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.
One Fine Day
Kevin Coyne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've seen you standing in the pourring rain
Lips all red and your eyes all tears stained
Somebody said they've been putting you down
That they don't want you when you're around
Don't you worry baby, I'm homeward bound (x2)
Chorus: And one fine day the sun will shine, everything will be yours and mine
I love you but they say I have to go
Well they accuse me of bossing the show
It's not my fault you're married baby
It might happen if you give it a chance baby maybe
Well I'm running, I'm a jumping, I'm on my sleigh baby for you
I'm on my sleigh baby baby baby baby for you (with a reindeer)
Chorus - Solo - Chorus
I've seen you standing in the pourring rain
Lips all red and your eyes all tears stained
Somebody said they've been putting you down
That they don't want you when you're around
Don't you worry baby, I'm homeward bound (x2)
Don't you worry Marlene, I'm homeward bound
Don't you worry baby, I'm homeward bound
And one fine day the sun will shine, everything will be yours and mine
Everything will go as planned, don't you know the matter's right here at hand
In Kevin Coyne’s song One Fine Day, the singer sees someone standing in the pouring rain with red lips and eyes stained with tears. He understands that people have been putting her down and she doesn't feel wanted, but he assures her not to worry because he is homeward bound. The chorus then interrupts, with Coyne singing that one fine day the sun will shine, everything will be for the two of them, and everything will go as planned. He expresses his love for her, but states that he has been told he has to go, that he has been accused of bossing the show. He then mentions that she is married, but suggests that it might happen if she gives it a chance. The song ends with Coyne repeating that he is homeward bound and that one fine day the sun will shine.
The lyrics of One Fine Day seem to be addressing a person who is down on their luck, with people putting them down and making them feel unwanted. The singer seems to be reassuring them and expressing love for them, while acknowledging the difficulties that may exist, such as the other person being married. The chorus brings a sense of hope, claiming that the future will hold brighter days where everything will be for them and everything will go as planned. The song closes with a sense of hope and possibility, as Coyne repeats that he is homeward bound and that one fine day the sun will shine.
Overall, One Fine Day is a poignant and heartfelt song that touches on themes of love, hope, and difficult circumstances. It is an example of Coyne's unique ability to tell stories through song and connect emotionally with listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
I've seen you standing in the pouring rain
I have observed you standing in the heavy rain
Lips all red and your eyes all tears stained
Your lips were red and your eyes were stained with tears
Somebody said they've been putting you down
Someone mentioned that they have been criticising you
That they don't want you when you're around
They don't seem to appreciate your presence
Don't you worry baby, I'm homeward bound (x2)
Don't worry, because I'm coming home soon
And one fine day the sun will shine, everything will be yours and mine
Someday, everything will be wonderful for both of us
Everything will go as planned, don't you know the matter's right here at hand.
Everything will work out perfectly, as the solution is right here
I love you but they say I have to go
I love you, but someone is telling me to leave
Well they accuse me of bossing the show
They are blaming me for being in charge
It's not my fault you're married baby
I'm not responsible for the fact that you are married
It might happen if you give it a chance baby maybe
Maybe if you give us a chance, something could happen between us
Well I'm running, I'm a jumping, I'm on my sleigh baby for you
I am making a big effort to come and see you
I'm on my sleigh baby baby baby baby for you (with a reindeer)
I am coming for you, fully committed
Don't you worry Marlene, I'm homeward bound
Marlene, don't worry, I'm almost home
Don't you worry baby, I'm homeward bound
Baby, don't worry, I'm almost home
And one fine day the sun will shine, everything will be yours and mine
Someday, everything will be wonderful for both of us
Everything will go as planned, don't you know the matter's right here at hand.
Everything will work out perfectly, as the solution is right here
Contributed by Jordyn B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.