About the song
“You Never Even Called Me By My Name” is a classic country song performed by David Allan Coe, known for its humor, wit, and homage to the quintessential country music themes. Released in 1975 as part of Coe’s album *Once Upon a Rhyme*, this song has become a staple in the country music canon.
Written by Steve Goodman and John Prine, “You Never Even Called Me By My Name” is a tongue-in-cheek response to the stereotypical elements often found in country music songs. The lyrics humorously detail the quintessential country music tropes – lost love, a pickup truck, and a dog named “Boo.” The song playfully acknowledges these clichés while also affectionately embracing them, making it a favorite among fans of the genre.
Despite its humorous undertones, “You Never Even Called Me By My Name” resonated with audiences and climbed to number 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1975. Its success solidified David Allan Coe’s reputation as an innovative and dynamic figure in country music.
The album *Once Upon a Rhyme* received critical acclaim upon its release, with “You Never Even Called Me By My Name” standing out as a highlight. Coe’s charismatic delivery and the song’s clever lyrics made it an instant classic that continues to be enjoyed by fans of traditional country music.
For fans of David Allan Coe and classic country music, “You Never Even Called Me By My Name” remains a beloved favorite that embodies the spirit of the genre. Its humor, authenticity, and catchy melody make it a timeless gem in Coe’s extensive discography.
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Lyrics
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