David Allan Coe

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I can't see nothing but spotlights
Spotlights see nothing but me
All of my music is lonely
Yeah, all of my heartaches were free
Don't waste your time or your flash bulbs
Too many heroes are dead
You like to live in the city
Yeah, I like to live in my head

[Chorus]
Somebody shoot out that spotlight
Spotlights ain't nothing but jive
Roll me a smoke
And give me some coke
Treat me like I am alive
Tell all the ladies I'm single
Tell Lone Star beer that I'm dry
Everyone's lying 'bout livin'
Everyone's living a lie

[Verse 2]
I spend my nighttimes in mourning
I spend my morning's alone
You spent your money to see me tonight
Yeah, I spent all mine gettin' stoned
Now that they're both kinda busted
Doesn't it seem kinda strange
That I lay down knowing
We're two of a kind
You'll leave here knowing my name
[Chorus]
Somebody shoot out that spotlight
Spotlights ain't nothing but jive
Roll me a smoke
And give me some coke
Treat me like I am alive
Tell all the ladies I'm single
Tell Lone Star beer that I'm dry
Everyone's lying 'bout livin'
Everyone's living a lie

[Outro]
Everybody's lying about living
And I'm tired of living a lieEmbed

Spotlight, written by the legendary outlaw country singer David Allan Coe, is a song that speaks to the ups and downs of life in the music industry. Coe, a prolific artist with a career spanning over five decades, wrote Spotlight as an intimate look at his own experiences in the spotlight. With its raw lyrics and gritty vocals, Spotlight has become a staple of outlaw country and a classic in its own right.

About Spotlight

Spotlight was first recorded by David Allan Coe for his 1983 album "Underground Album". The song was later released as a single in 1984, peaking at number 92 on the Billboard country charts. What makes Spotlight unique is its frank and honest portrayal of life as a musician. In his lyrics, Coe reminisces about the thrill of playing sold-out shows and meeting his fans, but also addresses the darker side of fame.

One of the most striking aspects of Spotlight is its tone. Coe's rough, gravelly voice gives the song a sense of authenticity that is often hard to find in modern country music. As he sings about the temptations of the road and the pressures of the industry, it's clear that Coe is speaking from his own experiences. The lyrics are unapologetically honest, pulling no punches when it comes to the hardships of life as a musician.

In many ways, Spotlight is a testament to David Allan Coe's artistry. Known for his irreverent humor and rebellious spirit, Coe has always been a champion of the outlaw country movement. With songs like Spotlight, he paved the way for other artists to explore the darker side of life and to infuse their music with honesty and authenticity.

One of the standout lines from the song is: "And the spotlight can burn you, but the damnedest thing is / It don't get that hot 'til you get used to it". This line perfectly encapsulates the message of the song. To Coe, the dangers of fame and success are real, but they're often masked by the glamour and excitement of life on the road. It's a message that still resonates with audiences today, making Spotlight a timeless classic in the canon of outlaw country.

Why Spotlight is a Must-Listen

If you're a fan of classic country music, Spotlight is a must-listen. With its unforgettable lyrics and unforgettable performance from David Allan Coe, this song encapsulates the grit and the glory of life as a musician. From the opening bars to the final notes, Spotlight will take you on a wild ride through the highs and lows of fame, leaving you both exhilarated and humbled. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Coe's music or simply looking for a new addition to your country playlist, Spotlight is a song that should not be missed.

So what are you waiting for? Turn up the volume, sit back, and let David Allan Coe take you on a journey through the bright lights and dark alleys of the music industry. Spotlight is a song that will stay with you long after the last note fades away.

• Release Date: March 1, 1976
• Artist: David Allan Coe