Introduction
“You Don’t Have To Call Me Darlin” is a classic country song that was written by Albert E. Brumley in 1973. It was first recorded by David Allan Coe in 1977 and has since been covered by many other artists. The song is about a man who is tired of being called darlin’ by his significant other and wants her to call him by his name instead.
Verse 1
Well, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you
And I’ve changed so much I hardly know myself
And I’m not gonna sit here and try to tell you
That I’m perfect, babe, ’cause I know I’m not
Chorus
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
Verse 2
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
Chorus
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
Verse 3
Well, I’ve been to some of the big towns
And I’ve played in front of kings and queens
And I’ve seen them laugh at me and I’ve heard them whisper
“He’s not who he claims to be”
Chorus
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
Verse 4
Well, I’ve done a few things that I shouldn’t have done
But I haven’t done everything that I could
And I’ve never been to bed with an ugly woman
But I’ve sure woke up with a few
Chorus
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
Verse 5
Well, I’ve been to Georgia on a fast train, honey
I wasn’t born no yesterday
Got a good Christian raisin’ and an eighth grade education
Ain’t no need in y’all a treatin’ me this way
Chorus
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
Conclusion
“You Don’t Have To Call Me Darlin” is a classic country song that continues to be loved by fans of the genre. It’s a great example of the storytelling and humor that is often found in country music. So next time you’re singing along to this song, remember that it’s not just about being called darlin’, it’s about wanting to be recognized for who you are.
