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.
Won The Battle
Robert Cray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I yelled the loudest, had the biggest gun
She packed up all her bags and walked right out the door
Looks like I won the battle but lost the war
She was speechless once I made her cry
But she had the last word if you count good bye
Now I've got cold silence across the killin' floor
Whose fault is it?
When we can't get along
Let's get back together, darling
Who cares who's been right or wrong?
I'm ready to surrender but she won't talk no more
Looks like I won the battle but lost the war
Will she ever forgive me? Sure is hard to tell
If she'll have a change of heart to save me from this hell
I'm ready to surrender but she won't talk no more
Looks like I won the battle but lost the war
Looks like I won the battle but lost the war
The lyrics to Robert Cray's song "Won The Battle" are about a man who believes he has won the argument with his lover, but in reality, he has lost her completely. He brags about how he had the "biggest gun" and "yelled the loudest," but in the end, she leaves him behind. He wonders whose fault it is that they cannot get along and wishes for a reconciliation, but in the end, it seems she has moved on.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Looks like I won the battle but lost the war," indicating that the man has come out victorious in the argument, but has ultimately lost the greater battle of love and companionship.
What is particularly interesting about this song is that the lyrics highlight a recurring theme in blues and soul music, which is the pain of lost love. This particular song uses military language to describe the relationship between the man and woman, a metaphor that is both intense and unusual for a song about love.
Another interesting aspect of this song is its instrumentation, which features a steady bass line, bluesy guitar riffs, and a simple, catchy melody. Robert Cray's distinctive voice adds a touch of vulnerability to the story being told in the song.
Overall, "Won The Battle" is a powerful piece of music that explores the heartache and sorrow that come with the end of a relationship. While it may seem like the man has won the argument, the deeper truth is that he has lost far more than he could ever have imagined.
Line by Line Meaning
The fighting's over, this time I won
The argument between the singer and his partner has ended, and he feels as though he came out on top.
I yelled the loudest, had the biggest gun
He was the most aggressive and domineering in the argument.
She packed up all her bags and walked right out the door
His partner left him following the disagreement.
Looks like I won the battle but lost the war
Although he may have won the argument, he ultimately lost his relationship with his partner in the process.
She was speechless once I made her cry
His partner was too hurt and upset to respond after he made her cry during the argument.
But she had the last word if you count good bye
Ultimately, his partner had the final say in their argument when she left him.
Now I've got cold silence across the killin' floor
There is now a cold and distant atmosphere between himself and his partner.
Whose fault is it?
The singer is questioning who should be held responsible for the end of their relationship.
When we can't get along
The singer acknowledges that he and his partner had difficulty getting along with each other.
Let's get back together, darling
Despite their differences, he is willing to try and reconcile with her.
Who cares who's been right or wrong?
He believes that it is more important to let go of the past and work towards a future together.
I'm ready to surrender but she won't talk no more
He is willing to give in and admit fault, but his partner is refusing to communicate with him.
Will she ever forgive me? Sure is hard to tell
The singer is uncertain whether his partner will ever forgive him.
If she'll have a change of heart to save me from this hell
He is hopeful that his partner will have a change of heart and they can salvage their relationship.
Looks like I won the battle but lost the war
He restates the idea that he may have won their argument, but ultimately lost his partner and their relationship.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: James R. Pugh, Dennis Leo Walker
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind