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.
That's What Keeps Me Rockin'
Robert Cray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was talkin to my neighbour, that lives next door
who marveled at your pace as you went walking thru the store
I said hey up baby, and come right back
you know she brought me a meal cos I didn't want a snack
that's what, keeps me rockin'
that's what, keeps me rockin' it
that's what keeps me keepin on
She's got, smooth long legs, curly red hair
when I look into her eyes, that you would never dare
when I see that sunlight, shining thru your dress
you know I, I transform into a hell of a mess
chorus
solo
yes she's my fine fine baby
you know that its true
and I'm a lucky son of a gun
she's never gonna leave me, no matter what I do
cos we ain't got nothin' but fun
I wanna tell everybody, bout this poor boys dream
don't be surprised if things are better than they seem
yes I'm Mr lucky put your mind at ease
when I need a little lovin' I don't have to say please
chorus
The song "That's What Keeps Me Rockin'" by Robert Cray is a love song that expresses the admiration that the singer has for his partner. The opening lyrics set the stage for the story - the singer is talking to his neighbor and marveling at the pace at which his partner walks through the store. He refers to her as "baby" and remarks that she brought him a meal when he didn't want a snack. These small acts of kindness are what keep him going, what keep him "rockin'."
The second verse describes the physical attributes of the singer's partner. He notes her smooth long legs and curly red hair, and describes how looking into her eyes makes him feel transformed. The chorus reinforces the idea that his love for her is what gives him strength to keep going, to keep "rockin'." The solo section allows the listener to drift away in the melody and the lyrics without any interruption, just as the singer drifts away into a deep love trance.
The final verse presents the singer's partner as his "poor boy's dream" and professes that he is a lucky man to have her in his life. The ending line states that they have nothing but fun together, which highlights the importance of a good partner and the joy they bring to one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
I was talkin to my neighbour, that lives next door
I was chatting with my neighbour who lives next door
who marveled at your pace as you went walking thru the store
My neighbour was impressed with your pace as you walked through the store
I said hey up baby, and come right back
I called out to you and asked you to come back
you know she brought me a meal cos I didn't want a snack
You kindly brought me a meal because I didn't want a snack
She's got, smooth long legs, curly red hair
You have smooth long legs and curly red hair
when I look into her eyes, that you would never dare
When I gaze into your eyes, it feels daring and exhilarating
when I see that sunlight, shining thru your dress
When the sunlight shines through your dress, it's a breathtaking sight
you know I, I transform into a hell of a mess
I can't help but lose my composure and become a mess when I see you like that
yes she's my fine fine baby
You are my beautiful and amazing partner
you know that its true
I truly mean it
and I'm a lucky son of a gun
I feel incredibly lucky to be with you
she's never gonna leave me, no matter what I do
I know that you'll always be with me, no matter what happens
cos we ain't got nothin' but fun
We may not have much, but we have each other and that's all that matters
I wanna tell everybody, bout this poor boys dream
I want to share my story about a boy with humble beginnings achieving his dreams
don't be surprised if things are better than they seem
You might be pleasantly surprised by how good things can be
yes I'm Mr lucky put your mind at ease
I consider myself very lucky and want you to feel at ease with me
when I need a little lovin' I don't have to say please
With you, I don't have to ask for love, it's always available and freely given
Contributed by James T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
taildragger53
So right...no pretense, nothing fancy, just pure honesty. Love the way he sings the notes as he plays the solo.
Jr. SugarFingers Linton
Pure blues, soulful and sweet!. This band is awsome!!! :) Cray brings that tone out!
jam2music
70's great time for the blues, and Robert Cray! Great artist and great post! :)
Jari Kuukasjärvi
Thats honey for heart, soul and ears! Robert keeps me rockin
Frank Guido
Have seen Robert perform twice ,AWESOME PLAYER ! dont forget Jimmy Pugh one of the best keyboard guys in business
RelentlessBlues
Wonderful!
sandman69
1:48 organ and guitar do the same line. Just sounds fucking good!!!!!!
mule5150
Love rc.....one of the best .....
Jeanine Ethridge
you keep me rocking!!
Jr. SugarFingers Linton
YES! :) I love to meet and play music with him, one sweet day.