to grasp something that is impossible to hold or control?
Who tried to tame the plains?
Who attempted to harness or control nature, which cannot be conquered or subdued?
Who drew blood and smiled?
Who caused harm or violence and took pleasure in it?
Who does it all the while?
Who continues to inflict harm and cause chaos without remorse or change?
Chorus - Solo - Chorus
No one person can be blamed for the world's problems; there is no clear answer or resolution.
Who? It must be you
You must be responsible for the pain and problems I see, even though it is not entirely accurate.
Who? Any fool will do
Anyone can be blamed for the world's problems, even if they are not entirely responsible.
I said you! You're stealing all the gold
I accuse you of taking advantage of others and exploiting them for your own gain.
I said you! You ought to be buried low
I condemn you for your actions and wish for your punishment and downfall.
Chorus
No one person can be held responsible for the world's problems, including myself.
Who? Oh you swine!
You are a despicable and contemptible person in my eyes.
Always breaking this heart of mine
Your actions continually cause me emotional pain and heartbreak.
I said who? It must be you
I continue to blame you for everything wrong in the world, even if it is not entirely accurate.
Who? It's all up to you
The world's problems and their solution are entirely in your hands, which is an unrealistic and unfair burden to place on one person.
Contributed by Nathan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.