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.
Move a Mountain
Robert Cray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You don't bother me
I don't need your time
Your company
And now, that it's over
And I'm strong enough to see
You used to move the mountains, baby
People say when you're lonely
You're after the first one you see
I remember a long time ago
That used to be me
I'm glad that it's over
And I'm strong enough to see
You used to move the mountains, baby
But now you just don't move me
You know that love
Can be such a sweet thing
That we all get messed
Up with sometime
People lose a lot of sleep over a
Simple way to solve their problems
But I'm not worried
'Cause I've solved mine
Oh, beautiful love
Now, that I'm finally free
I won't be around for
You to hurt me
I'm so glad, it's all over
And I'm strong enough to see
You used to move the mountains, baby
But now you just don't move me
No, you won't hurt me
No
, Robert Cray's song "Move a Mountain" explores the theme of heartbreak and moving on. He addresses a former lover who used to mean the world to him, but now no longer affects him. The lyrics convey a sense of growth and empowerment as he declares his newfound strength and independence from the past.
Cray's opening lines, "Oh, beautiful love, you don't bother me; I don't need your time, your company," imply that their relationship was once a source of happiness, but is now nothing more than a memory. He has come to realize that he no longer requires this person in his life, indicating a level of emotional maturity and self-sufficiency. Cray seems to have grown from his past experiences, recognizing that he doesn't need someone to "move mountains" for him, but rather he can do it on his own.
As the song continues, he notes the common tendency for people to seek out companionship when they are lonely, commenting that he used to be guilty of this behavior. However, he celebrates the fact that he has moved on, reaching a higher level of emotional understanding and independence. He concludes the song with a determination that he will no longer allow himself to be hurt by his former lover.
"Move a Mountain" is a powerful song that speaks to the universal experiences of heartbreak and empowerment. Its lyrics, delivered through Cray's smooth and soulful voice, command attention and inspire introspection.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, beautiful love
Addressing the notion that love is often considered beautiful
You don't bother me
The singer does not feel troubled by love
I don't need your time
Speaker does not require love's time or presence
Your company
Love's companionship is also not essential
And now, that it's over
Referring to the end of a relationship
And I'm strong enough to see
The singer has gained emotional strength after the breakup
You used to move the mountains, baby
Love was once capable of great things in the singer's life
But now you just don't move me
However, love no longer holds the same power over the artist
People say when you're lonely
Referring to the idea that loneliness can lead people to pursue relationships
You're after the first one you see
Implying that people may settle for the first person who comes along
I remember a long time ago
The singer has experienced this sort of behavior in the past
That used to be me
The artist once pursued relationships out of loneliness
I'm glad that it's over
The singer is relieved that this behavior is no longer the case
You know that love
Referring to the concept of love
Can be such a sweet thing
Acknowledging the positive aspects of love
That we all get messed
However, love can also be complicating
Up with sometime
And cause people to become confused or unsure
People lose a lot of sleep over a
Love can be an issue that keeps people up at night
Simple way to solve their problems
People may focus on finding a simple solution to their relationship issues
But I'm not worried
The artist feels confident in their ability to overcome relationship challenges
'Cause I've solved mine
Claiming to have resolved their own relationship problems
Now, that I'm finally free
Referring to the release from the burdens of the previous relationship
I won't be around for
Implying that the singer will not be pursuing love anytime soon
You to hurt me
The artist is unwilling to be hurt by love again
No, you won't hurt me
Reiterating the previous line's sentiment
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ROBERT CRAY, TIMOTHY KAIHATSU
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind