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.
Walk Around Time
Robert Cray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Early morning walks
Seven nights together
Now it's time to talk
Try to see it my way
Baby, it's not all that hard
After seven nights together
Love can be easy
But the trust is hard to find
And all I need is some walk around time
Walk around time, baby
Is all I need
Walk around time, baby
Listen to me
Love can be easy
But the trust is hard to find
And all I need is some walk around time
Last woman I loved
Wouldn't let me out alone
We stayed cooped-up together
It was hard just to use the phone
Hey, I'm trying to tell 'ya
Trying to make you see
I'm trying to keep this love from drowning me
Love can be easy
But the trust is hard to find
And all I need is some walk around time
Walk around time
Is all I need
Walk around time, baby
Listen to me
Love can be easy
But the trust is hard to find
And all I need is some walk around time
Walk around time, baby
Is all I need
I need a little walk around time, baby
Listen to me
You know, love can be easy
But the trust is hard to find
And all I need is some walk around time
Walk around time, yeah
Is all I need
I need a little walk around time from you, baby
Listen to me
You know, love can be easy
But the trust is hard to find
And all I need is some walk around time
Walk around, yeah
Is all I need
I need a little walk around, yeah, yeah
Listen to me
Walk around, yeah
All I need is some walk around, baby
Listen to me
Walk around
Is all I need, baby
A need a little walk around from you, baby
Yeah, yeah
Walk around
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Walk around
I've got some soul (?)
I've got some moves (?)
The lyrics of Robert Cray's song "Walk Around Time" talk about a relationship that has been intense for a week, with late dinners and early walks, but now it's time to talk. The singer says it's not hard to see his point of view, but after being together for a week, they need some time apart. The love is easy, but trust is hard to find, and the singer needs some time to walk around and clear his mind. The song's central theme is that while love can be simple, it often requires trust which is difficult to maintain. Hence, it is vital for individuals to take a step back and take some time to be alone.
The singer gives an example of his last relationship where the woman would never let him out alone. To use the phone, he had to do it in secret. This restriction on his freedom has made him realize that he needs "walk around time" to think and be alone. He is trying to explain to his current lover that he needs some space before love drowns him. The song's message is that relationships need honesty and trust, and this requires individuals to step back and reflect on their thoughts.
Line by Line Meaning
Late night dinners
Having dinners together late at night
Early morning walks
Taking walks together in the morning
Seven nights together
Spending seven consecutive nights together
Now it's time to talk
Having a conversation is needed at this point
Try to see it my way
Asking the partner to try and understand the singer's perspective
Baby, it's not all that hard
It's not too difficult to understand the singer's point of view
After seven nights together
Following the seven nights spent together
Darling, we need to be apart
It's necessary for the couple to spend some time apart
Love can be easy
It's possible for love to come easily
But the trust is hard to find
However, finding trust can be challenging
And all I need is some walk around time
The singer only needs some time to be on their own
Walk around time, baby
Time spent walking around independently
Is all I need
This is the only thing required
Listen to me
The partner needs to pay attention to what the singer is saying
Last woman I loved
Referring to the previous romantic relationship
Wouldn't let me out alone
The former partner did not allow the singer to spend time alone
We stayed cooped-up together
The couple spent most of their time indoors together
It was hard just to use the phone
Making phone calls was difficult due to the clinginess of the ex-partner
Hey, I'm trying to tell 'ya
The singer is currently attempting to communicate with the current partner
Trying to make you see
The singer is trying to help the partner understand their perspective
I'm trying to keep this love from drowning me
The singer is struggling to maintain their own identity in the relationship
I need a little walk around time from you, baby
The singer also requires some space from the current partner
Walk around
The act of spending time by oneself while walking around
I've got some soul (?)
Possibly referring to the singer's inner strength or identity
I've got some moves (?)
Potentially referring to the singer's capabilities or positive qualities
Contributed by Hailey V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Chris S. - Guitar, Music, & Hiking Vlog
Great song. Who hasn’t been through this? Love it.
Marty Gilman
Great tune, can't get it out of my head.
alex K
Midnight stroll is one of the things I would like to have with me if i were lost in a desert island.
F Siret
2020 still love this.
Rob van Unnik - Amsterdam
Alright, let's swing around with Robert Cray.
"Walk around time" - enjoy!
James Humphrey
,a no
Rob van Unnik - Amsterdam
@gmomma Godfrey He sure does. Enjoy your day.
blues999z
First time heard this one - great music - excellent post...
floydpink37
Love can be easy, but the trust is hard to find. And all I need is some walk around time.
Nur Ritter
Even better than when he was Otis Day and the Knights!