Robert Cray (born August 1, 1953, Columbus, Georgia) is an American blues g… Read Full Bio ↴Robert Cray (born August 1, 1953, Columbus, Georgia) is an American blues guitarist and singer. A five-time Grammy Award winner, he has led his own band (the Robert Cray Band), as well as an acclaimed solo career. In 2011, Cray was inducted to the Blues Hall of Fame.

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.

Jealous Love
Robert Cray Lyrics

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If you ever change your mind
About leaving, leaving me behind
Oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

I'll give you jewelry and money too

And that ain't all, all I'll do for you
Oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

You know I'll always be your slave
Until I'm buried, buried in my grave
Oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

If you ever change your mind
About leaving, leaving me behind
Oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me

Oh yeah, bring it to me

Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Robert Cray's song "Jealous Love" showcase a plea from someone who is afraid of being left behind. The song's narrator is telling their partner that they will do anything to win them back if they ever change their mind about leaving. The lyrics "If you ever change your mind, About leaving, leaving me behind" reveal the singer's fear of abandonment. They are terrified that their partner's love may fade away.

The singer then offers the potential of materialistic items such as "jewelry and money," suggesting that they are willing to make grand gestures to keep their partner. They continue to plead with phrases such as "you know I will always be your slave" to show that they are devoted to the relationship. The repetition of "Bring it on home to me" reinforces the idea that the singer wants their lover to come back to them. The song is a mournful plea for a second chance; it shows the desperation of someone in love afraid of losing it all.

Line by Line Meaning

If you ever change your mind
In case you decide to retreat from your plan

About leaving, leaving me behind
To abandon and walk out on me

Oh, bring it to me
Please let me have the chance

Bring your sweet loving
Please bring back your kind and affectionate behavior towards me

Bring it on home to me
Please come back to me or at least come back home

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
An expression of excitement and eagerness

I'll give you jewelry and money too
I'm willing to offer you material possessions

And that ain't all, all I'll do for you
In addition to the aforementioned, I'm ready to do more for you

You know I'll always be your slave
I'll always be at your beck and call

Until I'm buried, buried in my grave
Until I breathe my last breath

If you ever change your mind
In case you decide to retreat from your plan