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.
Still Around
Robert Cray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I opened my eyes and looked around me
Somethin' strange was in the air
But what it was I just could not pin it down
And then I heard the shower runnin'
And I knew what it was
You were still around
How many times must I tell you
Tired of you and everything you stand for
I thought we'd reached an agreement
I thought everything would be all right, yeah
But when I woke up this mornin'
I knew everything was wrong
Everything was wrong
You were still around, still around
Why can't you show some feelin'?
Why can't you understand?
Messed up my whole life
Why wreck my day?
Did my best to love you
Now do your best to leave
Can't you see that's what I want
I really need
Why can't you show some feelin'?
Why can't you understand?
Messed up my whole life
Why wreck my day?
I did my best to love you
Now do your best to leave
Can't you see that's what I want
I really need, I really need
How many times must I tell you
Tired of you and everything you stand for
I thought we'd reached an agreement
I thought everything would be all right
But when I woke up this mornin'
Everything was wrong
Everything was wrong
You were still around
In Robert Cray's song "Still Around," the singer wakes up one morning and senses that something isn't quite right. He can't exactly determine what it is that's off, yet after hearing the shower running, he realizes that his lover is still there. The lyrics convey the singer's frustration with his significant other and their toxic relationship. He's had enough of her and everything she stands for, but she still lingers around, messing up his life and wrecking his day. Despite his efforts to love her, the singer is pleading for her to understand and leave for good.
The opening lines of the song set a contemplative tone, while later in the lyrics, the urgency increases as the singer pleads with his lover to leave. The lyrics showcase the struggle of trying to end a relationship that has gone bad and the lingering feelings that make it hard to move on.
One possible interpretation of the song is that it's about the aftermath of a breakup. The singer tries to find a sense of closure, but his ex-lover is still around, making it difficult for him to move on. The song might also be about the broader themes of letting go of toxic relationships and finding the strength to rebuild one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
Somethin' happened this morning
Something peculiar occurred this morning.
When I opened my eyes and looked around me
After waking up and scanning my surroundings.
Somethin' strange was in the air
There was an odd vibe in the vicinity.
But what it was I just could not pin it down
I couldn't exactly figure out what it was.
And then I heard the shower runnin'
The sound of running water caught my attention.
And I knew what it was
I comprehended what was going on.
You were still around
You were still present in my life.
How many times must I tell you
I have told you countless times before.
Tired of you and everything you stand for
I am fatigued of you and your values.
I thought we'd reached an agreement
I believed we had achieved a mutual understanding.
I thought everything would be all right, yeah
I positively imagined that things would straighten up.
But when I woke up this mornin'
However, upon awakening today
I knew everything was wrong
It was evident that everything was not right.
Everything was wrong
Everything seemed to be collapsing.
You were still around, still around
You were still a factor, still present in my life.
Why can't you show some feelin'?
Why are you incapable of expressing emotion?
Why can't you understand?
Why can't you grasp what I'm trying to explain?
Messed up my whole life
You have damaged everything in my life.
Why wreck my day?
Why ruin my day?
Did my best to love you
I have done all I can to love you.
Now do your best to leave
I need you to do your best to depart from my life.
Can't you see that's what I want
It should be clear that that's what I desire.
I really need
I absolutely need it.
How many times must I tell you
I have told you countless times before.
Tired of you and everything you stand for
I am fed up of you and your values.
I thought we'd reached an agreement
I believed we had achieved a mutual understanding.
I thought everything would be all right
I positively imagined that things would straighten up.
But when I woke up this mornin'
However, upon awakening today
Everything was wrong
Everything seemed to be collapsing.
You were still around
You were still present in my life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Peter J Boe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gerard Kuijpers
Great band.... great day.... great memories!
Big-J
How many times must I tell you
I'm tired of you and everything you stand for.
Barbara Butler
💗 💖 💘 💝 💟 ☮️