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.
steppin
Robert Cray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Girl, I've had enough
I'm steppin' out tonight
Girl, you're playin' around
Sure enough gonna get me down
I'm steppin' out tonight
And I've get to get lose
Get a lose before I choke
Ain't no use in you
Beggin' me not to go
I'm steppin' out tonight
Last night you left home
Said you was goin' to your momma's place
That's what I believed
But your mama said
She hadn't seen your face
Girl, you steppin' out on me
Trying to pull the wool over my eyes
But I've been knowin' you too long, baby
For you to try to lie
So don't look at me
So doggoned surprised
I'm steppin' out tonight
Girl, you've put my patience to the test
And I'm gettin' tired, baby
Tired of all your mess
So excuse me
Excuse me while I get dressed
I'm steppin' out tonight
Steppin' out tonight
Steppin' out tonight
Got to get lose
Steppin' out tonight, hey
Got to get away, baby
Yeah, steppin' out tonight, hey
The lyrics to Robert Cray's "Steppin' In" describe a man who has had enough of his girlfriend's infidelity and is ready to leave her. He is tired of her playing around and putting his patience to the test. The man is feeling fed up and like he is at the end of his rope, and the only way he can get any relief is by leaving her. He doesn't want to be choked by the relationship any longer and is resolved to get out before it's too late.
The song's central message is clear: sometimes the only way to deal with a difficult situation is to leave it behind. The singer has had enough of being lied to and manipulated and is taking control of his life. He is going to go out and start anew, free from the burden of a toxic relationship.
In addition to its powerful message, "Steppin' In" is notable for its catchy rhythm and blues-inspired sound. Cray's smooth guitar work and soulful vocals perfectly complement the driving beat of the song, making it a classic of the genre.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm so fed up
I am extremely tired of dealing with this situation
Girl, I've had enough
I have had my fill of putting up with you
I'm steppin' out tonight
I am going out tonight to get away from you and this situation
Girl, you're playin' around
You are fooling around and it is bothering me
Sure enough gonna get me down
This situation is taking a toll on me
I'm steppin' out tonight
I am going out tonight to get a break from your behavior
Down to the end of my rope
I am at my wits' end with you
And I've get to get loose
I need to break free from this situation
Get a lose before I choke
I need to leave this situation before it suffocates me
Ain't no use in you
There is no point in you
Beggin' me not to go
Asking me not to leave
I'm steppin' out tonight
I am going out tonight despite your pleas
Last night you left home
Yesterday evening, you left the house
Said you was goin' to your momma's place
Claimed you were going to visit your mother
That's what I believed
I trusted your word
But your mama said
However, your mother revealed
She hadn't seen your face
That she had not seen you
Girl, you steppin' out on me
You are cheating on me
Trying to pull the wool over my eyes
You are attempting to deceive me
But I've been knowin' you too long, baby
I have known you for a long time, and I am not fooled
For you to try to lie
I know better than to trust your lies
So don't look at me
Do not try to act surprised
So doggone surprised
Acting shocked and surprised
I'm steppin' out tonight
I am going out despite your infidelity
Girl, you've put my patience to the test
You have worn out my patience
And I'm gettin' tired, baby
I am exhausted by this situation
Tired of all your mess
I am fed up with all the drama
So excuse me
Pardon me
Excuse me while I get dressed
Allow me to change into something more suitable for a night out
Steppin' out tonight
Going out tonight
Got to get loose
Must get away from this situation
Steppin' out tonight, hey
Going out tonight
Got to get away, baby
Need to escape
Yeah, steppin' out tonight, hey
Yes, I am going out tonight
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW HALL, EARL RANDLE, HOWARD LEE GRIMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind