The Meaning Behind The Song: Hey Ray – commentary by John Cale
A Musician’s Perspective
I first heard the song “Hey Ray” on a lazy summer afternoon while sifting through a collection of vinyl records at a friend’s house. As soon as the playful and catchy melody started playing, I was captivated. It was one of those moments when you stumble upon a hidden gem that instantly resonates with you.
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Curiosity got the better of me, and I found myself delving deeper into the song’s meaning and background. Luckily, I came across a commentary by none other than John Cale, shedding light on the story behind “Hey Ray.”
In his commentary, Cale reminisces about his early days in New York City and how Ray Johnson, an artist associated with the John Cage and Merce Cunningham group, made a profound impact on him. Johnson, an eccentric and enigmatic figure, used the postal service as his canvas, sending unconventional artwork to people through letters.
Cale recalls how he was fascinated by the unique way Ray expressed himself, using cuttings, drawings, and an array of eclectic objects sent in envelopes. It was as if Johnson was creating his own artistic language, connecting with people without the need for direct communication.
The lyrics of “Hey Ray” seem to reflect Cale’s admiration for Ray Johnson’s artistic approach. While the song doesn’t explicitly mention Johnson, it captures the essence of his unconventional spirit and the vibrant atmosphere of New York City in the 1960s.
Ah, Ray Johnson was the first artist I run into in New York when I first got there. He was part of the John Cage/Merce Cunningham group. And, uh, I was thinking about all the things that went on when I got there in the ’60s – and how in New York the U.N. hosted Fidel Castro in Harlem, and, um, all these stories about how he used to cook his chicken on a parafin stove in his room at the Theresa Hotel…
Um, Ray was a young eccentric, who used the postal service as his canvas. He used to send crazy bits of cuttings, drawings, and envelopes full of bric-à-brac to people. And, he’d never call ya. And you couldn’t call him. Very shy guy. And, um, that was it
And, uh, everybody was worried cos the Russians were coming. Which they didn’t
The lyrics provide a glimpse into Cale’s thoughts about the 1960s New York City scene. He mentions the UN hosting Fidel Castro in Harlem, a notable event at that time. It creates a vivid backdrop against which Ray Johnson’s eccentricities and unique artistic expressions shine.
Further on, Cale alludes to the prevailing Cold War tensions of the era, with the line “everybody was worried cos the Russians were coming. Which they didn’t.” It is an interesting inclusion, perhaps suggesting the underlying anxiety of the time and how Johnson’s unconventionality offered a refreshing escape from those worries.
Listening to “Hey Ray” while keeping this backstory in mind adds a layer of depth to the song. It becomes a tribute not only to Ray Johnson but also to the spirit of artistic individuality and unconventional communication.
As a musician, I find songs like “Hey Ray” inspiring. They remind me of the power of expressing oneself outside of traditional boundaries and the ability of music to capture such sentiments. Cale, through this song, invites us to appreciate the artistic genius that can arise from unexpected places and to celebrate those who dare to march to the beat of their own drum.
So next time you find yourself exploring the discography of an artist or stumbling upon a hidden song, take a moment to uncover the story behind it. You might just discover a whole new dimension to the music that enriches your listening experience.
