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.
Forgot to Be Your Lover
Robert Cray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, if I didn't darling, I'm sorry
Did I reach out and hold you in my loving arms
Oh, when you needed me?
Now I realize that you need love too
And I'll spend my life making love to you
And I'm sorry, I'm so sorry
Have I taken the time to share with you
All the burdens that lovers bear?
And have I done the little simple things to show you
Just how much I care?
Oh, I've been working for you doing all I can
But work all the time didn't make me a man
Oh, I forgot to be your lover
And I'm sorry, I'll make it up to you somehow, baby
I forgot to be your lover, I'm so sorry
I forgot to be your lover
Gonna make it up to you somehow, baby
The Robert Cray Band's "Forgot to Be Your Lover" is a deeply introspective song about a man who realizes he has neglected his lover's emotional needs. The opening verse establishes the singer's remorse for failing to express his love to his partner. The repetition of the phrase "I'm sorry" emphasizes how keenly the singer regrets his neglectful behavior.
The second verse delves into the singer's self-awareness. He recognizes that being a good lover means more than just providing financial support - it means being attentive to one's partner's emotional needs. The line "But work all the time didn't make me a man" points to a realization that masculinity is not solely defined by one's ability to provide financial support to one's family, but also includes being attentive and caring.
The chorus, "Oh, I forgot to be your lover / And I'm sorry, I'll make it up to you somehow, baby" shows the singer's desire to apologize and make amends for his neglect. Overall, the song is a heartfelt apology for neglecting a partner's emotional needs and expresses a desire to make things right.
Line by Line Meaning
Have I told you lately that I love you?
I'm wondering whether or not I've expressed my love for you recently and I hope I did.
Well, if I didn't darling, I'm sorry
In case I failed to convey my love for you, I apologize.
Did I reach out and hold you in my loving arms
I'm questioning if I've held you and comforted you when you needed me to.
Oh, when you needed me?
I'm asking if I was there for you when you required my support or care.
Now I realize that you need love too
I understand that you crave love and affection just as much as I do.
And I'll spend my life making love to you
I'll devote my life to express love and shower you with affection.
Oh, I forgot to be your lover
I failed to fulfill the role of being your lover.
And I'm sorry, I'm so sorry
I feel genuine remorse for not being there for you as your lover.
Have I taken the time to share with you
I'm questioning whether or not I took the time to effectively communicate with you.
All the burdens that lovers bear?
I'm questioning if I've assisted you in carrying the emotional weight that typically comes with loving one another.
And have I done the little simple things to show you
I'm wondering if I've done the small but necessary things to make you feel loved and valued.
Just how much I care?
I'm questioning if I've effectively expressed the amount of care and concern I have for you.
Oh, I've been working for you doing all I can
I've been working hard for you and doing everything in my power to provide for and care for you.
But work all the time didn't make me a man
I realize that working constantly doesn't make me a good partner or lover.
Gonna make it up to you somehow, baby
I'm determined to make it up to you and remedy my shortcomings as a lover.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: William Bell, Booker T. Jones Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rebecca Byrd
Don't we wish we had this kind of music, today? The singers of today would have a lot more respect, if only they could sing a song like Robert Cray.Peaceful, soulful, goes straight to the heart. Can't be beat!!!
AusRap
such a soulful version of this song. love it.
Stax Soul
I love this track / version . Robert Cray is a Soul man . William Bell , Otis Redding and all those Stax / Atlantic guys would have embraced him. Soul will never die , Rocky
Jr. SugarFingers Linton
robert cray is simply tasteful and full of soul ,his voice and his guitar is so emotional.
Frankie Hozeny
So much soul, great riff and syncopation
Mathieu Petit
one of the best guitarist ever!!!he got a full hip hop song with just a guitar!!!!
Carol Scott
I like this version just as soulful as the original
Mherlyanne Ravenscroft
Awesome ❤️ what a great voice
arbuckle
Another artist that plays his instrument as an extension of his heart and soul while singing the blues. Like Lionel, Robert Cray is Easy like a Sunday morning
None of Your Business
Love this cover as much as the OG version 🖤Dare I say- I think I might even like it more 🫣