And it became an anthem for anyone who had ever felt trapped in a job, exhausted by a boss, or desperate to walk away from an unhappy working life.
Coe had a gift for expressing feelings that many people experienced but could not put into words.
The song proved that his songwriting ability extended far beyond his own recordings.
It became one of the most recognizable titles in country music history.
## A Songwriter Behind Songs Others Made Famous
Coe’s songwriting influence stretched further.
He wrote “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone),” which became a hit for Tanya Tucker in 1974.
He was also the first country singer to record “Tennessee Whiskey,” written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove.
The song later became a country standard through recordings by artists including George Jones and, much later, Chris Stapleton.
That history is an important part of Coe’s legacy.
