Robert Cray (born August 1, 1953, Columbus, Georgia) is an American blues g… Read Full Bio ↴Robert Cray (born August 1, 1953, Columbus, Georgia) is an American blues guitarist and singer. A five-time Grammy Award winner, he has led his own band (the Robert Cray Band), as well as an acclaimed solo career. In 2011, Cray was inducted to the Blues Hall of Fame.

While Cray was among artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan and George Thorogood who got wider radio airplay and regular MTV video exposure during the late 1980s, he started playing guitar in his early teens. At Denbigh High School in Newport News, Virginia, his love of blues and soul music flourished as he started collecting records. Originally, Robert Cray wanted to become an architect, but at about the same time he was going to study design in architecture he formed a local band "Steakface", described as "the best band from Lakewood you never heard of". Cray on guitar and vocals contributed greatly to Steakface's set list of songs by Jimi Hendrix, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Fleetwood Mac, the Grease Band, Blodwyn Pig, Jethro Tull, Forever More, Spirit, and The Faces.

By the time he was twenty, Cray had seen his heroes Albert Collins, Freddie King and Muddy Waters in concert, and decided to form his own band. His band started playing college towns on the west coast. After several years of regional success, Cray was signed to Mercury Records in 1982. His third release, Strong Persuader, received a Grammy Award, while the crossover single "Smokin' Gun" gave him wider appeal and name recognition.

By then Cray was an opening act for such major stars as Eric Clapton (who remains a friend to this day), and sold out larger venues as a solo artist. Cray has generally played Fender guitars (Telecasters and Stratocasters) and there are two signature Robert Cray Stratocasters models available from Fender.

Cray continues to record and tour.

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A Little Less Lonely
Robert Cray Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When she first left me
Didn't know what I'd do
Put up a road block
So, no one got through
Then I struck lucky
When I met you
May not be love
But, I think it will do
And, oh, how I cry
Thought that I would die
No longer one and only
It may not be love
But it's a little less lonely
Now I see
You every few days
We're not much on talking
Words get it the way
But I can't wait
Things that we do
May not be love
But, I think it's the truth
Oh, how I cry
Thought that I would die
No longer one and only
It may not be love
But it's a little less lonely
Some day you'll want a little bit more
Right now I'm not ready
To open up that door
But, don't break my heart
Say that we're through
May not be love
May not be love
May not be love
May not be love
May not be love
It ain't love
May not be love
Ain't love
May not be love
No, may not be love
No, it ain't
It ain't love
It ain't love
It ain't love
It ain't love
It ain't love
It ain't love
It ain't love
It ain't love
It ain't love
No, it ain't love
No, no
But, I think it will do

Overall Meaning

In these lyrics, Robert Cray is reflecting on the aftermath of a breakup and the feelings of loneliness that followed. The singer initially felt lost and put up emotional barriers to protect himself from further heartbreak, feeling disconnected and isolated from the world around him. However, a chance encounter with someone new brought a glimmer of hope into his life. While it may not be the deep love he once had, he finds solace in the companionship and comfort this new person provides, even if it's not romantic love.

The singer struggles with his emotions, feeling overwhelmed by sadness and the fear of being alone. He recognizes that this new connection may not fully replace the love he had lost, but it brings him some relief from the intense loneliness he was feeling. Despite not being in a traditional romantic relationship, the singer finds some peace in this companionship, as it helps him navigate through his emotional turmoil and provides a sense of belonging.

The dynamic between the singer and this new person is characterized by a lack of deep communication. They may not talk much, but their actions and presence speak volumes about the bond they share. The singer finds comfort in the simplicity of their interactions and the shared experiences they have, even if it falls short of the grand gestures and passionate declarations associated with romantic love. It's a more understated and subtle form of connection that fills the void left by the singer's previous relationship.

As the song progresses, the singer acknowledges the limitations of this new relationship. While it may offer temporary relief from loneliness, he is not ready to fully invest emotionally or open up to the possibility of a deeper love. The singer is cautious and guarded, expressing a fear of being hurt again. He values the current arrangement for what it is – a source of comfort and companionship in a lonely time – without expecting or demanding more than that. Ultimately, the lyrics convey a bittersweet acceptance of this new connection as a temporary respite from loneliness, even if it falls short of true love.

Line by Line Meaning

When she first left me
After experiencing heartbreak from a previous relationship

Didn't know what I'd do
Feeling lost and uncertain about the future

Put up a road block
Guarding oneself from emotional pain

So, no one got through
Preventing others from getting close

Then I struck lucky
Feeling fortunate

When I met you
Finding someone new

May not be love
Acknowledging that it may not be true love

But, I think it will do
Believing that the relationship is satisfactory

And, oh, how I cry
Expressing emotional vulnerability

Thought that I would die
Feeling intense emotional pain

No longer one and only
Accepting the end of a past relationship