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.
Big Legged Mamas Are Back In Style
Taj Mahal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I mean, them short fat fannies back in style again
You ain't had no real good love till you been loved by one of them
Size 14, 16, 18, 22, 24 in style again
I mean them big fat cuties back in style again
You ain't had no juicy Lucy until you've been loved by one of them
Well momma and poppa told me, son you better shout
Big legged mommas, now, they're back in style again
I mean them big fat cuties, back in style again
You ain't had no real good lovin' till you've been loved by one of them
She gonna rock you, she gonna roll you, she won't try to control you
Talkin' 'bout those big legged mommas, they're back in style again
I mean them thick-thighed heifers, back in style again
You ain't had no juicy Lucy till you've been loved by one of them
She's the kind of woman that drinks her coffee in a great big cup
She's the kind of woman that saves her lovin' up
Talkin' 'bout a big legged momma, they're back in style again
I mean them heart shaped booties, back in style again
You ain't had no real good lovin' till you've been loved by one of them
Well, she will not make you shout, she won't make you beg
But she will shake her hooters like a soft boiled egg
Talkin' about those big legged mommas, they're back in style again
I mean them heart shaped booties, back in style again
You ain't had no juicy Lucy till you've been loved by one of them
She says, "Honey get me some WD-40 and oil my spring
My back is made of whale bone and I'm gonna make you sing"
Talkin' about those big legged mommas, they're back in style again
Talkin' about those big legged mommas, they're back in style again
You ain't had no juicy Lucy till you've been loved by one of them
In this song, Taj Mahal talks about big legged mamas being back in style again. He is referring to the curvy women, who have a size between 14 to 24. He sings about how these women are amazing lovers and how he has had no real love until he's been with one of them. Taj Mahal's lyrics also mention how the woman he is talking about is the kind of woman that drinks her coffee in a great big cup and saves her loving up.
Taj Mahal's lyrics celebrate the beauty of the larger woman and show that they are confident and in style. He highlights that they are in control, they will not try to control you, and they love themselves. He describes them as "heart-shaped booties" and "thick-thighed heifers," which may be considered derogatory terms, but in this song, he uses them positively to show his admiration.
While some may see the lyrics as objectifying and objectifying, the song actually focuses on empowering women who do not fit the traditional standards of beauty. It celebrates and endorses the idea that everyone can be beautiful and attractive, no matter their size.
Line by Line Meaning
Talkin' 'bout big legged mommas back in style again
Referring to the resurgence in popularity of curvy women with larger lower bodies.
I mean, them short fat fannies back in style again
Specifically pointing out the return of women with shorter, wider derrieres as a fashionable body type.
You ain't had no real good love till you been loved by one of them
Asserting that sexual experiences with these women are particularly fulfilling and enjoyable.
Size 14, 16, 18, 22, 24 in style again
Listing various larger clothing sizes to emphasize the broad range of body types being celebrated.
I mean them big fat cuties back in style again
Using playful language to express appreciation for these women's body types and beauty.
Well momma and poppa told me, son you better shout
Referencing the singer's parents to add a sense of cultural nostalgia to the song.
Woman that you got, she is gonna knock you out
Suggesting that being with a curvy woman can be a powerful and alluring experience.
She gonna rock you, she gonna roll you, she won't try to control you
Describing the confident, sensual nature of these women without the negative stereotypes often associated with curvy women.
Talkin' 'bout those big legged mommas, they're back in style again
Reiterating the theme of celebrating the return of larger women in popular culture.
I mean them thick-thighed heifers, back in style again
Using potentially offensive language in a tongue-in-cheek way to reinforce the central idea of the song.
She's the kind of woman that drinks her coffee in a great big cup
Offering a light-hearted detail about the physical characteristics of these women.
She's the kind of woman that saves her lovin' up
Suggesting that curvy women are more discerning and have higher standards for sexual partners.
I mean them heart shaped booties, back in style again
Continuing to playfully highlight attractive physical features of curvy women.
Well, she will not make you shout, she won't make you beg
Contrasting the sexually empowering nature of curvy women to negative stereotypes about women in general.
But she will shake her hooters like a soft boiled egg
Offering an amusing and vivid image of the physical appeal of curvy women.
She says, "Honey get me some WD-40 and oil my spring
Introducing a playful and sexual metaphor that also highlights the strength and confidence of curvy women.
My back is made of whale bone and I'm gonna make you sing"
Further playing with the metaphor to depict curvy women as strong, powerful, and capable of delivering great sexual satisfaction.
You ain't had no juicy Lucy till you've been loved by one of them
Reiterating the central idea of the song in a memorable way that emphasizes the sensual appeal and sexual fulfillment of being with a larger woman.
Contributed by Charlie M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.