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.
Jim Dandy
Taj Mahal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Go, Jim Dandy! Go, Jim Dandy!
I was sitting on a mountain top.
30,000 feet to drop.
Tied me on a runaway horse
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Go, Jim Dandy! Go, Jim Dandy!
One day, I met a girl named Sue.
She was feeling kind of blue.
I'm Dandy, the kind of guy
Who can't stand to see a little girl cry.
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Go, Jim Dandy! Go, Jim Dandy!
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Go, Jim Dandy! Go, Jim Dandy!
I was riding on a submarine
Got a message from my mermaid queen.
She was hanging on a fishing line.
Mr. Dandy didn't waste no time!
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Go, Jim Dandy! Go, Jim Dandy!
Once upon a time, I went to Maine.
Got a ticket on a DC plane.
Mr. Dandy didn't need no chute!
I was high and ready to boot!
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Go, Jim Dandy! Go, Jim Dandy!
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Go, Jim Dandy! Go, Jim Dandy!
The song "Jim Dandy" by Taj Mahal is a classic rock and roll track that celebrates the adventurous spirit of the titular character, who is always ready to rescue anyone in need. The lyrics describe various scenarios where Jim Dandy comes to the rescue, such as when the singer is stranded on a mountain top or riding a submarine, and even when he meets a girl named Sue who is feeling sad.
The lyrics are playful and humorous, and the repetition of the phrase "Jim Dandy to the rescue" creates a catchy and memorable hook. The song is an anthem for anyone who enjoys living life to the fullest and helping others along the way.
Overall, "Jim Dandy" is a joyful and uplifting song that celebrates the spirit of adventure, courage, and kindness that Jim Dandy embodies.
Line by Line Meaning
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Jim Dandy is coming to save the day!
Go, Jim Dandy! Go, Jim Dandy!
Encouraging Jim Dandy to take action and save the day.
I was sitting on a mountain top.
The singer was in a difficult situation.
30,000 feet to drop.
In a precarious position with a long way to fall.
Tied me on a runaway horse
In a situation where the singer has a lack of control.
Uh huh, that's right, of course.
Confirming the above situation was true.
One day, I met a girl named Sue.
Introducing the character Sue and her situation.
She was feeling kind of blue.
Sue was sad.
I'm Dandy, the kind of guy
Introducing the singer as Jim Dandy and his character.
Who can't stand to see a little girl cry.
Jim Dandy doesn't like to see others upset.
I was riding on a submarine
Jim Dandy was in a unusual situation of riding a submarine.
Got a message from my mermaid queen.
Receiving a message from an unusual character - a mermaid queen.
She was hanging on a fishing line.
The mermaid queen was in distress.
Mr. Dandy didn't waste no time!
Jim Dandy quickly took action to save the mermaid queen.
Once upon a time, I went to Maine.
Introducing the location of Maine for the next situation.
Got a ticket on a DC plane.
Jim Dandy took a flight to Maine.
Mr. Dandy didn't need no chute!
Jim Dandy took a risk and jumped from the plane without a parachute.
I was high and ready to boot!
Jim Dandy was ready for action and adventure in Maine.
Contributed by Annabelle V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.