You Never Even Called Me by My Name

David Allan Coe

About You Never Even Called Me by My Name

"You Never Even Called Me by My Name" is a song written by Steve Goodman and John Prine. Prine requested to be uncredited on the song as he thought it was a "goofy, novelty song" and didn't want to "offend the country music community". Goodman released the song on his eponymous 1971 debut album Steve Goodman to little acclaim. It was more famously covered by country music singer David Allan Coe on his 1975 album Once Upon a Rhyme. It was the third single release of Coe's career and his first Top Ten hit, reaching a peak of number eight on the Billboard country singles charts. The song, over five minutes long, is known for its humorous self-description as "the perfect country and western song." 


Year:
1997
5:16
57 
#1

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Well, it was all
That I could do to keep from crying'
Sometimes it seemed so useless to remain
But you don't have to call me darlin', darlin'
You never even called me by my name

You don't have to call me Waylon Jennings
And you don't have to call me Charlie Pride
And you don't have to call me Merle Haggard anymore
Even though you're on my fighting' side

And I'll hang around as long as you will let me
And I never minded standing' in the rain
But you don't have to call me darlin', darlin'
You never even called me by my name

Well, I've heard my name
A few times in your phone book (hello, hello)
And I've seen it on signs where I've played
But the only time I know
I'll hear "David Allan Coe"
Is when Jesus has his final judgment day

So I'll hang around as long as you will let me
And I never minded standing' in the rain
But you don't have to call me darlin', darlin'
You never even called me by my name

Well, a friend of mine named Steve Goodman wrote that song
And he told me it was the perfect country & western song
I wrote him back a letter and I told him it was not the perfect country & western song 
Because he hadn't said anything at all about mama
Or trains, or trucks, or prison, or getting' drunk
Well, he sat down and wrote another verse to the song and he sent it to me
And after reading it I realized that my friend had written the perfect country & western song
And I felt obliged to include it on this album
The last verse goes like this here

Well, I was drunk the day my mom got out of prison
And I went to pick her up in the rain
But before I could get to the station in my pickup truck
She got run over by a damned old train

And I'll hang around as long as you will let me
And I never minded standing' in the rain, no
But you don't have to call me darlin', darlin'
You never even called me
Well, I wonder why you don't call me
Why don't you ever call me by my name

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David Allan Coe

David Allan Coe (born September 6, 1939) is an American outlaw country music singer who achieved popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. As a singer, his biggest hits were "Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile," "The Ride," "You Never Even Called Me by My Name," "She Used to Love Me a Lot," and "Longhaired Redneck." His best-known compositions are the No. 1 successes "Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)," which was covered by Tanya Tucker; and "Take This Job and Shove It," which was later covered by Johnny Paycheck that was later a hit movie (both Coe and Paycheck had minor parts in the film). more »

4 fans

Written by: Steve Goodman

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song Release
"You Never Even Called Me by My Name" is a song written by Steve Goodman and John Prine, and it was recorded by country music artist David Allan Coe. It was initially released in July 1975.
Album Information
The song is a part of David Allan Coe's album, "Once Upon a Rhyme," and it is known for being one of the standout songs in the collection.
Song Popularity
It became Coe's first Top Ten hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, peaking at No. 8.
Connection to Steve Goodman
Although Steve Goodman wrote the song, he was hesitant to record it himself as he thought it was a novelty song too full of country clichés. David Allan Coe convinced him to record it.
Performance Style
The song is renowned for its spoken-word monologue that leads into the final verse, where Coe comments about what it takes for a song to become a "classical country song".
References
This song was intentionally written to include all the 'required' references for it to be considered a 'true' country song - references to Mama, or trains, or trucks, or prison, and getting drunk.
Controversy
The song wasn't without its controversy, with some believing it made fun of the country genre, although Coe has stated it was a joke between him and songwriter Steve Goodman.
Cultural Impact
The song has been covered by multiple country singers over the years and continues to be a country music staple in bars and parties due to its catchy melody and humorous lyrics.
Music Video
Despite being released in a time when music videos were far from commonplace, David Allan Coe managed to make a well-received one for his hit single.
Goodman's Reaction
Steve Goodman stated in interviews that people often incorrectly assume he's angry about David Allan Coe's success with "You Never Even Called Me by My Name," but in actuality, he's grateful that it brought his songwriting abilities to a wider audience.
In Movies and TV
The song was used in the soundtrack for the movie "Black Dog" starring Patrick Swayze and has made appearances in several television shows.
Live Performances
David Allan Coe often performs this song live, and it is usually a crowd favorite due to its unique tune and witty lyrics.

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