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.
Some Pain Some Shame
Robert Cray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And every time you walk out of that door
I act a fool to let you back in
You're not the only one makin' plans
Before I get burned you need to understand
There'll be some pain, some shame
Even someone who was out of their mind
Couldn't even have mercy on me
I'm not gonna take the blame
What made you decide that we didn't need a thing?
But some pain, some shame
Now something went wrong that I didn't see
Even someone who was out of their mind
Couldn't even have mercy on me
Hangin' around cryin' ain't part of my plans
I'm gonna see you on the witness stand
There'll be some pain, some shame
Man, I mean some pain, some shame
The lyrics of Robert Cray's song "Some Pain Some Shame" deal with the difficult emotions and experiences that come with a toxic relationship. The first verse sets the scene with the singer observing the betrayal and dishonesty of their partner, but unable to resist their return when they leave. The second verse hints at a traumatic event that has occurred, perhaps involving the partner directly or indirectly, causing the singer to feel hurt and wronged. Despite the painful nature of the situation, the singer is unwilling to take all of the blame for the relationship's failure and is even willing to bring the matter to court to seek justice.
The refrain "there'll be some pain, some shame" echoes throughout the song and serves as a reminder of the internal and external consequences of being in a relationship that hurts. Throughout the verses, the singer struggles to reconcile their love for their partner with the knowledge that they have caused them harm. The lyrics suggest that they are willing to confront the pain and shame that comes with ending the relationship, even if it means pursuing legal action.
At its core, "Some Pain Some Shame" is a song about the complexities of love and the difficult choices that come with it. Through its soulful and honest lyrics, the song encourages listeners to acknowledge the harm caused by toxic relationships and to take steps to heal and move on.
Line by Line Meaning
The look on your face tells me where you've been
I can tell where you've been and what you've done just by looking at your face
And every time you walk out of that door
Whenever you leave and come back, I let you back in even though I know I shouldn't
I act a fool to let you back in
I behave foolishly by allowing you back into my life even though you hurt me
You're not the only one makin' plans
I also have my own plans and priorities
Before I get burned you need to understand
I want you to realize the consequences of your actions before they hurt me
There'll be some pain, some shame
Your actions will result in pain and embarrassment for both of us
Now something went wrong that I didn't see
Something happened that I was not aware of
Even someone who was out of their mind
Even a crazy person would not have done what you did
Couldn't even have mercy on me
You did not have any compassion for me
I'm not gonna take the blame
I refuse to accept responsibility for something that was not my fault
What made you decide that we didn't need a thing?
Why did you think that we did not need each other or anything else?
Hangin' around cryin' ain't part of my plans
I will not waste my time crying about what happened
I'm gonna see you on the witness stand
I will take legal action against you
Man, I mean some pain, some shame
The consequences of your actions will be severe and embarrassing for both of us
Contributed by Kaitlyn A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.