Taj Mahal (born Henry Saint Clair Fredericks in New York City on May 17, 19… Read Full Bio ↴Taj Mahal (born Henry Saint Clair Fredericks in New York City on May 17, 1942) is an American Grammy Award-winning blues musician who incorporates elements of world music into his music. A self-taught singer, songwriter, and film composer who plays the guitar, banjo and harmonica (among many other instruments), Mahal has done much to reshape the definition and scope of blues music over the course of his 50 year career by fusing it with non-traditional forms, including sounds from the Caribbean, Africa and the South Pacific.

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.

Cakewalk into Town
Taj Mahal Lyrics

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I had the blues, so bad one time it put my face in a permanent frown
You know I'm feeling so much better, I could cakewalk1 into town
Honey, I woke up this mornin' feelin' so good, you know I laid back down again
Throw your big leg over me mama, I might not feel this good again
My baby, my baby, I do love the way she walks
And when my woman gets sleepy, I love the way she baby-talks
My work is getting scarce, oh baby, my work it done got hard,
I spend my whole day stealin' chickens Honey from the rich folks yard

I would love to take a picnic in the country and stay all day
I wouldn't do nothing but while my blues away

I had the blues so bad one time it put my face in a permanent frown
You know I'm feelin' so much better I could cakewalk into town

Overall Meaning

In Taj Mahal's song "Cakewalk into Town," he describes how he was once so unhappy that he had a permanent frown on his face due to the blues he had. However, he now feels so much better that he could effortlessly "cakewalk into town." He even suggests in the next line that he's feeling extra good to have his woman close by to walk him through this happy period. Taj then goes on to describe his work situation and how it's getting tougher and tougher to make ends meet, one reason why his earlier blues put him into such a down state. He states that he spends most of his days stealing chickens from wealthy people's yards just to get by. The song concludes with Taj wanting nothing more than to spend the day with his love in the country, lounging around, and easing his blues away.

The lyrics of this song are relatable and simple, as is common with the blues genre. Taj Mahal puts his all into every note, and his style of singing evokes both pain and pleasure. The song's melody is catchy and comfortable, leaving listeners with a positive feeling. It shows that even during difficult times, there's always a chance to find happiness and move beyond feeling sad. Taj's song is an inspiration to anyone who has had the blues and wants to turn their life around.

Line by Line Meaning

I had the blues, so bad one time it put my face in a permanent frown
I was feeling very depressed at one point in time, to the point where I had a constant sad expression on my face

You know I'm feeling so much better, I could cakewalk into town
Now I'm feeling much better and full of joy, to the point where I could dance and strut into town with ease

Honey, I woke up this mornin' feelin' so good, you know I laid back down again
I felt so good upon waking up, that I felt the need to rest and enjoy the feeling

Throw your big leg over me mama, I might not feel this good again
Embrace me fully, dear, as I am afraid this feeling of happiness may not last forever

My baby, my baby, I do love the way she walks
I adore the way my significant other moves and carries themselves

And when my woman gets sleepy, I love the way she baby-talks
I find my partner's sleepy voice and mannerisms endearing and charming

My work is getting scarce, oh baby, my work it done got hard
I am struggling to find employment and the jobs I do have are becoming increasingly difficult

I spend my whole day stealin' chickens Honey from the rich folks yard
In order to get by, I have resorted to stealing chickens from the wealthy

I would love to take a picnic in the country and stay all day
I dream of enjoying a leisurely outdoor meal and spending the entire day there

I wouldn't do nothing but while my blues away
My only goal during this picnic would be to forget my troubles and enjoy the present moment

I had the blues so bad one time it put my face in a permanent frown
As previously mentioned, I was once incredibly depressed and it greatly affected my appearance

You know I'm feelin' so much better I could cakewalk into town
But now I am feeling much happier and carefree, to the point where I could dance my way through town

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TAJ MAHAL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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