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.
Who
Robert Cray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My baby caught the train, left me all alone
She knows I love her, she doin' me wrong
My baby bought the ticket, long as her right arm
My baby bought the ticket, long as my right arm
She says she's gonna ride, long as I been from home
Well who been talking, everything that I do
Well who been talking, everything that I do
Well good bye baby, hate to see you go
Well good bye baby, hate to see you go
You know I love you, I'm the causin of it all
I'm the causin' of it all
I'm the causin' of it all
I'm the causin' of it all
I'm the causin' of it all
The lyrics of Robert Cray's song "Who" tell the story of a man who has been abandoned by his lover, who has caught a train and left him alone. The singer is lamenting the loss of his beloved, and is confused about why she left. He wonders who has been talking about their relationship, and suggests that this person might have played a part in his lover's departure. Despite his heartache, the singer acknowledges that he is the cause of his own problems and his lover's departure.
The song is a classic example of the blues genre, with its themes of heartbreak and betrayal, and its simple, repetitive structure. The lyrics are straightforward and easy to understand, yet they convey a deep sense of sorrow and loss. The singer's voice is raw and emotional, and his pain is palpable in every word.
Overall, "Who" is a poignant and powerful song that captures the essence of the blues. Its timeless themes and haunting melody have made it a classic of the genre, and it continues to resonate with listeners today.
Line by Line Meaning
My baby caught the train, left me all alone
My lover left me by taking the train and now I am all by myself.
She knows I love her, she doin' me wrong
My lover is fully aware of my love for her, but she is still treating me badly.
My baby bought the ticket, long as her right arm
My lover bought a ticket that is very long and expensive, at least as long as her arm.
She says she's gonna ride, long as I been from home
My lover is determined to take the ride, even if it means leaving me behind for a long time.
Well who been talking, everything that I do
I am curious to know who has been spreading rumors and gossip about me and my actions.
Well you is my baby, I hate to lose
Despite your bad behavior towards me, I still consider you my lover and I don't want to let you go.
Well good bye baby, hate to see you go
I am sad and disappointed to see my lover leave me, but I have to accept it and say goodbye.
You know I love you, I'm the causin of it all
I admit that I am the one who caused this situation because of my intense love for you.
I'm the causin' of it all
I take full responsibility for the consequences of my actions and the situation I am in.
I'm the causin' of it all
I am to blame for everything that has happened and I have no one else to hold accountable.
I'm the causin' of it all
I am fully aware that everything that has happened is a result of my actions and I accept the responsibility.
I'm the causin' of it all
I know that it is my love for my lover that led me to this situation, and I am willing to own up to it.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Chester Burnett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@davidcox5588
Wife got me tickets for Valentine's Day to see him tomorrow 2/17/24 in Charlottesville! Gotta love a women who knows great guitar!
@randy5655
How was it?
@gilliannorris4040
This man was so smooth.. he had it going on in every department.. never ever got the credit he deserved.. total class with that guitar.. 🔥🔥🔥
@elizabethmcleod246
He still does! ❤
@babywah3290
Ever notice he was the bass player in Animal House backing (My man!!!!) Otis Day?
@judyhuth4041
I completely agree, I wish other pieces of his music had come through. Every time I hear it I love it.This very well could have been produced last year, except for one thing, the music industry wouldn't choose anything that makes sense or sounds like something😅!
@therealmarkkyle6182
I saw him just a few years ago and he is still incredible live!
@Geek37664
It was October 2014 I was in Des Moines, Iowa. I’m 33 years old and I can’t sleep and I’m surfing the web on a public computer in a hotel lobby, just killing time so I get some rest before my cousin’s wedding. And for some reason, this song comes over the loudspeaker and it just sticks with me. It’s inescapably infectious. And how a blues tune managed to breakthrough to the top 40 in a year filled with hair metal and new wave and R&B makes this song extra special to me.
@Methadone4Life
As good as anyone to ever touch a guitar!!! The man can sing, write songs and damn, that man can play!!! One of my all-time faves, been a fan of Robert for decades!!
@DavidMalloy-xc6pn
damn skippy and