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.
What About Me
Robert Cray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What about me?
What about me?
What about me?
What about me?
What about me?
Oh!!!!
What about me?
I'm hear all by myself
What about me?
Hey, hey, hey
You winked your eye when you caught my glance
So we sat and talked for a while
As the night grew thin, you're friend walked in
Damn!!
Hey, hey!!
What about me?
What about me?
Oh!!!!
What about me?
What about me?
What about me, baby.
You got up and left
Never said goodbye
What about me?
Hey, hey, hey!
(solo)
Oh, man!!
I guess I can forget about that one
You talk about hurt
I must have used a thousand lines
Couldn't get a single one to work
But if EVER I should cross your mind
You know exactly where I'll be
Right here where you left me crying
Damn!!!
Hey, hey!!!!
What about me?
What about me?
Hey, baby
Me!
What about me?
I have needs, baby!
What about me?
Baby
Oh, I've got needs
The song "What About Me" by Robert Cray tells the story of a man who was left behind by a woman he had a fleeting encounter with. He laments about being all by himself, wondering about what could have been if things had turned out differently. He recalls a scene where he caught the woman's attention and they talked for a while until her friend arrived. He was left alone as the woman got up and left without a goodbye. He uses the repeated question "What about me?" to underscore his disappointment and frustration about the situation. He ends the song expressing his needs and pleading that she thinks about him again.
The song showcases a common theme in blues music of romantic disappointment and heartbreak. The lyrics are simple and straightforward, delivering the emotions of the singer in a relatable way. The repetition of the phrase "What about me?" gives a sense of urgency and desperation to the song. The use of exclamation marks and interjections throughout the lyrics adds to the intensity of the singer's emotions. The guitar solo in the song's instrumental break captures the passionate energy of the blues genre and provides a moment of release from the song's tension.
Line by Line Meaning
What about me?
The singer is questioning why they are being ignored in the situation.
I'm here all by myself
The singer is feeling lonely and unnoticed by those around them.
You winked your eye when you caught my glance
The singer is recalling a moment of connection with someone who later left them feeling unimportant.
So we sat and talked for a while
The artist had hoped that the interaction with the other person would lead to something more meaningful.
As the night grew thin, you're friend walked in
The presence of others seems to have pushed the artist aside, and ended the possibility for further interaction with the object of their affection.
You got up and left
The singer was abandoned by the other party and left feeling disappointed.
Never said goodbye
No closure was offered to the singer, worsening the hurt they feel.
I guess I can forget about that one
Despite the hurt they feel, the artist acknowledges that it is time to move on.
You talk about hurt
The artist is acknowledging the impact that the other person's actions had on them.
Couldn't get a single one to work
The artist tried to use their charm or other means of connection to change the outcome of the situation, but all attempts failed.
But if EVER I should cross your mind
Despite the pain, the singer still holds onto a glimmer of hope that the other person might think of them again in the future.
You know exactly where I'll be
The artist has not moved on, and would still be waiting for another chance.
Right here where you left me crying
The singer is still in pain and still in the same place where they were when they were hurt.
What about me?
The singer is emphasizing their own importance and asking for recognition.
I have needs, baby!
The singer wants to be seen and understood for who they are and what they need in a relationship.
Oh, I've got needs
The artist is aware of their own needs and desires, which have been neglected by the other person in the situation.
Contributed by Henry F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.