Robert Cray (born August 1, 1953, Columbus, Georgia) is an American blues g… Read Full Bio ↴Robert Cray (born August 1, 1953, Columbus, Georgia) is an American blues guitarist and singer. A five-time Grammy Award winner, he has led his own band (the Robert Cray Band), as well as an acclaimed solo career. In 2011, Cray was inducted to the Blues Hall of Fame.

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.

The Last Time
Robert Cray Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Do you wonder, do you think
That every time that I leave my house
That I'm sneakin' around

But if I am it should mean nothing to you
Since you put me down

And it'll be the last time

That I'll get burned like this

I've lost your love again
That's all right
You think that I'll be knocking on your door
Again tonight

It'll be the last time
That I'll get burned like this

Sit all alone
In front of the TV
No one comes over
Nobody calls me

And I lay there
Ohh, with my head in my hands
Hopin' and prayin' that tonight
I'll can see your face again

Tomorrow's the start
Of a brand new day
And all the lessons that I've learned
Will help to pave my way

And it'll be the last time
That I get burned like this

It'll be the last time
That I get burned like this

The last time
That I get burned like this

I swear
Ohhhh

The last time
That I get burned like this

Mmmmmm

Overall Meaning

In Robert Cray's song The Last Time, the singer is struggling with the aftermath of a failed relationship. The opening lines suggest that the singer's partner does not trust him, suspecting that he is being unfaithful every time he leaves the house. The singer tries to reassure his partner that there is no cause for this suspicion, especially since she has already rejected him. He declares that this will be the last time he allows himself to be burned like this, suggesting that he is ready to move on from this toxic relationship.

The second verse paints a picture of the singer's lonely existence after the breakup. He spends his nights alone in front of the TV, with no one coming over or calling him. He feels the weight of his situation as he lays his head in his hands, hoping and praying that he can see his ex-partner's face again. However, the final verse brings a message of hope. The singer acknowledges the start of a new day and the lessons he has learned from his past mistakes. He is determined to move on and not allow himself to be burned like this again.

Overall, the lyrics of The Last Time deal with themes of trust, betrayal, loneliness, and hope. They provide a raw and honest account of the emotional turmoil that follows a failing relationship.

Line by Line Meaning

Do you wonder, do you think
Do you ever have suspicions or thoughts

That every time that I leave my house
Whenever I step outside

That I'm sneakin' around
Am I being unfaithful or deceitful

But if I am it should mean nothing to you
However, it shouldn't matter to you either way

Since you put me down
Since you rejected me emotionally

And it'll be the last time
This will be the finale

That I'll get burned like this
The last time I'll suffer the same pain and disappointment

I've lost your love again
I've once again failed to keep your affection

That's all right
Nevertheless, it's acceptable

You think that I'll be knocking on your door
You're under the impression I'll return to you

Again tonight
On this very night