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.
Tell the Truth
Kevin Coyne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now Robin Hood was really good
He fed the poor to feed the rich
He didn′t do a thing the bitch
Heard the story about Guru Christ?
He was a man infested with lice
He thought he was really nice
We need him now
Tell the truth
Tell the truth
Tell the truth
Tell the truth
Tell the truth
Tell the truth
Tell the truth
Tell the truth
Hear the story about Josef K
A man who had his day
A lion in his lair
A man who knew anywhere
He could control your soul he said
Now that man is really dead
Is he dead? Dead. He's dead. Is he dead?
Tell the truth
Tell the truth
Tell the truth
Tell the truth
Tell the truth
Tell the truth
Tell the truth
Tell the truth
In Kevin Coyne's song "Tell the Truth," the artist questions the popular myths and legends of heroic figures and religious leaders that are commonly accepted, and begs for the truth to be told. The first verse alludes to the tale of Robin Hood, the hero who stole from the rich to give to the poor. However, Coyne's interpretation suggests that the act of feeding the rich in order to do so was not actually heroic, and perhaps Robin Hood was not as benevolent as popular culture would lead us to believe. The use of the derogatory term "bitch" suggests a cynical attitude towards this legendary figure.
The second verse references the religious figure Guru Christ, who is known for his teachings of non-violent love and kindness. However, Coyne's mention of him being infested with lice, and the plea "where is he now, we need him now," evokes a feeling of disillusionment and desperation. It's as though Coyne is questioning why, despite the supposed teachings of kindness and love, the world is still in need of a savior.
Overall, the repetition of the phrase "tell the truth" throughout the song emphasizes the importance of exposing the reality behind these commonly held beliefs and stories. Coyne seems to be criticizing the unquestioning acceptance of these tales as truth, and encourages listeners to seek out the real stories behind these legends.
Line by Line Meaning
Have you heard the story about Robin Hood?
Do you know the tale of Robin Hood?
Now Robin Hood was really good
Robin Hood was truly virtuous.
He fed the poor to feed the rich
His actions ended up benefiting the wealthy at the expense of the poor.
He didn’t do a thing the bitch
However, Robin was not to blame for the corrupt system in place that allowed this to happen.
Heard the story about Guru Christ?
Are you familiar with the tale of Jesus Christ?
He was a man infested with lice
Jesus was not exempt from the physical trials of life and suffered from an unpleasant ailment.
He thought he was really nice
Jesus had a strong sense of compassion and empathy for his fellow man.
But where is he now, we need him now
It is a shame that we can no longer benefit from his teachings and wisdom in today’s world.
Tell the truth
Be honest and forthcoming about the facts.
Hear the story about Josef K
Interestingly, have you heard about Josef K?
A man who had his day
Josef was at one point a prominent individual, perhaps a leader or accomplished professional.
A lion in his lair
In his element, Josef was confident and commanding, like a lion in his territory.
A man who knew anywhere
Josef had a strong understanding of the world and his place in it.
He could control your soul he said
Despite this, Josef likely had a dangerous level of control over others, potentially manipulating them for his own gain.
Now that man is really dead
Today, however, Josef is deceased, perhaps due to his own corrupt actions or the passage of time.
Is he dead? Dead. He's dead. Is he dead?
The artist is reflecting on this fact and perhaps struggling to come to terms with it.
Writer(s): Kevin William Coyne, Steven Bull
Contributed by Callie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@senglorama
Amazing. Enter by Cybotron came out the year after this, it just sounds so similar. But Kevin Coyne was a blues/rock singer. It's great that he got into that kind of music so fast and was able and willing to change is style to do this. This is pretty legendary I must say. I guess not many know about this track, but my mind is blown.
@carsoncityboy
That is really something, on the edge, very entertaining.
@CircleOfTyrants666
some crazy mothefucker please post the full album, thanks