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.
Right Next Door
Robert Cray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Their angry words sound clear through these thin walls
Around midnight I heard โem shout "Unfaithful one"
And I knew right then the axe was gonna fall
It's because of me, It's because of me
I heard him shout "Who is he", she mumbled low
He said "Baby, don't you lie to me no more"
As she called out my name I was right next door
It's because of me, It's because of me
Because of me, It's because of me
Oh, she was right next door and I'm such a strong persuader
She was just another note on my guitar
She's gonna lose the man that really loves her
In the silence I can hear their breaking hearts
At daybreak I can hear him pack, say goodbye
I can hear him slam the door and walk away
Right next door I can hear that woman start to cry
I should go to her, but what would I say
It's because of me, It's because of me
Because of me, Young heart
CHORUS (twice)
The lyrics to Robert Cray's song "Right Next Door" tell the story of a man who realizes he is responsible for the fighting he hears from his neighbors through their thin walls. The couple argues about infidelity, and the man believes the woman is cheating with him. As he listens in shame, he realizes that he has been a "strong persuader" and has led her astray from her loving partner. He hears the man leave and the woman break down in tears, but he is reluctant to offer any comfort for fear of making the situation worse.
The lyrics convey a sense of guilt and regret for the actions that have caused the couple's strife. The singer recognizes that he has played a role in their problems, but he feels powerless to make things right. He is haunted by the sound of their breaking hearts and by his own lack of courage to intervene. The song leaves the listener with a sense of sadness and resignation, as the singer accepts the consequences of his own mistakes.
Overall, "Right Next Door" is a poignant tale of love, betrayal, and remorse. The lyrics are simple yet effective in conveying the emotional complexity of the situation. The song's slow, bluesy melody underscores the sadness of the story and adds to its poignancy.
Line by Line Meaning
I can hear the couple fighting right next door
I am able to listen to the couple who lives in the neighboring house and hear their argument loud and clear.
Their angry words sound clear through these thin walls
The walls between me and the couple are unusually thin, so I can hear their enraged words loudly and distinctly.
Around midnight I heard โem shout "Unfaithful one"
Last night, at around midnight, I heard the man accuse the woman of being unfaithful and cheating on him.
And I knew right then the axe was gonna fall
I had a hunch then that their relationship was going to come to an unpleasant end after hearing their angry exchange of words.
It's because of me, It's because of me
I feel responsible for the couple's fight because of a problem I caused.
I heard him shout "Who is he", she mumbled low
The man was shouting and demanding an answer from the woman about a third person who could be involved. The woman answered weakly and softly.
He said "Baby, don't you lie to me no more"
The man requested the woman to stop lying to him about the third person in question.
And I'm listening through these thin walls silent o' shame
Although I am able to hear their conversation through my walls, I am keeping my ears open without interfering and with a feeling of shame due to my part in the incident.
As she called out my name I was right next door
As she took my name in her argument, I realized that I was there standing very close to her without her knowledge.
Oh, she was right next door and I'm such a strong persuader
The woman lived very close to me but my presence could easily sway her due to my powerful convincing abilities.
She was just another note on my guitar
I view the woman in question as just another object in my life, merely a possession rather than a person with feelings.
She's gonna lose the man that really loves her
The woman will lose the man who loves her unconditionally, due to her relationship with me.
In the silence I can hear their breaking hearts
Despite the external arguments, there is an evident emotional strain in both the man and the woman's voices, which is audible to me, revealing their broken hearts.
At daybreak I can hear him pack, say goodbye
In the morning, I can hear the man packing and saying goodbye to the woman, in all probability due to their fight from the previous night.
I can hear him slam the door and walk away
I am able to hear the sound of their door slamming and the man walking out of the house.
Right next door I can hear that woman start to cry
I can hear the sound of the woman crying out, clearly audible again as they both move on from the breakup.
I should go to her, but what would I say
Although I feel the urge to go to her and support her, I'm utterly confused about what to say due to my involvement in the situation earlier.
Because of me, Young heart
The young heart in this situation is emotionally burdened, partly because of the influence I have had over the woman, and the fact that she is now fated to suffer by losing someone who loved her dearly.
Lyrics ยฉ BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: D. WALKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Grey Jay
One of the things I really appreciate about Robert Cray, is the completely unadorned nature of his performances. He just shows up on stage in a pair of slacks and a plain long-sleeved shirt, picks up his guitar, and begins to play and sing. No flashing lights, no costumes, no jumping around like a cricket on a hot skillet. Just great musicianship, great singing, and superb songwriting. So refreshing.
Moe Shiner
@ Grey Jay... I just want to say I appreciate that you appreciate Robert Cray. Less is more with R.C. Nobody is smoother and fluid like in his guitar mastery. Jam on Brother in these confusing times we are in.
Steve Rich
And that pair of Matchless speakers. Awesome performances every time.
Joseph Hickman
Cool song, I am lated deaf, do remember a couple next door thin walls back in the day, keeping me and my girl friends awake with their arguments, sort of a middle of night soap opera,ha!๐ค๐
John Evans
I TRUELY APPRECIATE EVERY WORD ALL OF HIS FANS HAVE TO SAY. YOU LET ME KNOW THAT I AM NOT ALONE. HIS MUSIC HAS BEEN A PART OF MY LIFE. THANKS XANMAN714๐๐๐
David Martin
Incredible voice!! Great player too! His #1 guitar hero was the "Iceman". The great Albert Collins! That kinda says it all. Wow!
Tom Menis
Under Credited, underappreciated, under paid. What an absolute legend. As Clapton insinuated - a soulful genius which appreciated music over fame
The Dude
Robert Cray is an unbelievable, under rated and under appreciated blues man. He sounds as good now as he did in the 90s.
Richard Brain
He sounds as good as he did in the 70's!! This guy has been around for a lot longer than most think. He has played with the best and is one of the best. Not flash, just pure talent
Karen Stanley
I first heard about him mid-80โs. That man can play ๐ธ