After college, Mahal moved to Los Angeles and formed the group Rising Sons with Ry Cooder in 1964. The group signed with Columbia Records and released one single and recorded another album which was not released by Columbia until 1992. Taj, frustrated with the mixed reaction to his music quit the group and went solo. Still with Columbia, he released a well received, self titled album in 1968, and based on its success released a second album, Natch'l Blues that same year. Two very different records - Giant Step, with his electric band, and solo De Ole Folks at Home - were released in 1969 together as a double album. This firmly established Taj as an American blues original. The double album The Real Thing, captured him live at this time, with a horn section.
He has received two Grammy awards in the category "Best Contemporary Blues Album", the first in 1997 for Señor Blues, and again in 2000 for Shoutin' in Key. He has performed on various film soundtracks including Sounder and Blues Brothers 2000, in which he also appeared.
21st Century Gypsy Singin' Lover Man
Taj Mahal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Please don't worry baby
'Cause I'll soon be coming home to you
And if I steal away
Like a thief in the night
It's only 'cause I hate to say that long goodbye to you
Nowhere can compare
With the comfort of your big brass bed
But I've got a long road to travel
And only a hard and stony ground
For me to rest my weary head
I'm like a fish out of water
Feel like I'm drowming on dry land
If I ain't got a reservation ticket
Right here in the palm of my hand
I'm a 21st century gypsy
21st century gypsy singin' lover man
And when I kiss you goodnight
In the dark hours of the morning
And pack a guitar bag
And head on out the door
I know that you know that I really hate to leave you
But it's that time again and I simply got to go
And if I'm away on the road for weeks on end
In some way off and far flung foreign land
Sailing an ocean or deep down in the jungle
Or in a caravan crossing the burning desert land
I follow a spirit that's been roaming free
Way way back since time began
I was a wandering minstrel in a previous life
Now I'm your 21st century
21st century gypsy singin' lover man
I'm like a fish out of water
I'm drowming on dry land
If I ain't got a reservation ticket
Right here in the palm of my hand
I'm your 21st century gypsy singin' lover man
In "21st Century Gypsy Singin' Lover Man", Taj Mahal expresses the struggle of a nomadic lifestyle and the difficulty of balancing it with his love life. The song is a combination of blues, rock and roll, and African-inspired rhythms. The first verse starts with Taj's acknowledgement of the difficulty that comes with being in love with a gypsy. He reassures his lover that she shouldn't worry because he'll be back home soon. In the following lines, Taj explains his tendency to leave abruptly in the night, which is something that he hates to do but must because of his nomadic lifestyle. He acknowledges that although he knows nowhere can compare to his lover's bed, it's hard for him to stay in one place because he's accustomed to living life on the road, travelling and playing music.
In the second verse, Taj delves more into his nomadic lifestyle, describing the affliction of feeling like a fish out of water when he doesn't have a reservation ticket in his hand. He then identifies himself as a 21st century gypsy singin' lover man when he bids his lover goodbye, packs his guitar bag and heads out the door on yet another adventure. Finally, he highlights his longing to follow the free roaming spirit that he believes has been a part of him since time began, leading him to be a wandering performer in a past life. But, now he is his lover's 21st century gypsy, sowing his wild oats on the road while also holding on to his love for her.
Overall, the song is a beautiful tribute to the balancing act that artists must undertake in order to pursue their passions while also holding on to their personal relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I know it's hard to love a gypsy
Being with someone who's always on the move and doesn't have a permanent home is tough on a relationship.
Please don't worry baby
Don't fret, everything will work out.
'Cause I'll soon be coming home to you
I may travel, but I always come back home to you.
And if I steal away
Sometimes I may leave abruptly.
Like a thief in the night
Leaving suddenly, quietly, and without warning.
It's only 'cause I hate to say that long goodbye to you
I don't like long, drawn-out goodbyes.
I know there ain't nowhere
There isn't a place anywhere that compares to being with you.
Nowhere can compare
No place can measure up to the love and comfort I feel with you.
With the comfort of your big brass bed
Being with you is where I feel safe and comfortable.
But I've got a long road to travel
I have a journey ahead of me, both physically and metaphorically.
And only a hard and stony ground
The only place I have to rest is wherever I find myself at the end of the day.
For me to rest my weary head
I don't have a luxurious bed to rest my head, only the ground.
I'm like a fish out of water
I feel out of place and uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings.
Feel like I'm drowning on dry land
Being out of my element makes me feel lost and overwhelmed.
If I ain't got a reservation ticket
If I don't have my travel plans in order, I feel anxious.
Right here in the palm of my hand
I need to have everything in order and ready to go.
I'm a 21st century gypsy
I am modern day wanderer, following the call of the open road.
21st century gypsy singin' lover man
I am a musician who loves to travel, live simply, and experience the world.
And when I kiss you goodnight
I cherish every moment I get to spend with you.
In the dark hours of the morning
Even when it's hard to leave, I know I have to go.
And pack a guitar bag
I'm always ready to hit the road with my trusty guitar.
And head on out the door
I'm always on to the next adventure.
I know that you know that I really hate to leave you
You understand that it's hard for me to go.
But it's that time again and I simply got to go
Despite my reluctance, it's time for me to move on.
And if I'm away on the road for weeks on end
I may be gone for long stretches of time.
In some way off and far flung foreign land
I may travel to distant and unfamiliar places.
Sailing an ocean or deep down in the jungle
I love to explore and experience all kinds of environments.
Or in a caravan crossing the burning desert land
I am always up for an adventure and ready to explore new territory.
I follow a spirit that's been roaming free
I am guided by a desire for adventure and the open road.
Way way back since time began
This is a calling that's been with me for as long as I can remember.
I was a wandering minstrel in a previous life
My love of travel and music has been a part of me for many lives.
Now I'm your 21st century
I am yours, living and loving in the present day.
21st century gypsy singin' lover man
I am a modern-day troubadour, traveling the world and singing songs of love.
Contributed by Logan P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.