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 it Funky Now
Taj Mahal Lyrics
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I picked myself up baby and took a look around
Got jazzed on agriculture started pushing a plow
Oh life has been beautiful
Ain't it funky now?
Ooh, ain't it funky now?
It opened up my eyes and ears and made me shut my mouth
Daddy died and left momma it really brought her down
She picked herself up and started working in the town
Oh life ain't all perfect
Oohh
Ain't it funky now?
Hey, mama! Ain't it funky now?
Big fine mama, you turn my lamp light down
Ooh, baby
I just got to have you around
You make me feel good, you make my body sound
Life with you is harmony
Ain't it funky now?
Ain't it funky now?
I will not live in your city, I will not live in your town
I will live in the country where there's grass and trees around
And dig the sun coming up and dig that moon going down
And stand out there on some dark country ground
Life has been beautiful
Ain't it funky now?
Ain't it funky now?
Born in New York City, raised in that Massachusetts town
Oh, I picked myself up and I took a look around
Got jazzed on agriculture, started pushing a plow
Oh life to me has been beautiful
Sugar!
Ain't it funky now? Woahh
Ain't it funky now?
Ain't it funky now? Woah!
Ain't it funky now? Oh!
Ain't it funky now?
Ain't it funky now? Ooh, ooh baby
Ain't it funky now?
Ain't it funky now?
The song Ain't it Funky Now by Taj Mahal tells the story of his life and personal experiences of growing up in New York and Massachusetts with Jamaican and Southern heritage, and his love for country life. The song starts with him talking about his birthplace and his relocation to a Massachusetts town. Taj Mahal speaks about his strong interest in farming and how it became his passion. Through his words, we see how he appreciates the beauty of life and acknowledges that it is not always perfect. The lyrics reflect the inevitability of life's imperfections and the acceptance of them.
The central message of the song can be summarized as an appreciation for the beauty of life, acknowledgement of imperfections, and the importance of finding your true home. Taj Mahal highlights the crucial role of his heritage in shaping his worldview, while also emphasizing the importance of individuality and choosing one's own path. The lyrics have a universal message of appreciation for one's roots and individuality while celebrating the diversity of life.
Line by Line Meaning
I was born in New York City, raised in a Massachusetts town
I picked myself up baby and took a look around
Got jazzed on agriculture started pushing a plow
Oh life has been beautiful
Growing up in New York and Massachusetts wasn't all that bad, and even though I started working hard and getting into agriculture, I still have enjoyed life so far.
Ain't it funky now?
Ooh, ain't it funky now?
Can you feel that rhythm and energy in the air? It's intense and intoxicating right now.
Me father from Jamaica, my mother from the South
It opened up my eyes and ears and made me shut my mouth
Daddy died and left momma it really brought her down
She picked herself up and started working in the town
Oh life ain't all perfect
Oohh
Ain't it funky now?
Hey, mama! Ain't it funky now?
My parents from two different backgrounds taught me a lot about different cultures while also humbling me in life. Losing my father was difficult for my mother, but she persevered and began working hard again. Life isn't perfect, but it's still funky and full of energy!
Big fine mama, you turn my lamp light down
Ooh, baby
I just got to have you around
You make me feel good, you make my body sound
Life with you is harmony
Ain't it funky now?
Ain't it funky now?
Having someone special like you in my life is amazing. I love your presence, your touch, your vibe - it's all in perfect harmony with me. Life is funky and full of music because of you.
I will not live in your city, I will not live in your town
I will live in the country where there's grass and trees around
And dig the sun coming up and dig that moon going down
And stand out there on some dark country ground
Life has been beautiful
Ain't it funky now?
Ain't it funky now?
I don't need the hustle and bustle of the city or the town. The countryside is where it's at for me. The beauty of nature and the tranquility makes life so much better. And with all this funk and energy around me, life is more than beautiful.
Born in New York City, raised in that Massachusetts town
Oh, I picked myself up and I took a look around
Got jazzed on agriculture, started pushing a plow
Oh life to me has been beautiful
Sugar!
Ain't it funky now? Woahh
Ain't it funky now?
Ain't it funky now? Woah!
Ain't it funky now? Oh!
Ain't it funky now?
Ain't it funky now? Ooh, ooh baby
Ain't it funky now?
Ain't it funky now?
Life hasn't always been sunshine and rainbows, but growing up and working hard has its own beauty. And with all these various sounds and rhythms around me, life is definitely funky!
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TAJ MAHAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind