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.
Candy Man
Taj Mahal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well candyman said been here and gone
Candyman said been here and gone
Wish I was in New Orleans sittin' on a candy stand
Well candyman said
Salty dog
Well candyman said salty dog
Well candyman said salty dog
Run to the corner get the baby some beer
Run to the corner get the baby some beer
Run to the corner get the baby some beer
Wish I was in New Orleans sittin' on a candy stand
Well candyman said been here and gone
Well candyman said been here and gone
Candyman said been here and gone
Wish I was in New Orleans sittin' on a candy stand
The lyrics to Taj Mahal's "Candy Man" reflect the experiences of a man who is reminiscing about his past and longing for a simpler, more carefree life. He references the "Candy Man," a mythical figure who appears to be both a symbol of innocence and something of a trickster. The Candy Man seems to have moved on, but the singer of the song is still thinking about him and wishing he could be sitting on a candy stand in New Orleans. As he muses on the salty dog and the candy man, he seems to be expressing a longing for a life that is full of simple pleasures and free from the trials and tribulations of the world.
The image of the baby being given beer is a striking one, and suggests a world in which things are not quite as they should be. Perhaps the singer is suggesting that we should all be able to indulge in the simple pleasures of life, even if that means breaking a few rules. Overall, "Candy Man" is a wistful and reflective song that speaks to the human desire for innocence and simplicity in the face of the complexities of the modern world.
Line by Line Meaning
Well candyman said been here and gone
The candyman implies that he has been to many places and experienced different things.
Wish I was in New Orleans sittin' on a candy stand
The singer desires to be in the city of New Orleans, sitting in a place where he can eat candy and enjoy the atmosphere.
Well candyman said Salty dog
The candyman calls someone a salty dog, indicating that he doesn't want to be like them.
I can't be your salty dog and I won't be your candyman
The artist doesn't want to be what others want him to be, he wants to be his own person and make his own choices.
Run to the corner get the baby some beer
The artist expresses a desire to do something unconventional and unexpected, like giving a baby beer.
Contributed by Nathan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@p.davidhornik947
That's a great version, best one I've heard on YouTube. Love the banjo. This really gets down into the song, which I think has a lot of sadness in it, maybe I'm the only one.
@Lengo67
Perhaps a touch of sadness. Re: the banjo. The song is Mississippi Delta blues. The banjo fits perfectly
@johnnoipswich7239
Genius...
@yay-yo
Allways use to Whistle an try sing sum When taking my Good Boys Fishing xx 😎
@jfun7740
He's my guy
@stephenbouchelle7706
Anyone know if he is in regular G tuning, or something else?
@stevewells6646
It's played on a 6 string banjo in an open G tuning but capo on the 5th fret making it in the key of C (on the album)