With ba… Read Full Bio ↴Robert Cray is an American blues guitarist, composer and singer.
With bassist Richard Cousins, keyboardist Peter Boe and drummer Tom Murphy, they launched The Robert Cray Band in 1980 with "Who's Been Talkin". The album was recorded during constant touring in the U.S. in 1978. The record was initially shelved for two years, being eventually issued by the short-lived Tomato label (whose licence was picked up by "Atlantic Records" (U.S.) and "Charly" in the UK.
After several years of regional success, Cray was signed to Mercury in 1982. It was the connection with the producing and songwriting team of Bruce Bromberg and Dennis Walker at Hightone that helped to create the mold-breaking music of "Bad Influence" (1983) and "False Accusations" (1985).
In 1984, The Robert Cray Band completed their first European tour to critical acclaim. Cray's participation with Albert Collins and Johnny Copeland on "Showdown!" (1985, Alligator) and the 1986 album release, "Strong Persuader", again produced by Walker, both received Grammy Awards, while the crossover single "Smoking Gun" gave him wider appeal and name recognition. During 1986 Cray played 170 concerts, including his seventh European tour since 1984, building on his increasing reputation in the UK.
The Robert Cray Band's next album "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" (1988) was recorded in Los Angeles, California, and featured David Sanborn on guest saxophone. The title song from the album won Cray his third Grammy, and he guested on Eric Clapton's "Journeyman", whilst also being on the bill at Clapton's eighteen show marathon at the Royal Albert Hall in London. In 1991 Cray was selected to present Howlin' Wolf's induction trophy to Wolf's widow, Lilly Burnett, at the sixth annual "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" Awards. Later that year Cray took part in the "Newport Jazz Festival" with B. B. King and John Lee Hooker.
Cray issued his following records under his own name, Robert Cray
Playin' In The Dirt
The Robert Cray Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And baby, so are you
But right now we're not thinking
Past this little rendezvous
We both know what's gonna happen
Four people gonna get hurt
'Cause it's bound to rub off on us
You'll probably lose your husband
I know I'll lose my wife
You'd think that we'd know better
At this point in our lives
So we might as well enjoy it
Take it for what it's worth
'Cause we're gonna get some on us
When we're playing in the dirt
It's the same old common story
It's happening all around
Ain't no doubt about it
One more ship is going down
There ain't no escaping
All the troubles on this Earth
We're gonna come up muddy, muddy, muddy
When we're playing in the dirt
The Robert Cray Band's "Playin' in the Dirt" explores the theme of infidelity and the aftermath that comes with it. The first verse of the song acknowledges the reality of the situation - that both the singer and his love interest are married. However, they are not thinking about the consequences of their actions and are living only in the present. The second verse reveals that they are aware of the hurt that they are causing to their respective spouses, but they continue with their affair regardless.
The chorus explains the song's title - "playing in the dirt." In this case, the dirt is a metaphor for the messiness and emotional damage that comes with infidelity. The singer and his lover are engaged in an activity that will undoubtedly "rub off" on them and get them muddy, symbolizing the inevitable harm that they will cause themselves and others. The song's final lines affirm the universality of this issue - it's a common story that's "happening all around."
Overall, "Playin' in the Dirt" is a poignant reminder of the destructive power of infidelity and how it affects not only the people directly involved but also the people around them. The song is a cautionary tale that sounds a warning about the foolishness of risking everything for a short-lived pleasure.
Line by Line Meaning
Now, you know that I'm married
I am reminding you that I am in a committed relationship.
And baby, so are you
You also have a spouse, which makes this situation complicated.
But right now we're not thinking
We are both choosing to ignore the consequences of our actions at this moment.
Past this little rendezvous
Our focus is on this brief affair and nothing else.
We both know what's gonna happen
We are aware of the painful outcome that will result from this encounter.
Four people gonna get hurt
Not only will the two of us be hurt, but so will our spouses as well.
'Cause it's bound to rub off on us
The negative impact of our infidelity will inevitably affect us in some way.
When we're playing in the dirt
Our misconduct is like playing in the dirt - we will get dirty, and the mess will be difficult to clean up.
You'll probably lose your husband
Your spouse will likely find out and leave you.
I know I'll lose my wife
My partner will also find out and end our marriage.
You'd think that we'd know better
As mature adults, we should be aware of the potential consequences of our actions.
At this point in our lives
We should have enough life experience to make better choices.
So we might as well enjoy it
Since we are already here, we might as well enjoy the moment and not worry about the fallout.
Take it for what it's worth
We should enjoy this affair while it lasts, even if it's temporary and has little value.
'Cause we're gonna get some on us
We will be affected by the consequences of our affair in some way - like getting dirty while playing in the dirt.
It's the same old common story
Infidelity is a universal issue that many people face.
It's happening all around
Cheating is not uncommon and happens frequently in many relationships.
Ain't no doubt about it
There is no uncertainty when it comes to the negative consequences of infidelity.
One more ship is going down
Another relationship is about to be destroyed because of infidelity.
There ain't no escaping
We cannot avoid the negative effects of our actions.
All the troubles on this Earth
The world is full of problems, including the fallout from infidelity.
We're gonna come up muddy, muddy, muddy
We will be negatively impacted and marked by the consequences of our affair - just like getting dirty while playing in the dirt.
When we're playing in the dirt
Our misdeeds will lead to negative consequences that will be difficult to clean up - just like the dirt that clings to us when we play in the dirt.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BRUCE M. BROMBERG, ROBERT CRAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Girl4Reba
Hands down this is one of my all time favorite Robert Cray songs. Thanks!
@ericstein4695
just heard it for the first time tonite. he is great. one of my fav's
@austingonzales1405
This is from False Accusations. Great album. His next albums were Showdown with Albert Collins and Johnny Copeland and Strong Persuader. Both would win Grammy's. Spectacular stuff!
@AmandaDraig
Robert Cray is one of my many blues heroes. And h'e still ALIVE! Great song
@danbutterfield4248
What a legend
@luizlauretinodemelo
MAGIA DA MUSICA*****
@lazyfender68
HAAaaaa yeah! here's a throw back to them days... love it. Classic staccato R Cray solo.
@RJ3220
What a song
@bluesoulady
so cool!
@ClassicRockDJdotcom
NICE!