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.
Light Rain Blues
Taj Mahal Lyrics
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With the blue lights way down low
They did the boogie real slow
With the blue lights way down low
I went to a party
Was nothin? there but bobby socks
Went to a party
They did the boogie real slow
With the blue lights way down low
They did the boogie real slow
With the blue lights way down low
I started rockin?
Man I threw my left foot out
I started swingin?
Somebody begin to shout
You got to boogie real slow
With the blue lights way down low
You got to boogie real slow
With the blue lights way down low
The girls and boys, they made so much noise
They even had a raid
But when the police got there all they could find
Was ice-cream and lemonade
Oh, what a party
I'm so glad I didn't stay at home
Oh, what a party
They didn't treat me like I was a chaperon
They did the boogie real slow
With the blue lights way down low
They did the boogie real slow
With the blue lights way down low
I started swingin?
I threw my left foot out
I started rockin?
Oh and they begin to shout
You got to boogie real slow
With the blue lights way down low
You got to boogie real slow
With the blue lights way down low
The women had they're heads laid on their fellas' shoulders
Who were boogie-woogeyin? and squeezin? 'em up in the room
I couldn't see how they was dancin'
'cause their feet, they didn't move
Oh, what a party
I'm so glad I didn't stay at home
Oh, what a party
They didn't treat me like I was a chaperon
They did the boogie real slow
With the blue lights way down low
They did the boogie real slow
With the blue lights way down low
"Blue Light Boogie" by Taj Mahal is a song that tells a story about a wild party where everyone is dancing to the boogie-woogie rhythm with the blue lights on, making it easier for everyone to create a laid-back atmosphere. The lyrics describe how the party-goers are having a good time, and the singer is fascinated by the way everyone is enjoying themselves regardless of their age.
The singer describes how the party is a lively one, and everyone is dancing slowly to the blues rhythm. The slow tempo of the boogie-woogie is highlighted throughout the song, emphasising the relaxed and laid-back feel of the event. The lyrics point to a sense of positive energy, and the song’s overall message is about the value of enjoying life through dancing and entertainment.
The lyrics also highlight the rebelliousness of youth, as the party-goers are described as wearing "bobby socks" and "reeling and rocking". The singer revels in the atmosphere of the party, feeling grateful that he did not stay home and be a chaperone. The lyrics conclude with a description of how the women at the party are dancing with their heads laid on their partners' shoulders, and the men are dancing close together, boogie-woogieing and enjoying life.
Line by Line Meaning
They did the boogie real slow
The dance was slow and deliberate.
With the blue lights way down low
The dance floor was lit up with dim blue lights.
I went to a party
The singer attended a social gathering.
Was nothin' there but bobby socks
Most of the attendees were young and dressed informally.
Man you oughta seen 'em to reel and rock
The young people danced energetically and enthusiastically.
I started rockin'
The singer began to enjoy himself and dance.
Man I threw my left foot out
The singer engaged in some fanciful and uncoordinated dance moves.
I started swingin'
The artist moved his body back and forth to the music.
Somebody begin to shout
The other attendees began to cheer or encourage the artist.
You got to boogie real slow
It was necessary to slow down and pace oneself while dancing.
The girls and boys, they made so much noise
The young attendees were rowdy and boisterous.
They even had a raid
The party may have been interrupted by law enforcement officers.
But when the police got there all they could find
The partygoers had been able to leave or conceal evidence of any wrongdoing.
Was ice-cream and lemonade
The attendees had not been engaging in illegal behavior but had been simply enjoying refreshments.
I'm so glad I didn't stay at home
The singer is happy that he attended the party.
They didn't treat me like I was a chaperon
The artist did not feel out of place or overly responsible for the behavior of the other attendees.
The women had their heads laid on their fellas' shoulders
The girls were dancing close to the boys and resting their heads on their partners' shoulders.
Who were boogie-woogeyin' and squeezin' 'em up in the room
The couples were dancing to boogie-woogie music and were pressed together in a small room.
I couldn't see how they was dancin'
The singer could not see the couples' feet and wondered how they were dancing without moving much.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Sam Maghett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind