Meaning of "Age 21" by David Allan Coe

The lyrics of "Age 21" paint a poignant picture of a young man reflecting on the consequences of his actions. Being incarcerated and forced to work on a prison farm, the narrator is reminded of the mistakes he has made that led him to this point. The mention of being born in the heart of the city and raised by the mother's son suggests a turbulent upbringing and possibly a lack of guidance that contributed to the narrator's downfall. Turning twenty-one is typically seen as a milestone that marks the transition into adulthood, but for the narrator, it signifies the loss of his youth and the harsh reality of paying for his wrongdoings. The coal pile symbolizes the burden and toil of his past actions, highlighting the price he is paying for his mistakes. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of regret, maturity, and the heavy weight of consequences.