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
Waiting For The Tide To Turn
The Robert Cray Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm all alone
My money's short
So I'm stickin' close to home
And waiting
Waiting for the tide to turn
Time will bring on some changes
Got no woman now
When a woman's what I need
When my ship comes in
I'm gonna have me two or three
I'm waiting
Waiting for the tide to turn
Patience, patience, patience
Is one sure thing that I've learned
Every time I fall
I bounce a little higher
I get back five for every dollar that I lose
Every time I'm down
Real good times follow
But don't you feel bad for me when you hear these blues
Ohh, every time I fall
I bounce back a little higher
I get back five for every dollar that I lose
Every time I'm down
Real good times follow
But don't feel bad for me when you hear these blues
I'm waiting
Waiting for the tide to turn
Time will bring on some changes
That's one sure thing that I've learned
The Robert Cray Band's song "Waiting For The Tide To Turn" is a bluesy reflection of an individual experiencing tough times, waiting for better days ahead. The first few lines of the lyrics describe the songwriter's loneliness and financial struggles, which restrict their movements and leave them yearning for a change. However, the chorus of the song provides a glimmer of hope for the person's future, with the assurance that things will eventually get better. The artist emphasizes the need for patience while waiting for the tide to turn; every time he falls, he bounces back a little higher and gets back five for every dollar he loses. It is a story of perseverance, positively reinforced by the artist's experience.
The lyrics of "Waiting For The Tide To Turn" are relatable and relevant to many people, who are experiencing a difficult patch in their lives. The song encourages people to remain optimistic and patient despite the trials they face. Fundamentally, it serves as a reminder that nothing in life is permanent, and things will always change.
Line by Line Meaning
My nights are long
I spend my nights feeling lonely and bored.
I'm all alone
There's nobody around to keep me company.
My money's short
I'm low on cash and can't afford to do much.
So I'm stickin' close to home
I'm staying at home to save money and avoid boredom.
And waiting
I'm patiently waiting for something to change.
Waiting for the tide to turn
I'm waiting for my luck to change and for things to get better.
Time will bring on some changes
I know that things will eventually change for the better.
That's one sure thing that I've learned
I've realized that change is inevitable.
Got no woman now
I'm currently single and without a partner.
When a woman's what I need
I know that having a romantic partner would improve my situation.
When my ship comes in
When my good fortune arrives.
I'm gonna have me two or three
I plan to have multiple romantic partners when I'm successful.
Patience, patience, patience
I must be patient in order to achieve my goals.
Is one sure thing that I've learned
I've learned that patience is necessary for success.
Every time I fall
Whenever I experience setbacks or failures.
I bounce a little higher
I become more resilient and optimistic.
I get back five for every dollar that I lose
Whenever I experience a loss, I gain valuable experience and knowledge.
Real good times follow
I know that good things will happen after the bad times.
But don't you feel bad for me when you hear these blues
I don't want sympathy, just understanding.
Ohh, every time I fall
Again, when I experience setbacks or failures.
I bounce back a little higher
I become more resilient and optimistic with each failure.
I'm waiting
Once again, I'm waiting patiently for things to improve.
Time will bring on some changes
I still have faith that my luck will eventually change for the better.
That's one sure thing that I've learned
I've learned that change is inevitable and that I must persevere through the tough times.
Contributed by Juliana T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.