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.
I'm A Good Man
Robert Cray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I know I'm a good man
At least I try and understand
When things don't go just like we planned
I'll do anything you want me to
I'll make you happy
If it's the last thing I do and
Oh, darling darling
I'm a good man lovin' you
I don't mean to shout
But I know I'm a good man
I'll always be right there baby
With two strong helping hands
I'll go anywhere to help you through
I'll give you these arms
If you should have the blues
Oh, darling darling
I'm a good man lovin' you
I'm a good man, baby
I'll come and see you in the darkest hours
Any old time of the day
If you need me baby just call me
And you know I'll be on my way
I'll come and see you in the darkest hours
Any old time of the day
If you need me baby just call me
And you know I'll be on my way
I don't mean to laugh
But I know I'm a good man
I'll learn you things you need
I'll give you everything that I can
I'll spend any time I need to prove that
My life's ambition
Is to take care of you
Oh, darling darling
I'm a good man lovin' you
I'm a good man, baby
I'm a good man lovin' you
I'm a good man, baby
The lyrics of "I'm A Good Man" by Robert Cray express the singer's confidence in his own abilities to be a good partner to the woman he loves. He acknowledges that things don't always go according to plan, but he will try his best to understand and make things work. He asserts that he will do anything to make her happy, even if it's the last thing he does. He emphasizes that he will always be there for her, ready to offer his help in any way possible. The overall message of the song is that the singer may not be perfect, but he loves his partner deeply and is willing to do whatever it takes to make their relationship work.
The repetition of the line "I'm a good man" throughout the song emphasizes the singer's confidence in his own abilities and highlights the central theme of the song. The use of personal pronouns such as "I" and "me" shows that the song is focused on the singer's perspective and his desire to prove his love and worth to his partner. The repeated lines "Oh, darling darling" are a term of endearment, emphasizing the love and affection that the singer has for his partner.
In summary, "I'm A Good Man" is a song that expresses a deep love and commitment to a partner, despite the imperfections and uncertainties that come with any relationship. It is a declaration of the singer's willingness to do whatever it takes to make the relationship successful.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't mean to brag
I'm not trying to boast
But I know I'm a good man
But I am confident that I am a good person
At least I try and understand
Even when things don't go as planned, I will try to understand and make things right
When things don't go just like we planned
When things go awry or not according to plan
I'll do anything you want me to
I'm willing to do anything to make you happy
I'll make you happy
I will do what it takes to bring joy to your life
If it's the last thing I do and
I will do it no matter what
Oh, darling darling
My love
I'm a good man lovin' you
I am a good man and I love you
I don't mean to shout
I am not trying to yell or make a scene
I'll always be right there baby
I will always be there for you
With two strong helping hands
I will provide my support and strength
I'll go anywhere to help you through
I will go wherever you need me to be
I'll give you these arms
I will offer you a warm embrace
If you should have the blues
If you feel down or upset
I'll come and see you in the darkest hours
I will come to you whenever you need me, even in the toughest times
Any old time of the day
Any time, day or night
If you need me baby just call me
If you need my help or support, just let me know
And you know I'll be on my way
I will be there for you as soon as possible
I'll learn you things you need
I will teach you what you need to know
I'll give you everything that I can
I will give you everything I have, to the best of my ability
I'll spend any time I need to prove that
I am willing to dedicate as much time as necessary to show you how much I care
My life's ambition
My ultimate goal in life
Is to take care of you
Is to ensure your well-being and happiness
I'm a good man, baby
I am a good person, my love
I'm a good man lovin' you
I am a good man who loves and cares for you deeply
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management
Written by: ROBERT WILLIAM CRAY, DENNIS LEO WALKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind