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.
Everybody
Taj Mahal Lyrics
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Come back baby, you'll find a change in me.
Everybody, they ought to change sometime,
Because sooner or later we have to go down in that lonesome ground.
I changed suits, I changed shirts,
I changed, baby, just to get shed of the dirt.
Everybody, we ought to change sometime,
I changed honey, I changed money,
I changed, people, just to keep from being funny.
Everybody, they ought to change sometime,
Because sooner or later we're going down in that lonesome ground.
Change in the ocean, change in the sea,
Come back baby, you'll find a change in me.
Everybody, we ought to change sometime,
Because sooner or later we're going down in that lonesome ground.
The song "Everybody's Got to Change Sometime" by Taj Mahal talks about the inevitability of change and the need to adapt to it. The lyrics draw parallels between changes in nature, such as weather and the sea, and changes in human emotions and behavior. The singer admits to changing various aspects of their life, including clothes, attitude, and even relationships, as a way to shed the "dirt" and evolve. The song suggests that everyone must change at some point, as we are all bound to end up in the "lonesome ground," or death.
The song is not just about physical change but also about personal growth and development. The singer recognizes the importance of staying adaptable and flexible to overcome life's challenges. The repeated line "Everybody, they ought to change sometime" is a call to action, a reminder that we must embrace change to survive and thrive.
Overall, the song offers a message of hope and resilience, inspiring listeners to embrace change and to continue growing throughout their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Change in the weather, change in the sea, Come back baby, you'll find a change in me.
Just like the weather and the sea, people too must change over time. So come back and you'll see how I have changed.
Everybody, they ought to change sometime, Because sooner or later we have to go down in that lonesome ground.
Change is inevitable for everybody. Sooner or later, we will all die and be buried in the ground.
I changed suits, I changed shirts, I changed, baby, just to get shed of the dirt. Everybody, we ought to change sometime, Because sooner or later we're going down in that lonesome ground.
I changed my clothes to get rid of the dirt and grime. We all need to make changes in our lives before it's too late and we pass away.
I changed honey, I changed money, I changed, people, just to keep from being funny. Everybody, they ought to change sometime, Because sooner or later we're going down in that lonesome ground.
I changed my lover and my wealth to avoid ridicule. Everyone should be willing to make changes because we'll all end up six feet under eventually.
Change in the ocean, change in the sea, Come back baby, you'll find a change in me. Everybody, we ought to change sometime, Because sooner or later we're going down in that lonesome ground.
As the sea and ocean change, so do people. We all need to be adaptable and willing to change because none of us can escape death.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHN ADAM ESTES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind