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.
Great Big Boat
Taj Mahal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gonna sail down the coast of Mexico
Take a slow ride through the Panama Canal
Come out in the Caribbean
Sun may shine and that wind may blow
Sails billowing as we go
Rolling down over the waves
I love you baby, you know I do
Anything in the world for you
Sailing at night amongst the stars
Come out in the Caribbean
The wind will blow
Down the coast of Mexico
Gulf of Tehuanapequa
Come out in the Caribbean
The song "Great Big Boat" by Taj Mahal talks about embarking on a romantic journey with one's partner on a large boat. The song portrays a perfect getaway for a couple where they can appreciate each other's company and the beauty of the places they visit. The couple plans to sail down the coast of Mexico, take a leisurely ride through the Panama Canal, and come out in the Caribbean. The lyrics suggest that the couple is not in a hurry but rather enjoying each moment on the boat. The sun may shine, and the wind may blow, making the sails billow as they roll down over the waves, still enjoying each other's company. Taj Mahal is assured of his love for his partner since he is willing to do anything in the world for her. The couple takes night sailing to another level, enjoying the breathtaking sight of the stars shining in the vast Caribbean sky.
The lyrics of the song "Great Big Boat" portray a comfortable life of peace and happiness, free from the struggles of daily life. The song seems to express Taj Mahal's contentment with the simple pleasures of life; the joy of being with his loved one and the beauty of the natural world. It also emphasizes the value of time spent together, providing an intimate and romantic tone throughout the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Me and my baby and that great big boat
My love and I will go on a grand journey on a massive ship
Gonna sail down the coast of Mexico
Our voyage will start through the beautiful coast of Mexico
Take a slow ride through the Panama Canal
We will take our time to explore the Panama Canal
Come out in the Caribbean
Our ultimate destination is the Caribbean sea
Sun may shine and that wind may blow
We will encounter different weather conditions along our journey
Sails billowing as we go
Our ship's sails will be full of wind as we sail
Rolling down over the waves
The ship will move up and down as it crosses the waves
I love you baby, you know I do
My love for my partner is strong and obvious
Anything in the world for you
I will do anything to make my partner happy
Sailing at night amongst the stars
We will experience the beauty of the starry sky during our night sailing
Come out in the Caribbean
The ultimate goal of our journey is to reach the beautiful Caribbean sea
The wind will blow
We will face different wind conditions during our journey
Down the coast of Mexico
We will sail along the delightful coast of Mexico
Gulf of Tehuanapequa
We will also explore the Gulf of Tehuantepec along our journey
Come out in the Caribbean
Our beautiful journey will end in the wonderful Caribbean sea
Contributed by Ava L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.