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.

Hard Way
Taj Mahal Lyrics

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Well, I really had to suffer
I've had a hard, hard way to go
I really had to suffer
I've had a hard, hard way to go

I've been down and out
When the ground was covered with snow

I used to get so worried
I could cry the whole night through
Yeah, all know I'd get so worried
I would cry the whole night through

Think about my troubles
And the hardships I've been through, yeah

Someday I may get lucky
And find me a place to go
You know someday I may get lucky
And find me a place to go

I've tried and tried
It's been a hard, hard way to go

Well, I really had to suffer
I've had a hard, hard way to go
You all know I really had to suffer
I've had a hard, hard way to go

I've been down and out

When the ground was covered with snow
Yes, I have

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Taj Mahal's song "Hard Way" speak to the struggles and hardships that the singer has experienced in his life. The repetition of the line "I really had to suffer, I've had a hard, hard way to go" emphasizes the significance of the singer's struggles and paints a picture of someone who has faced adversity and come out on the other side. The idea of being "down and out" and "worried" conveys a sense of hopelessness and despair that the singer has experienced in his life.

Despite the difficulties he has faced, the singer holds onto the hope that he may find a better life someday. The line "someday I may get lucky and find me a place to go" represents a glimmer of hope and a desire for something better in life. The repetition of the phrase "it's been a hard, hard way to go" throughout the song reinforces the sense of struggle and hardship that the singer has experienced.

Overall, "Hard Way" is a powerful song that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to endure even in the face of overwhelming adversity. The lyrics are emotive and raw, and Taj Mahal's soulful voice brings them to life.

Line by Line Meaning

Well, I really had to suffer
I have faced significant difficulties

I've had a hard, hard way to go
I have experienced a very challenging life journey

I really had to suffer
I have gone through immense pain and hardships

I've been down and out
I have been in dire situations with little hope

When the ground was covered with snow
During times of extreme difficulty and adversity

I used to get so worried
I would become deeply troubled and anxious

I could cry the whole night through
My emotions were so intense that I would weep for hours

Think about my troubles
Reflecting on my struggles and hardships

And the hardships I've been through, yeah
The immense difficulties I have faced, without mincing any words

Someday I may get lucky
Perhaps there is hope for the future

And find me a place to go
I hope to eventually find comfort and rest