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 Call Us
Taj Mahal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Starin' at me like I'm some kind of stranger in your town
And I was down and out needin' a friend
And you're one, you help me put my life back together again
Don't call us, oh we'll call you, I heard
Don't call us, we'll call you
If there's somethin' you need to have done
Don't call us, we'll call you
If there's somethin' you need to have done
We'll get in touch with you
Ooh oh, well we'll call you
I heard you fell from grace, tumbled from your throne
How does it feel now to be left all alone?
The tables have turned, it's sad but it's true
Now, you need somebody who will care for you
Oh, you need mamacita, [Incomprehensible] that is true
Oh, you need mamacita, but that is true
Oh, don't call us, oh we'll call you
If there's somethin' you need to have done
We'll get in touch with you
I said, don't call us, we'll call you
If there's somethin' you need to have done
Then we'll get in touch with you
Those same people you meet on the way up
Oh, are the same people you meet on the way down
Now tell me how does it feel
When you find yourself layin' there on the ground, oh yeah
Tell me now
Don't call us, we'll call you
If there's somethin' you need to have done
We'll get in touch with you
Don't call us, we'll call you
If there's somethin' you need to have done
We'll get in touch with you
Don't call us, we'll call you
If there's somethin' you need to have done
We'll get in touch with you
Don't call us, we'll call you
Get in touch with you
Get in touch with you
Get in touch with you
Don't, don't call us
Don't don't, we'll call you
Don't call us, we'll call you
If there's somethin' you need to have done
We'll get in touch with you
Don't call us, we'll call you
Don't call us, we'll call you
The song "Don't Call Us" by Taj Mahal is an empowering blues track with a strong message about the importance of self-preservation and not relying on others for help. The lyrics in the beginning tell of a person riding in on a horse, looking the singer up and down with a sense of unwelcome scrutiny. The singer describes how they were in dire need of help, and this person was able to help them put their life back together again. However, the message is clear and strong when the chorus is repeated: "Don't call us, we'll call you. If there's something you need to have done, we'll get in touch with you." This is a warning to anyone who may try to take advantage of the singer and their situation. Later in the song, the tables have turned, and the person who once helped the singer has fallen from grace, prompting the singer to tell them that they need to rely on themselves and not look to others for help.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of struggle and empowerment, as the singer realizes their own strength and independence. They have overcome hardship and are now in a position to take control of their own life. The message is clear, and the song serves as a reminder to always trust yourself and your abilities, rather than relying on others.
Line by Line Meaning
Ridin' in on your big horse you look me up and down
You arrived here with your pride and arrogance, and you give me a condescending look.
Starin' at me like I'm some kind of stranger in your town
You stare at me as if I don't belong here, as if I'm a stranger who doesn't fit into your world.
And I was down and out needin' a friend
I was in a bad place, feeling lost and alone, and I could really use a friend in my life.
And you're one, you help me put my life back together again
You turned out to be that friend I needed, and you helped me rebuild my life from the wreckage I was stuck in.
Don't call us, oh we'll call you, I heard
I've heard that you shouldn't make yourself too available to others, that if they need you, they'll come to you.
If there's somethin' you need to have done
If there's a task or favor you need assistance with,
We'll get in touch with you
we'll contact you and collaborate with you to accomplish it in a way that works for everyone.
I heard you fell from grace, tumbled from your throne
I've heard that you've lost your power and influence, that you're no longer the big shot you used to be.
How does it feel now to be left all alone?
What's it like to be on the outside looking in and not have the same level of support or respect from others?
Now, you need somebody who will care for you
You're in a vulnerable position now, and you require someone who will show you compassion and support.
Oh, you need mamacita, [Incomprehensible] that is true
You require someone to nurture and care for you, that's what you truly need.
Those same people you meet on the way up
The individuals you encounter while you're rising to the top,
Oh, are the same people you meet on the way down
are often the same individuals you'll come across when you start to fall or experience setbacks.
Now tell me how does it feel
So now, I'm curious, how does it feel
When you find yourself layin' there on the ground, oh yeah
when you find yourself struggling and unable to maintain the same level of success or stability you once had?
Get in touch with you
contact you, reach out to you,
Don't, don't call us
Don't bother trying to call us, reach us, or seek our help or support.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RICHARD FELDMAN, TAJ MAHAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bryanpuleri5130
Taj Mahal is undoubtedly one of the great artists of blues and jazz, although he isn't remember as such; standing along side the greats. He deserves nothing less then to be remembered and included in the same respects as B.B King, Steve Ray Vaughn, Brownie Magee & Sonny Terry, Ray Charles, and Muddy Waters, as one of the most influential and charismatic blues artist that has ever and will ever be.
@joserobertocamargocamargo6945
Este é dos bons
@LarsGsanger
🌸🌺❤️
@johnneils9084
Love Taj Mahal, love this song.
@LarsGsanger
🙏🌸🌺❤️🇸🇪
@johnneils9084
@@LarsGsanger 👌
@pekkakarppinen1608
This is a great performance! Hall and Oates and the wonderful Cheryl Crow. Taj Mahal's commanding voice and a great harmonica. Greetings from Finland! ⛄👍
@vootie99
this is a great great tune & performance from guy who has been around being great for decades...
@catboyzee
Love the music and message of this song. Be careful how u treat people under you; the tables may turn when least expect it.
@theresadeprince7117
A real good griend turned me onto this song back in the day. Love it!