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.
Ain't Nobody's Business
Taj Mahal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
About snow in the desert
Champagne don't drive me crazy
Cocaine don't make me lazy
Ain't nobody's business but my own
Candy is dandy and liquor is quicker
Ain't nobody's business but my own
You can ride a great big pink Cadillac to church on Sunday
You can hang around the house with your old lady on Monday
Ain't nobody's business but your own
Man I don't care what in the world that you do
As long as you do what you say you going to
Ain't nobody's business but your own
Now, I know some of you cuties
You real fine cuties, you go stepping downtown
Just to hang around
Standing on the corner
So the fellows will stare and say
"Oh, ain't she sweet?"
Champagne don't drive me crazy
Cocaine don't make me lazy
Ain't nobody's business but my own
Candy is dandy and liquor is quicker
You can drink all the liquor down at Costa Rica
Ain't nobody's business but my own
You can walk downtown in your birthday suit
I can see you coming out of the Bank Of America with a whole lotta loot
Ain't nobody's business but your own
Now, you know that cocaine's for horses now it ain't for men
The doctors said it'll kill me but they didn't say when
Ain't nobody's business but your own
Now, you know sometime I put on my straw hat
And my stripe pants, my spanz baby
You know I'm not going trucking downtown
Standing on the corner so the fellas can stare and say
Hey man, ain't you the brother in the '57 mercury
With the turnpike skirts and the chrome reverse wheels
The white wall tires and lights running the skirts
Was painted lime green with reversible lights in place
With windows that you can see out, can nobody see in
With four on the floor, 745 horsepower and a big stereo
Listening to Wolfman Jack say, "Ain't this X C I B, baby"
Champagne don't drive me crazy
Cocaine don't make me lazy
Ain't nobody's business but my own
Candy is dandy and liquor is quicker
You can drink all the liquor down at Costa Rica
Ain't nobody's business but your own, but my own
Come on now let's try it, one, two, three
Now, champagne don't drive me crazy
Cocaine don't make me lazy
Ain't nobody's business but my own
Sing it now
Candy is dandy and liquor is quicker
You can drink all the liquor down at Costa Rica
Ain't nobody's business but my own
Once again
Champagne don't drive me crazy
Cocaine don't make me lazy
Ain't nobody's business but my own
Candy is dandy and liquor is quicker
You can drink all the liquor down at Costa Rica
Ain't nobody's business but my own
The song "Ain't Nobody's Business" by Taj Mahal is a humorous and catchy tune about personal freedom and living life on one's own terms. The lyrics make references to different vices such as champagne, cocaine, and liquor, but ultimately the message is that what one chooses to do with their own life is nobody else's business. The song also touches on societal expectations, such as going to church on Sunday or looking presentable for others, but the singer advises to live authentically and not worry about anyone else's opinions.
The line "Cocaine don't make me lazy" is particularly interesting, as it was written during a time when recreational drug use was becoming more socially acceptable, but many people were skeptical about the effects of cocaine specifically. The reference to walking downtown in one's birthday suit is a nod to the hippie counterculture movement that was popular in the 1960s when the song was written. The mention of "Wolfman Jack" also provides a glimpse into the popular culture of the time, as he was a famous radio DJ who was known for playing rock and roll music.
Overall, "Ain't Nobody's Business" is a lighthearted song about personal freedom and living life unapologetically. It provides a glimpse into the social attitudes of the 1960s and has a catchy tune that still resonates with listeners today.
Line by Line Meaning
Champagne don't drive me crazy
Drinking champagne doesn't drive me crazy or make me act in inappropriate ways
Cocaine don't make me lazy
Using cocaine doesn't make me lazy or unproductive
Ain't nobody's business but my own
My personal choices and behaviors are not anyone else's concern
Candy is dandy and liquor is quicker
Both candy and liquor can quickly provide pleasure and satisfaction
You can drink all the liquor down at Costa Rica
You can consume as much alcohol as you want in Costa Rica without anyone else's judgment or interference
You can ride a great big pink Cadillac to church on Sunday
You can express yourself however you want, such as driving an unconventional vehicle to religious services
You can hang around the house with your old lady on Monday
You can spend quality time with your significant other and engage in simple activities without needing to impress others
Man I don't care what in the world that you do
I don't judge or interfere with your life choices or actions
As long as you do what you say you going to
As long as you keep your promises and follow through with your commitments
Now, I know some of you cuties
I am aware of some attractive people in the audience
Standing on the corner
Hanging out in public areas to draw attention from others
"Oh, ain't she sweet?"
Exclaiming admiration or appreciation for someone's appearance or behavior
You can walk downtown in your birthday suit
You can choose to be completely naked in public without anyone interferring
I can see you coming out of the Bank Of America with a whole lotta loot
I can imagine you leaving a bank with a large sum of money
Now, you know that cocaine's for horses now it ain't for men
Cocaine is not recommended for human use and it does more harm than good
The doctors said it'll kill me but they didn't say when
Medical professionals have warned about the dangers of cocaine, but have not given a specific timeframe for negative consequences
Hey man, ain't you the brother in the '57 mercury
Addressing someone else and recognizing them as the owner of a specific car model
With the turnpike skirts and the chrome reverse wheels
Describing the car's specific features and customization
Listening to Wolfman Jack say, "Ain't this X C I B, baby"
Enjoying music being played by a radio DJ and reacting to it positively
Come on now let's try it, one, two, three
Encouraging audience participation in singing the song
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ralphnoyes4366
Been a fan, Taj, since 1969 -- college.
Costa Rica is a great place, but it's no desert. Varied climate, mountains, jungles, beaches. I hope you've partied there. It's a GREAT place to party !!
@GABADA
Excellent!! Love Taj Mahal! One of the best blues bands ever!!! And that ain't nobody's business but my own!! 😁😁😁
@mardicole4202
Taj used to play on a regular basis in my hometown back in the late 60's to mid 70's - we had a lot of holdover coffee house venues thru to the early 80's. It was great to see him - just like this - guitar in hand all by his lonesome
@rachelpogue66
This is amazing, I love the way he says costa rica 😂 and this man was clearly an incredible guitarist
@jeffreysmith5975
I saw Mr.Mahal 😉 perform this on Public television in 1976 and it spoiled me for life.
@robertdickson2319
Truly beautiful human being. 'nuff said. Humour, soul, an' STYLE!
@masondixon2675
Great blast from the past.
@hattmann16
I saw him at The Count Basie Theatre. It was a night of Taj and his band. An amazingly outstanding night of acoustic blues.
@sallieboice8751
saw him there too
@neilrobertson9404
Cocaine don't make me lazy