Back Door Slam
Robert Cray Lyrics
I was born in the back seat
Of a travellin' hurricane
I came up in the back streets
The city with no name
I was raised on trouble
Rock when I should roll
I never could control it
And I can't be controlled
I am the back door slam
When I walk down the streets
The streetlights go out
When I drive through your town
The dogs start to howl
And I stand in the shadows
Sparks are in my hair
When I open up my mouth
My voice fills the air
I am what I am
I am the back door slam
People say
I'm charming
People say
I'm alarming
People can feel
The disturbance around me
I don't care
What they say they see
I'm the dust in your broom
100 proof ever clear
I'm the crack in your ceilin'
Thump you think you hear
I'm a 3 a.m. phone call
Tank of gasoline
I'm a siren stoppin'
At the end of your street
I am what I am
I am the back door slam
People say
Strange
People say
I'm dangerous
People can feel
That a deal was struck
Save my soul
And make my own luck
I was born in the city
A city with no shame
And when I play guitar
They all know my name
I am what I am
I am the back door slam
I am what I am
I am the back door slam
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BONNIE M. HAYES, KEVIN ROBERT HAYES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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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. Read Full BioRobert 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.
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. Read Full BioRobert 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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Rita Boler
True rhythm and blues.
Austin Gonzales
"I never could control it and I can't be controlled." Spectacular. Robert Cray is incredible!
George Fuller
seen Robert in concert 3 times , mabey 4 ... he doesn't let up , just keeps getting better
songserenade
Great blues song. Brother's got some soul...and the blues!
gary.nelson
Got this at a CD party. This album will live with me Forever !!!!!!!!
TheDrummer51
Love it. For some reason the tremolo in the solo makes me think of an old time skating rink. The whole song though, is just so damn slinky!
RaVen DaWn
beyond music, the soul of a man who has his own rules, song lives as do I. so everyone's ok in my world, just enjoy from the safe seats and stay off the field, don't be a speed bump, I'm coming through
Deborah Smith
RaVen DaWn good advice
Well put
PropDuster
This is my alltime favorite Robert Cray song !!! WOW Smokin ...
Ryan Wilt
This is my gaming music. Love Robert Cray.