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.
Gotta Change the Rules
Robert Cray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I won't consider you a friend no more
Cause the things you say behind my back
Just showed me, baby, where you're at
Gotta change the rules, oh, baby
Gotta change the rules
Whenever we meet out on the street
You're always real short with me
And you think that I don't understand
That I'm no longer, babe, part of your plans
Gotta change the rules, oh, baby
Gotta change the rules
If you want to love me
Gotta change the rules, oh, baby
Gotta change the rules
If they don't include me
We played a game of one-on-one
But the way we played it, baby, came undone
You took the love then passed a lie (???)
And it seems that we 'bout run out of time (??)
Gotta change the rules, oh, baby
Gotta change the rules
If you want to love me
Gotta change the rules, oh, baby
Gotta change the rules
If they don't include me
This time, baby
I'm gonna change the game
I went home and I practiced
I'm not the same
I've been a fool that's been hurt
And that's no doubt
So now I'm going to have to count you out
Gotta change the rules, oh, baby
Gotta change the rules
If you want to love me
Gotta change the rules, oh, baby
Gotta change the rules
If they don't include me
You're gonna cheat me
I don't play with 'ya
If you're gonna lie to me
Take that mess to somebody else
I can't stand it
Noo, I can't take it
I won't stand for it, baby, no
Change the rules, mmmm
The lyrics of "Gotta Change the Rules" by Robert Cray Band tell a story of a relationship that has run its course. The singer is frustrated with the way their partner is treating them and feels like they need to change the rules if they want to continue the relationship. They are tired of being treated poorly and disrespected, and they have decided to take a stand and demand better treatment.
The first verse sets the tone for the song, with the singer stating that they will not consider their partner a friend anymore once they leave. The reason for this is because of the things that their partner has said behind their back. This betrayal has shown the singer where their partner's true loyalties lie. The chorus repeats the message that the rules need to be changed if their partner wants to love them.
The second verse describes how their partner is cold and distant when they meet on the street, making it clear that they no longer want to be with them. The singer understands what is happening, but they are not going to put up with it anymore. The bridge and final verse are about the singer taking control of the situation. They have been hurt in the past, but they are not going to let it happen again. They are going to change the game and count their partner out unless the rules change.
Overall, "Gotta Change the Rules" is a straightforward blues-inspired track about a relationship that has gone sour. The singer is tired of being treated poorly and wants to be respected and loved. It's a relatable theme that many people can connect with.
Line by Line Meaning
As soon as you walk out that door
If you leave me now, I will never consider you as a friend again.
I won't consider you a friend no more
Leaving me like this will show how little you value our friendship.
Cause the things you say behind my back
I have heard things about you that you didn't intend me to know.
Just showed me, baby, where you're at
These things revealed to me who you really are and where we stand.
Gotta change the rules, oh, baby
We have to do things differently if we want to move forward with this relationship.
Gotta change the rules
The old ways of doing things are no longer working for us, and we need to change our approach.
If you want to love me
If we want to continue this relationship as lovers, we need to make some changes.
Whenever we meet out on the street
Every time we see each other outside, you act distant and reserved around me.
You're always real short with me
You never engage in conversation with me like you used to do before.
And you think that I don't understand
You believe that I'm not aware of the fact that our relationship has changed.
That I'm no longer, babe, part of your plans
You have made it evident that I no longer have a place in your life like I used to.
If they don't include me
If you don't include me in your plans and decisions, this relationship will never work.
We played a game of one-on-one
Our relationship was like a game of one-on-one basketball.
But the way we played it, baby, came undone
The way we handled our relationship has caused it to fall apart.
You took the love then passed a lie
You betrayed my trust and deceived me with your actions.
And it seems that we 'bout run out of time
Our relationship has reached a point where we are close to breaking up.
This time, baby
Things are going to be different this time around.
I'm gonna change the game
I'm going to approach our relationship differently and try to fix things.
I went home and I practiced
I took some time to reflect and prepare for the changes I need to make.
I'm not the same
I've grown and learned from my mistakes.
I've been a fool that's been hurt
I've made mistakes in the past that have caused me pain and suffering.
And that's no doubt
There's no denying my past mistakes.
So now I'm going to have to count you out
I can't continue this relationship with you if you are not willing to make some changes.
You're gonna cheat me
If you are planning to deceive me, then I'm not going to play along with you.
I don't play with 'ya
I'm not going to put up with any dishonesty or disloyalty.
If you're gonna lie to me
If you're planning to deceive me, then you should take that elsewhere.
Take that mess to somebody else
I'm not going to tolerate any lies or deceit from you.
I can't stand it
I'm tired of this kind of behavior from you.
Noo, I can't take it
I'm not going to put up with it anymore.
I won't stand for it, baby, no
I'm not going to tolerate this kind of behavior from you anymore.
Contributed by Xavier W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.