Coe initially envisioned the song for his own catalog, but producer Billy Sherrill recognized that Johnny Paycheck possessed the vocal rasp required to turn it into an explosive commercial single. Paycheck, born Donald Eugene Lytle, had his own history of run-ins with the law, dishonorable military discharges, and hard living. When Epic Records released Paycheck's version in October 1977, the track shot up the charts.
By January 1978, "Take This Job and Shove It" reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, holding the top spot for two consecutive weeks and remaining on the charts for 18 weeks. The record became Paycheck's sole solo number-one country hit and crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 41.
Coe was never bitter about Paycheck's commercial success with the track; the royalties stabilized his finances during years when his personal behavior alienated major radio programmers. The song earned Paycheck a Grammy nomination for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, while Coe secured a nomination for Best Country Song at the 21st Annual Grammy Awards.
