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.
Hello Josephine
Taj Mahal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do you remember me baby?
Like I remember you
You used to laugh at me and holler
Woo, woo, woo
I used to walk you home
I used to hold your hand
Every time it rained
You used to cry so much
It was a cryin' shame
You used to live over yonder
By the railroad track
When it rained you couldn't walk
I used to tote you on my back
Now you try to make believe
It was a thrill at that
Hello Josephine, how do you do?
Do you remember me baby?
Like I remember you
You used to laugh at me and holler
Woo, woo, woo
Taj Mahal's song "Hello Josephine" is a nostalgic and bittersweet ode to a past lover, Josephine. The singer starts off by greeting Josephine and asking if she remembers him, with a hint of uncertainty and wistfulness. He describes their past interactions and how they used to walk home together, with him holding her hand and using his umbrella to shield her from the rain. However, Josephine was prone to crying frequently, which he considers to be a pitiable aspect of their relationship. The verse ends with a playful "woo, woo, woo" that she used to shout.
The second verse goes on to embellish on their past, with Josephine living in a certain area by the railroad tracks. When it rained, he would carry her on his back so she wouldn't have to trudge through the mud. However, the singer also seems to sense some insincerity on Josephine's part, as she now "tries to make believe" that their relationship was nothing special.
Overall, "Hello Josephine" speaks to the power of reminiscence and nostalgia, as the singer muses on a past relationship that was both sweet and bitter. The song blends blues, rock, and R&B influences into a laid-back tune that perfectly captures the mood of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello Josephine, how do you do?
Greetings, Josephine. How are you doing?
Do you remember me baby?
Do you recall me, dear?
Like I remember you
Just as I remember everything about you,
You used to laugh at me and holler, 'Woo, woo, woo'
You employed to mock me and yell, 'Woo, woo, woo'
I used to walk you home
I wandered with you till we got to your house
I used to hold your hand
I had your hand in my hand
You used to use my umbrella, every time it rained
Whenever it rained, you borrowed my umbrella to keep yourself dry
You used to cry so much, it was a cryin' shame
You used to weep frequently, and it was awful to witness
You used to live over yonder, by the railroad track
You used to reside over there, near the train tracks
When it rained you couldn't walk, I used to tote you on my back
When it rained, you were unable to walk, so I would carry you on my back
Now you try to make believe it was a thrill at that
Now you attempt to pretend that it was enjoyable, despite the former unpleasantness
Hello Josephine, how do you do? Do you remember me baby? Like I remember you. You used to laugh at me and holler, 'Woo, woo, woo'
Greetings, Josephine. How are you doing? Do you recall me, dear? Just as I remember everything about you. You employed to mock me and yell, 'Woo, woo, woo'
Contributed by Noah A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@andysmith8189
This is so good. Who ever played and mixed this session on this track was genius.
@scottrussell2281
Tom Petty's Buried Treasure show on SiriusXM brought me here. That show has turned me on some really killer music I'd never heard. This is a hot number.
@davidbutterfield2792
Maestro is amazing record. Los Lobos, Meters backing....overlooked masterpiece.
@johnjtheoriginal
a true bluesman, both in acustic and in electric way!
@ppppppppppppppppp999
So Good! Rare Beauty!
@johnjames8644
Coooool played this on ma radio show
@jerrygarcia2133
I liked the Fats Domino version, but Taj kicks ass on this!!
@Lengo67
Oh yeah... we be smokin'!
Maestro was released in 2008 and nominated for a Grammy -- Best Contemporary Blues Album.
@MrSlawek1963
Genialny kawałek - tępo i klimat.Takie coś, aż serce i człowieka rusza. Pozdrawiam Sławek.P
@johnlane35
Great cover of a wonderful song. Thanks Taj.