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.
Bouncin' Back
Robert Cray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To my surprise
My eyes watered up
But I didn't cry
I pictured our good times
And I almost had a laugh
I'm finally bouncin' back, yeah
Fall and winter's gone
I've made it through the cold
Shivered through some storms
Rained all night all alone
I didn't like that
I can see that silver lining
I see it now at last
I'm finally bouncin' back
I'm finally bouncin' back
I'm finally bouncin' back
Last week, I took her name
Off my mailbox
Threw out some shoes and clothes
She left behind
I even took her picture
Off of my dresser
I believe these are very good signs
I believe these are very good signs
Yeah, yeah, yeah
I've got the urge to sing again
I've got the urge to dance
I can see myself again
Giving love just one more chance
I've been away too long
Way off track
I'm finally bouncin' back
I'm finally bouncin' back
I'm finally bouncin' back
I've been away too long
Way off track
And I'm finally bouncin' back
I'm finally bouncin' back
I've got the urge to dance
I believe that I'll
Give love just one more chance
In "Bouncin' Back," Robert Cray sings about finally getting over a past relationship and moving on to a brighter future. The first verse describes how the memory of his ex-girlfriend unexpectedly popped up, causing some emotional pain, but he did not shed a tear. Instead, he reminisces about the good times and feels like he is finally in a place where he can laugh about them. The chorus emphatically declares that he is "finally bouncin' back" and suggests that he has overcome a long period of hurt and sadness.
The second verse continues with this theme, as Cray describes weathering the storms of fall and winter, both literally and metaphorically. He endured some tough nights alone and did not enjoy them, but he sees a silver lining at the end of the dark clouds. He is optimistic about his future, and the chorus reaffirms that he has indeed bounced back from his low point.
The final verse details some symbolic actions that Cray has taken to demonstrate that he is ready to move on. He has removed his ex's name from his mailbox, thrown away her belongings, and even taken down her picture. These actions serve as a physical representation of his emotional progress. He concludes the song by expressing his desire to sing, dance, and love again, and he believes he is capable of doing so after being "way off track" for too long.
Line by Line Meaning
Her name came up today
I was reminded of her today
To my surprise
It caught me off guard
My eyes watered up
I almost cried
But I didn't cry
I held back my tears
I pictured our good times
I remembered our happy moments
And I almost had a laugh
It almost made me smile
I'm finally bouncin' back
I'm finally recovering
Fall and winter's gone
The hard times are over
I've made it through the cold
I survived despite the difficulties
Shivered through some storms
I endured some rough times
Rained all night all alone
I felt lonely in the dark
I didn't like that
It was unpleasant for me
I can see that silver lining
I can see the positive side
I see it now at last
I understand it now
Last week, I took her name
I removed her name
Off my mailbox
From my address
Threw out some shoes and clothes
I got rid of her belongings
She left behind
That she abandoned
I even took her picture
I deleted her photo
Off of my dresser
From my furniture
I believe these are very good signs
I think these are positive indications
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yes, I'm certain
I've got the urge to sing again
I want to sing once more
I've got the urge to dance
I want to dance
I can see myself again
I can envision myself
Giving love just one more chance
Taking another shot at love
I've been away too long
I was gone for too long
Way off track
I lost my way
And I'm finally bouncin' back
And now I'm starting to recover
Give love just one more chance
I want to give love another opportunity
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DENNIS WALKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@genreliffic9894
We are running out of the true blues players/ old school, but we still have RobertCray and a few others. show em all some love ...
@joybird144
Thank you my dear friend J for thinking of me when hearing this and sharing it with me xx.
@superwhite9975
By far my favorite Robert cray song. There is so much pain and emotion in his music. I gets chills when he screams..
@MrAdriancooke
Ironically he didn't write this song
@keithmatry8939
That final wail!! Chilling. Robert Cray is the man...
@richiepetranico9852
Perhaps the greatest Cray song ever to Bless his many fans/followers. I know it's definitely mine!
@MrAdriancooke
He didn't write it though
@genreliffic9894
Thanks for the comments all, and glad you enjoy this tune ... :)
@greghenderson4856
The last note will set you free !!!
@MrAdriancooke
One of his best