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.
Living Proof
Robert Cray Lyrics
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And every one loves her
A warm smile and a friendly hug
Good looks, good looks
Everyone says it's a mistake
That she's made a goof
Anything can happen 'cause she's here with me
I could be a cowboy
Sit out under western stars
I could be a guru
Go to India and seek the truth
Everyone says it's a mistake
That she's made a goof
But anything can happen 'cause she's here with me
For that I'm living proof
Anything can happen 'cause she's here with me
For that I'm living proof
Someday she'll leave me
That's what they say
But I just shake my head
'Cause I know she's gonna stay
A room with a view and fresh-cut flowers
Something nice to eat
These things are important
Now when you find a girl you wanna meet
It may be a mistake
Maybe I'm a goof
But anything can happen 'cause she's here with me
For that I'm living proof
Anything can happen, look she's here with me
For that I'm living proof
In Living Proof, Robert Cray sings about a woman who seems to have it all, with her good looks, warm personality, and generous demeanor. She is beloved by everyone and could have anyone she wants, but instead, she has chosen to be with the singer. People question this choice, believing that it must be a mistake, but the singer is convinced that anything can happen simply because he has her. He feels like he's living proof that even the impossible can come true if you have the right person by your side.
The song shows the power of love and how it can defy the odds. The singer is not the typical suitor that people would expect for such a desirable woman, but he has her nonetheless. He imagines a life where he could be anywhere in the world or pursue any path, but it doesn't matter as long as he has her with him. He knows that people predict she will eventually leave him, but he is undeterred because he is living proof that miracles can happen when you have love.
Overall, the song "Living Proof" highlights a sense of gratitude and almost disbelief that the singer is so fortunate to have this woman in his life. Through his lyrics, Robert Cray creates a sense of triumph in the face of adversity, showing that ordinary people can rise to great heights if they have the love and support they need.
Line by Line Meaning
She has everything
She is affluent, beautiful, and well-loved
And every one loves her
People find her pleasant and remarkable
A warm smile and a friendly hug
She is affectionate and amiable
Good looks, good looks
She possesses gorgeous physical attributes
Everyone says it's a mistake
People think it's wrong for her to be with the singer
That she's made a goof
People believe she has made a foolish choice
Anything can happen 'cause she's here with me
The singer suggests that remarkable events could take place since she is with him
For that I'm living proof
He is the evidence that anything can happen due to her companionship with him
I could be a cowboy
The singer can imagine to be a cowboy living in the west
Sit out under western stars
He can relax under the stars of the western sky
I could be a guru
The singer can imagine himself as a spiritual guide
Go to India and seek the truth
He can travel to India to discover the answers
Someday she'll leave me
People think she will abandon the singer in the future
That's what they say
There are rumors suggesting she will walk away
But I just shake my head
The singer doesn't believe she will leave
'Cause I know she's gonna stay
He knows that she is not going anywhere
A room with a view and fresh-cut flowers
The singer believes that a comfortable room with flowers is very important
Something nice to eat
He considers it important to have good food to eat
These things are important
The singer thinks that those things are vital to have in life
Now when you find a girl you wanna meet
He is advising other people to also seek a partner
It may be a mistake
Choosing a partner may not be easy
Maybe I'm a goof
The singer might not be perfect either
But anything can happen 'cause she's here with me
The opportunities are endless because she is with him
For that I'm living proof
The singer is the proof that everything can happen since he has her by his side
Anything can happen, look she's here with me
The singer emphasizes his point that anything can happen because of her presence in his life
For that I'm living proof
He reiterates that he is the proof that extraordinary things can occur due to her companionship with him
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JIM PUGH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind