Meaning: Robert Cray, an American blues guitarist and singer, is known for his soulful voice and distinctive guitar style. In the quote, Cray expresses his reluctance towards the idea of creating a covers record, highlighting his preference for original songwriting over covering existing material. This perspective sheds light on the creative process and artistic integrity of musicians, as well as the concept of originality in the music industry.

When Cray mentions "normally when we go in and write the songs we write, we think about doing a cover," he acknowledges the common practice among musicians to consider covering songs as part of their creative process. Many artists, including Cray, often draw inspiration from existing music and may even incorporate elements from other songs into their own compositions. This demonstrates the interconnectedness of musical influences and the ways in which artists pay homage to their musical predecessors.

However, Cray's distinction between considering a cover and creating a covers record reflects his commitment to maintaining originality and authenticity in his musical output. For him, the idea of a covers record represents a concept that he and his band are not inclined to pursue. This stance speaks to the importance of artistic autonomy and the desire to express one's unique voice and vision through original material.

Covers records, where artists exclusively perform renditions of other musicians' songs, can be both a tribute to influential artists and a commercial endeavor. While covers can provide a fresh perspective on familiar tunes and showcase an artist's interpretive skills, they can also be seen as a departure from the artist's original creative expression. By eschewing the idea of a covers record, Cray emphasizes the value he places on crafting his own music and the creative fulfillment that comes from original songwriting.

The concept of artistic autonomy and the pursuit of originality is a recurring theme in the music industry. Many musicians strive to create and perform their own compositions as a means of expressing their unique experiences, emotions, and perspectives. This commitment to original songwriting often serves as a defining characteristic of an artist's identity and contributes to the diversity of musical expression across genres.

In the context of Cray's career, his dedication to original songwriting has solidified his reputation as a prolific artist with a distinct musical voice. His refusal to conform to the idea of a covers record aligns with his artistic principles and reinforces the significance of creative autonomy in the music industry. It also underscores the notion that artists should be free to explore their own creative instincts and resist external pressures to adhere to certain trends or concepts.

Ultimately, Cray's perspective on covers records offers insight into the complexities of artistic decision-making and the enduring value of originality in music. While covers can be a source of inspiration and enjoyment for both artists and audiences, the act of creating original music remains a foundational element of artistic expression for many musicians, including Robert Cray.