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.
If You're Thinkin' What I'm Thinkin'
Robert Cray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let's not waste any time
It's been real lonely here lately
It's either your place or mine
If you're thinkin' what I'm thinkin'
Ohhh, you might just save my life
It will put me through all the procedures
Kind of sweet, really cute
But it really doesn't matter
I've got so much love stored up in me
I believe I'm gonna shatter
If you're thinkin' what I'm thinkin'
Ohhh, you might just save my life
It will put me through all the procedures
And now I don't even have a wife
(Saxophone solo)
No I really never thought
That a man can get this way
But all this feeling got to leave me
Just as sure as my name is Cray
Oh yeah, if you're thinkin' what I'm thinkin'
Ohhh, you might just save my life
It will put me through all the procedures
And now I don't even have a wife
(Guitar outro)
In Robert Cray's If You're Thinkin' What I'm Thinkin', the singer makes a proposition to someone he may have been romantically interested in. The lyrics suggest that they have been lonely and that it's time for them to stop wasting time and take the plunge with each other. He mentions that he has gone through the procedures, implying that he may have had a recent break-up or divorce. The use of the saxophone during the solo adds to the seductive mood of the song.
The lyrics also suggest a sense of urgency and a deep desire for companionship. The lines "It will put me through all the procedures / And now I don't even have a wife" suggest that the singer has gone through some emotional upheaval and needs someone to fill the void. The repetition of the chorus further highlights the urgency of the situation, making it clear that the singer is looking for companionship and is willing to take the risks involved. The guitar outro highlights the idea that there is something passionate brewing between them.
Line by Line Meaning
If you're thinkin' what I'm thinkin'
If you have the same thoughts as mine
Let's not waste any time
We should take action immediately
It's been real lonely here lately
I have been feeling lonely lately
It's either your place or mine
We can go to your place or mine
Ohhh, you might just save my life
You have the power to make me happy
It will put me through all the procedures
Entering into a relationship involves lots of preparation and transition
And now I don't even have a wife
I'm not attached to anyone
Kind of sweet, really cute
This situation is really nice
But it really doesn't matter
The details aren't important
I've got so much love stored up in me
I have a lot of love to give
I believe I'm gonna shatter
I'm about to burst with emotion
No I really never thought
I didn't expect to feel this way
That a man can get this way
I didn't expect to feel this much emotion
But all this feeling got to leave me
I need to express these emotions
Just as sure as my name is Cray
I'm very certain and confident about this
Contributed by Mateo H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.