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.
Simple Things
Robert Cray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
After all these years of lovin'
Can't believe I'm still the one you're dreamin' of
After all these years of love
You still want me
There's a little bit more of me than yesterday
I'm a little bit slower, look at how my hair is grayed
You still want me
You tell me that you miss me when I go away from home
Just a little overnight trip, honey has it been that long?
How could I have ever done you wrong?
You still want me
I appreciate it
Wooohoohoo
Woohoo,hoo
Woo, hoo, hoo
Woo, hoo, hoo
Woo, hoo, hoo
Hoo, hoo, hoo
You look as good as the day that we first met
Look at you
The simple things that somehow I forget to say to you
Never make you blue
Look at me
After all these years of lovin'
Lucky me, I'm still the one you're dreamin' of
After all these years of love
You still want me
All these lonely years of lovin'
You still want me
All those lonely, lonely years you suffered
You still want me, yeah
Mmmmm
Woo, hoo, hoo
Woo, hoo, hoo
Woo, hoo, hoo
Hoooo
Mmmmm
Naaa
Woo, hoo, hoo
Woo, hoo, hoo
Woo, hoo, hoo
Woo, hoo, hoo
Hoooo
Naaa,na, na, na, na
Mmmm
I appreciate it
Can't believe I'm still the one you're dreamin' of
You still want me
The song "Simple Things" by Robert Cray begins by expressing amazement and gratitude that after all these years, the person he's been with still loves him. Even with his gray hairs, he thought that at any time the person he loves would walk away, but they still want him. He talks about how the person still misses him when he goes away, no matter how short the trip is, and how he could never have done them wrong. The song is a reflection on a long-lasting relationship and the appreciation for the simple things that keep love alive. It's a song about acknowledging the ups and downs that a relationship can have, but ultimately being grateful for the years of love that they've shared.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at me
Acknowledge me and pay attention to what I am about to say
After all these years of lovin'
Despite the length of time we have been together, we still share affection
Can't believe I'm still the one you're dreamin' of
I am amazed that after all this time, you still have me in your fantasies
After all these years of love
Despite triumphs and struggles, we still share affection and care for one another
You still want me
You still desire me and want our relationship to continue
There's a little bit more of me than yesterday
I have grown slightly over time and have developed into more of who I am today
I'm a little bit slower, look at how my hair is grayed
I am aging and my physical appearance is changing, perhaps causing me to slow down
Thought at any time you'd turn and walk away
I had doubts about our relationship and worried that you may leave at any moment
You still want me
To my delight, you still desire me and want to be with me
You tell me that you miss me when I go away from home
When I am not around, you feel a longing to be with me
Just a little overnight trip, honey has it been that long?
You are surprised that even our brief separations cause you to miss me greatly
How could I have ever done you wrong?
I am grateful that I have not wronged you and jeopardized our relationship
You still want me
Even after all this time, you still desire and care for me
I appreciate it
I am thankful for your continued love and affection
Wooohoohoo
An expression of joy and excitement
Woohoo,hoo
An expression of joy and excitement
You look as good as the day that we first met
You still look as beautiful and attractive as the first day we met
Look at you
I am admiring your beauty and charm
The simple things that somehow I forget to say to you
I forget to express my appreciation for the small things you do for me
Never make you blue
The small things I forget to say should never make you sad or unhappy
Lucky me, I'm still the one you're dreamin' of
I consider myself fortunate that after all this time, you still have me in your fantasies
All these lonely years of lovin'
The years of our relationship, though filled with love, have also been marked by times of loneliness and separation
You still want me
Despite the loneliness and struggles we have faced, you still desire and care for me
All those lonely, lonely years you suffered
You have felt loneliness and heartache during our time apart
You still want me, yeah
Despite the difficulties we have faced, you still have a strong desire for our relationship to continue
Mmmmm
A sound of contentment or pleasure
Woo, hoo, hoo
An expression of joy and excitement
Hoooo
A prolonged sound of excitement or enthusiasm
Naaa
An expression of satisfaction or appreciation
na, na, na, na, na
A cheerful sound to express confidence or happiness
Contributed by Brayden H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.