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.

Function at the Junction
Taj Mahal Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm getting ready for the function at the junction
Brother, you'd better come on right now
Because everybody's gonna be there
We got people comin' from everywhere

We got Ling Ting Tong from China
Long Tall Sally from Carolina
We got 007, the private eye,

And he's bringin' all the guys from "I Spy"

Tell one, tell all, We gonna have a ball
Tell 'em bout the the function at the junction
Sister, you'd better come on right now
Talkin' 'bout that function at the junction
Brother, you'd better come on right now

We serving egg foo yung and barbecue
We got chicken dumplings and kidney stew
We gonna make big fun till the break of dawn
Gonna shake a tailfeather shoot, it's gonna be a run

Hold a shotgun on the rooster, and dare him to crow
Tell anybody sleepin say, get out on that floor

Tell one, tell all, We gonna have a ball!
Tell 'em bout the the function at the junction
Sister, you'd better come on right now
Tell 'em 'bout that function at the junction
Brother, you'd better come on right now

We got soul brothers, Jitterbugs
Hip cats with crazy hats
Pretty girls with pretty smiles
All decked out in the latest styles
Memphis Slim and Guitar Jim
Betty Boop and ooo-boop-e-doop
Mohair Sam from Alabam
Minnesota Fats from Hobo Flats
Gravitatin' Hip-shakin' cuties now
Talkin' bout some fascinatin' devastatin' beauties now
They all be gathering here, from far and near

For the Function at the Junction
Tell 'em bout the the function at the junction
Sister, you'd better come on right now
Tell 'em 'bout that function at the junction
Brother, you'd better come on right now

I'm getting' ready for the Function at the Junction
Sister, you'd better come on right now
Tell 'em 'bout that function at the junction

Brother, you'd better come on right now
For the function at the junction

Overall Meaning

The song "Function at the Junction" by Taj Mahal is an upbeat and lively invitation to a party that's going to happen at the junction. The lyrics indicate that the party is going to be attended by people from different places across the world, including China, Carolina, and other places. Taj Mahal explains that the party will serve various types of delicacies such as egg foo yung, barbecue, chicken dumplings, and kidney stew. He also mentions that there will be a competition among the attendees, one of which includes daring a rooster to crow.

The song is playful, and Taj Mahal's delivery is thrilling. The energy in his voice makes it clear that the party will be a lively one. The lyrics are written in such a way that anyone listening can feel the excitement and the alluring beat. Taj Mahal uses a blend of different music genres, including funk, blues, rock, and soul, to create a unique and catchy sound.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm getting ready for the function at the junction
I am preparing for the big event at the junction.

Brother, you'd better come on right now
You should join us immediately, my friend.

Because everybody's gonna be there
There will be a large attendance at the event.

We got people comin' from everywhere
People from all over the place are coming.

We got Ling Ting Tong from China
Ling Ting Tong from China will be present at the event.

Long Tall Sally from Carolina
Long Tall Sally from Carolina will join us at the junction.

We got 007, the private eye,
007, the private eye, is part of our group.

And he's bringin' all the guys from 'I Spy'
007 is bringing all of his colleagues from the television show 'I Spy'.

Tell one, tell all, We gonna have a ball
Spread the word, everyone. We are going to have a great time.

Tell 'em 'bout the function at the junction
Let people know about the event taking place at the junction.

Sister, you'd better come on right now
We encourage you to join us as soon as possible, sister.

Talkin' 'bout that function at the junction
We are discussing the exciting event happening at the junction.

We serving egg foo yung and barbecue
We will be offering egg foo yung and barbecue at the event.

We got chicken dumplings and kidney stew
We also have chicken dumplings and kidney stew available for enjoyment.

We gonna make big fun till the break of dawn
We will have a lot of fun until the sun comes up.

Gonna shake a tailfeather shoot, it's gonna be a run
We will be dancing and enjoying ourselves to the fullest extent.

Hold a shotgun on the rooster, and dare him to crow
We will be engaging in fun, silly activities like daring roosters to crow.

Tell anybody sleepin say, get out on that floor
Even those who are tired or resting should join us and dance.

We got soul brothers, Jitterbugs
People with great rhythm and soulful vibes will be present at the event.

Hip cats with crazy hats
Cool and stylish individuals with unique hats will also be there.

Pretty girls with pretty smiles
Beautiful women with gorgeous smiles will be present.

All decked out in the latest styles
Everyone will be dressed fashionably and in the newest trends.

Memphis Slim and Guitar Jim
Musicians Memphis Slim and Guitar Jim will perform.

Betty Boop and ooo-boop-e-doop
Famous animated character Betty Boop is also joining!

Mohair Sam from Alabam
The performer Mohair Sam from Alabama will be present.

Minnesota Fats from Hobo Flats
Minnesota Fats, the famous pool player from Hobo Flats, will also be joining us.

Gravitatin' Hip-shakin' cuties now
There will be attractive, flirtatious individuals at the event.

Talkin' bout some fascinatin' devastatin' beauties now
We will be able to enjoy the company of some stunning individuals.

They all be gathering here, from far and near
People are coming from near and far to attend the event.

For the Function at the Junction
Everyone is gathering for this exciting event at the junction.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JR., EDWARD HOLLAND, EDWARD, JR. HOLLAND, FREDERICK LONG, FREDERICK EARL LONG

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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