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.

Don`t Tell Me
Taj Mahal Lyrics

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Girl, where'd you get that frown?
Don't tell me baby
And who would let you down?
Don't tell me baby, come on now

We've been talkin' bout
The same old things like whether
We'd be worrying about

It if we were together, yeah

And who woulda broke your heart?
Don't tell me, baby
About well my favorite part
Don't tell me baby, child

In the time it takes for you to think it over, yeah
I'll be closer than the seat belt on your shoulder
So, won't you come on over, girl?

I'm a repo man, it's sad but I'll have to do
You know I know girl, you can't keep me guessing
It's the same old plan but your name's been engraved in blue
You know my way girl, I've learned my lesson

Girl, I can see you cry
Don't tell me baby
And girl, if you must confide
Don't tell me baby, closer

In the time it takes for you to think it over
I'll be closer than the sequins on your shoulder
But won't you think it over, girl

Don't tell me baby

Don't tell me baby
Don't tell me baby, girl

Overall Meaning

The song "Don't Tell Me" by Taj Mahal is a soulful track that captures the story of a man trying to understand the emotions of his significant other. The song starts with the man asking his partner where she got the frown on her face and who would let her down, but he quickly tells her not to answer those questions. Throughout the song, he says, "don't tell me baby" multiple times, signifying the man's reluctance to hear the answer as it may hurt him more. The song talks about them discussing the same things they have always talked about, which seems to indicate that they are not moving forward in their relationship. The lyrics also touch on the idea that someone may have broken her heart, but he doesn't want to know who it is because it may affect their relationship in a negative way. He continues to urge her not to tell him, but at the same time, he can sense that she is upset and crying. The song concludes with the man asking her to think it over and come to him when she is ready.

Overall, "Don't Tell Me" is a well-written song that captures the emotions of a man who is trying to understand his partner better. Through the lyrics, we can see the hesitation on the man's part to hear the truth and the pain he feels as a result. The song is a reminder that relationships are not always easy, but it is up to us to be there for our partners and support them when they need it the most.

Line by Line Meaning

Girl, where'd you get that frown?
What's bothering you, my dear?

Don't tell me baby
Don't reveal it to me

And who would let you down?
Who hurt you, darling?

Come on now
Please tell me about it

We've been talkin' bout
We've discussed

The same old things like whether
Repetitive matters like if

We'd be worrying about
We would be fretting over

It if we were together, yeah
It if we were a couple

And who woulda broke your heart?
Who would have shattered your heart

About well my favorite part
Don't mention my favorite part

Don't tell me baby, child
Please don't share it with me, darling