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
Trick Or Treat
The Robert Cray Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you don't know, oh
When I tell you I wanna, wanna, wanna
Take you out and you don't want to go, girl
So if you love me, don't say you like me
If you like me, don't say you love me
I can't wait to Halloween to find out if it's trick or treat
I love you, babe
But you play a [Incomprehensible], girl
But you know, you know, you know, you know
That ain't where it's at, baby
'Cause if you love me, don't say you like me
And if you like me, don't say you love me
'Cause I can't wait to Halloween to find out if it's trick or treat
You can make life good
Make it a drag
With all those good things
You got cooking in your bag
Now I want you to treat me, baby
'Cause you got just what it takes, girl
I've been tricked so many times before
With everything I've made, girl
'Cause if you love me, don't say you like me
And if you like me, don't say you love me
I can't wait till Halloween to find out if it's trick or treat
What is it, baby?
Tell me, I wanna know
What is it?
Is it tricks or treats?
Gotta know, babe
Is it trick or treat?
What's in your bag, babe?
I wanna know
Is it treats or tricks
What's in your bag, babe?
The Robert Cray Band's song "Trick or Treat" is about the confusion and uncertainty that often arises in relationships. The singer tells his lover that if she loves him, she shouldn't say she just likes him, and if she likes him, she shouldn't say she loves him. He wants her to be clear and honest about her feelings, and he can't wait until Halloween to find out if it's trick or treat.
The lyrics also suggest that the singer feels he has been tricked in the past by people who weren't honest with their intentions. He wants his current lover to give him what he deserves and not play games with him. The chorus asks the question, "Is it trick or treat?" which serves as a metaphor for the uncertainty and unpredictability of relationships.
Overall, the song serves as a warning to the singer's lover that he won't tolerate being led on or lied to. He wants honesty and clarity in the relationship, and he won't settle for anything less.
Line by Line Meaning
You say you love me, babe
You express affection towards me
But you don't know, oh
But your actions don't reflect your words
When I tell you I wanna, wanna, wanna
When I express my desire
Take you out and you don't want to go, girl
To take you out and you refuse to go
So if you love me, don't say you like me
Genuine love should be expressed truly
If you like me, don't say you love me
Don't overstate your emotions
I can't wait to Halloween to find out if it's trick or treat
I can't wait for Halloween to know your true intentions
I love you, babe
I have genuine love for you
But you play a [Incomprehensible], girl
But you behave in an unclear manner
But you know, you know, you know, you know
But you're aware of this
That ain't where it's at, baby
That's not the way to behave
'Cause if you love me, don't say you like me
True love must be expressed truly
And if you like me, don't say you love me
Don't overstate your emotions
'Cause I can't wait to Halloween to find out if it's trick or treat
I can't wait for Halloween to know your true intentions
You can make life good
You have the power to make life happy
Make it a drag
Or you can make it boring
With all those good things
You have many good qualities
You got cooking in your bag
That you possess within yourself
Now I want you to treat me, baby
I want you to behave positively towards me
'Cause you got just what it takes, girl
Because you are capable of being kind
I've been tricked so many times before
I have been deceived in the past
With everything I've made, girl
By those I have shown kindness
'Cause if you love me, don't say you like me
Genuine love should be expressed truly
And if you like me, don't say you love me
Don't overstate your emotions
I can't wait till Halloween to find out if it's trick or treat
I can't wait for Halloween to know your true intentions
What is it, baby?
What is your true intention?
Tell me, I wanna know
Please be honest with me
What is it?
What are your true intentions?
Is it tricks or treats?
Will your actions be positive or negative?
Gotta know, babe
I need to know
Is it trick or treat?
Will your actions be positive or negative?
What's in your bag, babe?
What do you hold within yourself?
I wanna know
I need to understand
Is it treats or tricks
Is your intention to be kind or to deceive?
What's in your bag, babe?
What do you hold within yourself?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID PORTER, ISAAC HAYES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind