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.
Built For Comfort
Taj Mahal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But the way I'm built, don't you call me fat
Because I'm built for comfort, I ain't built for speed
But I got everything all the good girl need
Some folk rip and run, some folk believe in signs
But if you want me, baby you got to take your time
Because I'm built for comfort, I ain't built for speed
I ain't have no diamond, I ain't have no gold
But I do have lovin' to satisfy your soul
Because I'm built for comfort, I ain't built for speed
But I got everything all you good women need
The lyrics of Taj Mahal's "Built For Comfort" revolve around self-love and body positivity, urging listeners not to shame others for their body type. The first two lines recognize that people's bodies come in different shapes and sizes, but then the chorus sets out the singer's body type as being "built for comfort" rather than speed. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the singer's temperament and approach to relationships; they are not interested in rushing or superficial connections, but in deep and meaningful ones.
The singer contrasts themselves with others who may be more fast-paced or superstitious in their approach to love. The third verse shifts the focus of the song to the singer's material wealth or lack thereof, emphasizing instead that their ability to love and connect emotionally is what truly matters.
Line by Line Meaning
Some folk built like this, some folk built like that
People come in different shapes and sizes
But the way I'm built, don't you call me fat
Don't judge me by my physical appearance
Because I'm built for comfort, I ain't built for speed
I may not be the fastest, but I can offer a comfortable and enjoyable experience
But I got everything all the good girl need
I have all the qualities that a good girl wants in a partner
Some folk rip and run, some folk believe in signs
Some people are impulsive, while others rely on signs or fate
But if you want me, baby you got to take your time
If you want to be with me, you must be patient and take things slow
I ain't have no diamond, I ain't have no gold
I may not have material possessions, but I have something more valuable to offer
But I do have lovin' to satisfy your soul
I can provide love and emotional fulfillment
But I got everything all you good women need
I possess all the qualities that a good woman desires in a partner
Contributed by Camilla A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.