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.
It Doesn't Show
Robert Cray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The things i own,
And locked the door.
I guess i crossed the line,
Wasted your time,
I had to go.
The fool i am.
It doesn't show,
No,No.
Old friends just pass me by,
They seem to hide,
Im not alive.
I tried you on the phone,
He says your gone,
Don't call no more.
I've tried everything,
I even sang,
You gave back the ring,
And laughed at me.
But it doesn't show.
No, No. (ooooo)
It doesn't show
The lyrics of Robert Cray's song "It Doesn't Show" tell a story of a relationship that has ended abruptly. The singer's partner has thrown out his belongings and left him, leaving him feeling lost and alone. He feels that he has crossed a line and wasted her time, which has ultimately led to her breaking up with him. Despite his pain and regret, he tries to carry on with his life and move on. He calls her, but to no avail, as she has already moved on. The singer is left feeling empty and defeated, but he tries to put on a brave face, even though his pain is not on display to others.
The lyrics of this song explore the universal theme of heartbreak and rejection. Robert Cray's soulful voice and guitar work perfectly capture the sadness and emotion of the lyrics, creating a powerful and moving ballad. It's a song that speaks to anyone who has ever gone through a difficult breakup.
Line by Line Meaning
You threw out my clothes
You got rid of all my belongings.
The things I own and locked the door
You also locked me out of our shared space.
I guess I crossed the line
I recognize that I went too far and made a mistake.
Wasted your time, I had to go
I understand that I caused you inconvenience and it was right for me to leave.
If you've made other plans I understand
I realize that you may have moved on and don't hold it against you.
The fool I am. It doesn't show, No, No.
Although I feel foolish for my actions, I am trying to hide it and appear as if it doesn't affect me.
Old friends just pass me by. They seem to hide. I'm not alive.
I feel isolated and alone as even my old friends avoid me.
I tried you on the phone. He says you're gone. Don't call no more.
I attempted to contact you, but was told that you have moved on and don't want to talk to me anymore.
I've tried everything, I even sang. You gave back the ring, And laughed at me.
I attempted various things to fix our relationship, but you rejected my efforts and even mocked me.
But it doesn't show. No, No. (ooooo)
Despite all of this, I am trying to hide the pain I feel and act as if I am unaffected.
Contributed by Addison H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.