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.
I Can't Help Myself
Taj Mahal Lyrics
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I can't help myself I love you and nobody else
Wanna tell in and out my life you come and go
Leaving just your picture behind
and I kissed it a thousand times
When you snap your finger or wink your eye I come a running to you
I'm tied to your apron strings and there's nothing I can do
Sugar pie honey bunch I'm weaker than a man should be
I can't help myself I'm a fool in love you see
Wanna tell you I don't love you tell you that we're through and I've tried
But every time I see your face I get all choked up inside
When I call your name girl it starts the flame burning in my heart
tearin it all apart no matter how I try my love
I cannot hide 'cause
Sugar Pie Honey Bunch you know that I'm weak for you
Can't help myself I love you and nobody else
Sugar Pie Honey Bunch do anything you ask me to
Can't help myself I want you and nobody else
Sugar Pie Honey Bunch you know that I love you
You know that I love you
Can't help myself, no I can't help myself
Taj Mahal's song "I Can't Help Myself" is a love song that expresses the singer's love for their significant other. The song is about how the singer cannot resist their partner despite knowing that they should try to move on. The phrase "sugar pie honey bunch" is a term of endearment that the singer uses to address their lover. The lyrics suggest that the singer has tried to move on from their partner, but they cannot seem to stop their feelings for them.
The lyrics "When you snap your finger or wink your eye I come running to you" and "I'm tied to your apron strings and there's nothing I can do" suggests that the singer feels powerless to resist their partner's charms. Additionally, when the singer says "every time I see your face I get all choked up inside", it highlights how strong their emotions are even after trying to move on.
The repetition of the phrase "sugar pie honey bunch" further emphasizes the singer's love and adoration for their partner. The song ends with the singer acknowledging that they are weak for their partner and that they cannot help but love them.
Overall, Taj Mahal's "I Can't Help Myself" portrays the struggle of someone trying to move on from a past love but cannot help but love the person despite the difficulties. The song is relatable to anyone who has experienced this kind of intense love.
Line by Line Meaning
Sugar pie honey bunch you know that I love you
I deeply love you and it's no secret
I can't help myself I love you and nobody else
I am helplessly in love with you and I don't have feelings for anyone else
Wanna tell in and out my life you come and go
You keep coming in and out of my life
Leaving just your picture behind and I kissed it a thousand times
Even though you're not here, I kiss your picture numerous times to feel your presence
When you snap your finger or wink your eye I come a running to you
I am so devoted to you that I will come to you at the slightest gesture or indication
I'm tied to your apron strings and there's nothing I can do
I am under your control and I cannot do anything about it
Sugar pie honey bunch I'm weaker than a man should be
I am weaker than I should be because of my love for you
I can't help myself I'm a fool in love you see
My love for you makes me a fool and I can't control it
Wanna tell you I don't love you tell you that we're through and I've tried
I want to tell you I'm over you and want to end things, but I've tried and failed
But every time I see your face I get all choked up inside
Seeing your face makes me emotional and overwhelmed
When I call your name girl it starts the flame burning in my heart tearin it all apart no matter how I try my love I cannot hide 'cause
Calling your name ignites a flame in my heart that I can't control, and my love for you is too strong to hide
Sugar Pie Honey Bunch you know that I'm weak for you
You know that I am vulnerable to you because of my love
Can't help myself I love you and nobody else
I can't stop myself from loving you and no one else
Sugar Pie Honey Bunch do anything you ask me to
I will do anything you ask me to
Can't help myself I want you and nobody else
I want you and no one else, and it's out of my control
Sugar Pie Honey Bunch you know that I love you
You know that I deeply love you
You know that I love you, Can't help myself, no I can't help myself
I can't help myself from loving you
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN HOLLAND, EDWARD HOLLAND, EDWARD JR. HOLLAND, LAMONT DOZIER, LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind