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.
Renew Blues
Robert Cray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We ain't gonna have no more trouble from the blues
Ooh, one of these old days
We ain't gonna have no more trouble from the blues
We'll put on our walking shoes
And we'll walk away our blues
In these lyrics, Robert Cray is expressing a desire for a time when he will no longer be troubled by the blues. The blues is a style of music that is characterized by its melancholic tone, often dealing with themes of sadness, loss, and heartbreak. The blues has its roots in African American music and culture and has been a significant influence on modern music.
Cray is using the imagery of putting on walking shoes and walking away to illustrate his desire to overcome the blues. He is expressing a sense of hope that there will be a time when the pain and sorrow he has experienced will be behind him, and he will be able to move on.
The lyrics are simple yet powerful and are an excellent reflection of the message that the blues has always conveyed. It is a message of perseverance and hope even in the face of hardship and struggle.
Line by Line Meaning
Aah, one of these old days
One of these days that feel familiar or nostalgic
I'm gonna sit down and write a long letter
I intend to take the time and effort to express my thoughts and feelings through written words
Try to make it better
I will attempt to improve the current situation
Telling everybody
Sharing my message with anyone who would listen
Just how I feel
Honesty expressing my emotions and state of mind
Well, I'll go down
I will take action
In my old neighborhood
Returning to my previous environment
I'm gonna knock on my mama's door
Reaching out to a loved one for support and comfort
And tell her what I'm going through
Sharing personal struggles with someone I trust
I'm gonna lay down
Taking a break and relaxing
On my Grandmama's bed
Finding solace in a place of familiarity and comfort
And ask the good Lord to help me
Seeking divine intervention to overcome difficulties
Renew my blues again
Finding catharsis and release through music
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: James Pugh, Karl Sevareid, Kevin Hayes, Robert Cray
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind