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.
Land of 1000 Dances
Taj Mahal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One, two, three!
You gotta know how to pony like Bony Maronie
Mashed Potato, do the Alligator
Put your hands on your hips, let your back-bone slip
Do the Watusi, like my little Lucy
Na, na na na na, na na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na na.
Need somebody to help me say it one time
You know I feel alright.
Feel pretty good y'all.
Na, na na na na, na na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na na.
Need somebody to help me say it one time
Na, na na na na, na na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na na.
Dance with me honey, like Long Tall Sally
Twistin' with Lucy, doin the Watusi
Gotta hold of your back, I like it like that
Do the Jerk, watch me work
Ah, do it!
Taj Mahal's song Land of 1000 Dances is an upbeat, feel-good song that encourages listeners to dance and have a good time. The lyrics make reference to several popular dances from the time period, including the Pony, the Mashed Potato, the Alligator, and the Watusi. The song encourages listeners to let loose and have fun, with the refrain "Na, na na na na, na na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na na" serving as a call to action.
The lyrics of the song convey a sense of joy and freedom, with lines like "You gotta know how to pony like Bony Maronie" and "Dance with me honey, like Long Tall Sally" evoking images of carefree dancing and self-expression. The phrase "let your back-bone slip" can be interpreted as a call to let go of inhibitions and allow oneself to be fully immersed in the music and dance.
Overall, the song is a celebration of dance and the ability of music to bring people together and promote happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
One, two, three!
Get ready to dance and have a good time
You gotta know how to pony like Bony Maronie
If you want to dance you have to know the steps
Mashed Potato, do the Alligator
Dance moves that are fun and exciting
Put your hands on your hips, let your back-bone slip
Loosen up and dance freely
Do the Watusi, like my little Lucy
Dance with someone and have a great time
Na, na na na na, na na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na na.
No real meaning, just a catchy tune to dance to
Need somebody to help me say it one time
Asking for assistance to get the crowd going
You know I feel alright.
Feeling good and enjoying the moment
Feel pretty good y'all.
Experiencing positive emotions and sharing it with others
Dance with me honey, like Long Tall Sally
Asking someone to dance and have a good time with you
Twistin' with Lucy, doin the Watusi
Dancing with someone and trying out different moves
Gotta hold of your back, I like it like that
Enjoying being close and physically connected with someone while dancing
Do the Jerk, watch me work
Trying out a new dance move and showing it off
Ah, do it!
Encouraging everyone to keep the dance floor going
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Christopher Kenner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind