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.
All The Way
Robert Cray Lyrics
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Somebody pulled me in
You know I've never learned to swim
I'm trying to tread in an unknown territory
Don't know to find my next of kin ???
Cause I'm diggin it
I got more than my feet wet
And I'm diggin it
But I never would have learned
If I hadn't gone all the way
Someone said that love would make a fool of me
I'd seen what happened to my friends
But they only told one side of the story
Trying to make me believe that it's just pretend
But I'm diggin it
So glad I've never listen
To a single word that they said
And I'm diggin it
But I never would have learned
If I hadn't gone all the way
People will always try to warn ya'
And make you think about it twice
You're better off trusting yourself
Just take your own advice
Heeeeyyyy!
I forgot my coat
And it began to rain
I never planned to be out long
And then you're love came pouring down upon me
I got caught in the storm of a love so strong
And I'm diggin it
I got more than my feet wet
And I'm way up over my head
And I'm diggin it
So glad I never listened to a single word that they said
And I'm diggin it, diggin it, diggin it, baby
I got more than my feet wet
I'm way up over my head
And I'm diggin it, baby, baby, baby
But I never would have learned
If I hadn't gone all the way
If I hadn't gone all the way
No, no
If I hadn't gone all the way
I wouldn't know what I know today, no, no
If I hadn't gone all the way
I just wouldn't have the love I have today, baby, baby, baby
I've found a love
Cause I went all the way
I've found love
The lyrics to Robert Cray's song All the Way talk about taking risks in life, specifically in the matters of love. At first, the lyrics suggest that there is hesitation in taking risks, as the singer talks about not knowing how to swim despite wading in uncertain territory. But as the song progresses, it becomes clear that the singer is indeed taking risks, treading deeper into a relationship that is considered to be dangerous, according to the warnings of friends. However, the singer remains undeterred, deciding to trust their own instincts instead of the words of others. The singer explains that they forgot their coat and got caught in the storm of a love so strong and are now "way up over their head" but "diggin it". Ultimately, the singer learns that if they hadn't taken the risk in the first place, they wouldn't have found the love they have today.
The lyrics to All The Way encapsulate the idea of not being afraid to jump headfirst into life and all its experiences. The song is about the importance of taking risks and following your heart, despite the doubts and fears that may arise. The lyrics highlight that it's best to trust your instincts and take your own advice as others' futile attempts to warn you may lead you to lead a life of regrets.
Line by Line Meaning
Threw out a rope
I reached out for help
Somebody pulled me in
And someone assisted me in a time of need
You know I've never learned to swim
I am inexperienced with the obstacles that lie ahead
I'm trying to tread in an unknown territory
I am navigating through uncharted waters
Don't know to find my next of kin ???
I am unsure of who or where to turn to for guidance
Cause I'm diggin it
But I am enjoying this new experience
I got more than my feet wet
I have become more involved than I initially anticipated
I'm way up over my head
I am in deep, and possibly in over my head
But I never would have learned
But I would not have made progress
If I hadn't gone all the way
If I did not take risks and put myself out there
Someone said that love would make a fool of me
People tried to discourage me by warning me of the possible consequences
I'd seen what happened to my friends
I witnessed bad outcomes happen to those around me
But they only told one side of the story
But those warnings did not reflect the whole picture
Trying to make me believe that it's just pretend
Urging me to think that what I'm experiencing isn't real
So glad I've never listen
I am glad I went the opposite route
To a single word that they said
I did not take their words to heart
People will always try to warn ya'
People will always give warnings, even if unwarranted
And make you think about it twice
And make you second-guess yourself
You're better off trusting yourself
But ultimately, trusting your instincts is best
Just take your own advice
You are best-equipped to make decisions for yourself
I forgot my coat
I was unprepared for what was to come
And it began to rain
And faced sudden difficulties
I never planned to be out long
I was not expecting to stay in the situation for long
And then you're love came pouring down upon me
But then love unexpectedly entered my life
I got caught in the storm of a love so strong
And was swept up by its powerful force
I'm diggin it, diggin it, diggin it, baby
And now I'm relishing in the experience
If I hadn't gone all the way
If I didn't take a chance on love
I wouldn't know what I know today, no, no
I wouldn't have the knowledge of love or the strength it brings
I just wouldn't have the love I have today, baby, baby, baby
I would not have the love and fulfillment in my life
I've found a love
I have found a love
Cause I went all the way
Because I took a chance on love and went all in
Contributed by Hannah T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.