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.
Little Sally Walker
Taj Mahal Lyrics
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Rise, Sally, rise, wipe your weepin' eyes
And put your hand on your hip and let your backbone slip
Oh, shake it to the East
Oh, shake it to the West
Oh, shake it to the very one that you love the best
The lyrics to Taj Mahal's song "Little Sally Walker" are playful and upbeat, describing a dance that involves shaking one's hips and moving in various directions. The song refers to a character named Little Sally Walker, who is initially described as "sittin' in a saucer". The lyrics then encourage Sally to "rise" and "wipe your weepin' eyes", suggesting that she may have been feeling down or upset before the song began. Finally, the chorus encourages Sally to shake her hips and dance in various directions, ending with the directive to "shake it to the very one that you love the best".
While the lyrics to "Little Sally Walker" may seem simple or even nonsensical, there are a few possible interpretations. Some listeners may see Sally as a symbol of strength and resilience, rising above her troubles and dancing with abandon. Others may see the song as a celebration of community and togetherness, with everyone joining in on the dance and enjoying the music together. Regardless of the interpretation, the joyful spirit of the song is clear, and it is easy to imagine listeners tapping their feet and joining in on the fun.
Line by Line Meaning
Little Sally Walker, sittin' in a saucer
Sally is sitting in a chair and feeling down
Rise, Sally, rise, wipe your weepin' eyes
Someone is encouraging Sally to stand up and stop crying
And put your hand on your hip and let your backbone slip
The person wants Sally to relax and dance freely
Oh, shake it to the East
The person is telling Sally to dance and shake her body towards the East
Oh, shake it to the West
The person is telling Sally to dance and shake her body towards the West
Oh, shake it to the very one that you love the best
The person is telling Sally to dance and shake her body for the person she loves the most
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: AL FRAZIER, JOHN HARRIS, JR. TURNER WILSON, CARL WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind