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.
New Blood
Robert Cray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As I pace around my room
The old urge has started stirring
Must be the power of the moon
Been feeling, oh, so nervous
Since my loving's turned to mud
And I hear that night wind howlin'
It's been a year, three days ago
Not a letter or a call
This room has been my prison cell
I know every crack on every wall
My locked-up desires boiling
Tensions rising to a flood
Now the streets are calling me, people
I've got to find new blood, new blood
There's a woman out there somewhere
A woman starved for love
A member, just like I am
Of the, "Lost your lover's club"
And now she can't control it
And the fever starts to burn
I know we're bound to come together, ooh
'Cause she's lookin' for new blood, some new blood
Oh, people, don't you hear me howl?
Cryin', I'm lookin' for new blood, oh, oh, oh
The lyrics to Robert Cray's song New Blood convey a feeling of desperation and a need for something new in the singer's life. The restlessness and nervousness are attributed to the feeling of being stuck in a rut, with no communication from a former lover in over a year. The sense of being trapped is further emphasized by the description of the room as a prison cell, with the cracks in the walls serving as a reminder of the stagnation of the situation. The night wind howling provides a sense of foreboding, and the urge for new blood is seen as a way to escape this stagnant existence.
The singer is not alone in his search for new blood, as there is a woman who is also looking for the same thing. Both are members of a "Lost your lover's club" and are starved for love. The woman's fever starts to burn as she searches for new blood, and the singer is convinced that they are bound to come together. The repetition of "new blood" emphasizes the need for change and new experiences for both the singer and the woman.
Overall, the lyrics to New Blood convey the message that, at times, life can become monotonous and even suffocating, and that the search for new experiences is necessary for personal growth and happiness. The repetition of the phrase new blood underscores the need for change and the realization that the old ways of living are no longer satisfying.
Line by Line Meaning
Got a real bad case of restless
I am feeling anxious and unable to settle down.
As I pace around my room
I am walking around aimlessly in my room.
The old urge has started stirring
I am feeling the need to try something new.
Must be the power of the moon
I think my restlessness is due to the influence of the moon.
Been feeling, oh, so nervous
I have been feeling extremely anxious lately.
Since my loving's turned to mud
I have been feeling this way since my relationship ended.
And I hear that night wind howlin'
The wind outside is making a haunting sound.
It's time to find new blood, new blood
I need to find something or someone new to inspire me.
It's been a year, three days ago
It has been exactly one year and three days since my breakup.
Not a letter or a call
I haven't heard from my ex at all.
This room has been my prison cell
I feel trapped in this room and in my own thoughts.
I know every crack on every wall
I am familiar with all the details of my surroundings.
My locked-up desires boiling
I am feeling very frustrated with my suppressed desires.
Tensions rising to a flood
I am feeling overwhelmed and tense.
Now the streets are calling me, people
I feel the urge to go outside and explore the city.
I've got to find new blood, new blood
I need to find new people or experiences to move on from my old relationship.
There's a woman out there somewhere
I believe there is a woman out there who is also looking for love.
A woman starved for love
She is also feeling lonely and longing for affection.
A member, just like I am
She is part of the same group of people who have lost their lovers.
Of the, "Lost your lover's club"
We both share the experience of losing our partners.
And now she can't control it
She is also feeling overwhelmed by her desires.
And the fever starts to burn
She is feeling passionate and excited about finding someone new.
I know we're bound to come together, ooh
I feel that we will eventually meet and connect.
'Cause she's lookin' for new blood, some new blood
Just like me, she is seeking someone or something new to reignite her passion.
Oh, people, don't you hear me howl?
I am crying out for help or direction.
Cryin', I'm lookin' for new blood, oh, oh, oh
I am expressing my need to find something new to help me move on from the past.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Bruce M Bromberg, Peter J Boe, Richard Cousins, Robert Cray
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@missvikki5753
What a memory, seeing Robert Cray at Cache Creek Casino, California! I was late for the show, as soon as we got out of the car I could hear his voice, my girlfriend and I joined hands and made our way to the theater. His voice ripped through me, what talent what a joy. His recordings do not touch what it is to see him live. I always loved his guitar but this man can sing.
If given the opportunity to see Robert Cray take it! Peace Love
@missvikki5753
P.S. It was this song he was singing!
@BarbButler
💕 💞 💓 💗 💖
@carlos64ify
Thanks! If you want to hear good blues just say it.Greatings Carlos
@alexguitarlab1
A great record!!
@jarikuukasjarvi8198
Cray The bluessoul master
@BarbButler
💗 💖 💘 💝 💟 ☮️
@paulopqf
My favourite !
@marcelocarvalho552
Master.
@Trinah_Karanga
2019 ROBERT CRAY 🤙