David Allan Coe The Devil Went Down To Jamaica
Country music outlaw David Allan Coe. You probably know him for songs like "You Never Even Call Me by My Name." But did you know about the time he, well, *sort of* went to Jamaica and had a run-in with, uh, the Devil? Buckle up, it's a wild story!
The Ballad of the Devil...and a Cruise Ship
Alright, alright, so Coe didn't *actually* sell his soul to the Prince of Darkness for reggae skills in Montego Bay. The story behind the song, which is titled "The Devil Went Down to Jamaica," is a bit more… down-to-earth, and it involves a cruise.
Imagine this: David Allan Coe, a man known for his rough-and-tumble image, finds himself on a cruise ship. You can almost picture him, right? Surrounded by shuffleboard and fruity cocktails.
He was on a trip, heading for somewhere warmer. He met a fellow musician and a challenge was posed.
The "Devil" is in the Details
According to Coe himself, the song started as a bit of a joke. He was hanging out with a musician friend, possibly Curly Putman. And they started riffing on Charlie Daniels's massive hit, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia."
Someone jokingly suggested, "Hey, what if the Devil went somewhere else? Like, I don't know, Jamaica?" The seed was planted! This is how "The Devil Went Down to Jamaica" was conceived.
It wasn't supposed to be a serious rival to Daniels' song. It was just a bit of fun between friends.
From Joke to… Almost a Hit?
Coe, ever the showman, decided to take the idea and run with it. The result was a hilarious, tongue-in-cheek story. It features a talented Jamaican musician and, yes, the Devil himself.
The song tells the tale of a musical showdown. Instead of a fiddle, the instruments of choice are more island-appropriate: a guitar and the steel drums.
The lyrics are full of playful boasts and silly rhymes. It showcased Coe's sense of humor more than his profound songwriting.
Why You Probably Haven't Heard It
So, why isn't "The Devil Went Down to Jamaica" a household name like its "Georgia" counterpart? Well, there's a key difference. Coe never officially released his version as a single.
It was a live staple for a while, a fun little interlude during his concerts. You can find recordings of it floating around. But you won’t find it on any of his major studio albums.
Some speculate that Coe didn’t want to directly compete with Charlie Daniels. Others suggest he felt the song was too lighthearted for his usual outlaw image.
The Legacy of a Cruise Ship Joke
Ultimately, "The Devil Went Down to Jamaica" is a reminder that even the toughest country singers have a funny bone. It shows that inspiration can strike anywhere. Even on a cruise ship with questionable food and even more questionable entertainment!
It also reveals a more playful side of David Allan Coe. The man known for his controversial lyrics and rebellious attitude could also crack a joke and have a good time.
So, next time you're listening to Coe's music, remember the story of the Devil, the cruise ship, and the song that almost was. It’s a little piece of country music trivia that's sure to bring a smile to your face.
