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.
Mind Your Own Business
Taj Mahal Lyrics
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'Cause me and that pretty woman got a license to fight
Why don't you mind your own business?
Why don't you mind your own business?
'Cause if you mind your own business
Then you won't be mindin' mine
Oh, the woman on the party line is such a noisy thing
Why don't you mind your own business?
Why don't you mind your own business?
'Cause if you mind your own business
Then you won't be mindin' mine
I got a pretty little girl who wears her skirts up high
The boys all whistle when she walks by
Why don't you mind your own business?
(Mind your own business)
Why don't you mind your own business?
(Mind your own business)
Well, if you mind your own business
Then you won't be worried about mine
If I wanna honky-tonk around to two or three
My brother, that's my own headache, don't you worry about me
Why don't you mind your own business?
(Mind your own business)
Why don't you mind your own business?
(Mind your own business)
Well, if you mind your own business
Then you won't be worried about mine
Mindin' other people's business might seems to be high-toned
I got all that I can do just to mind my own
Why don't you mind your own business?
(Mind your own business)
Why don't you mind your own business?
(Mind your own business)
Well, if you mind your own business
Then you won't be mindin' mine
Yes, if you mind your own business
Then you'll stay busy all the time
The lyrics of Taj Mahal's "Mind Your Own Business" is a commentary on the negative effects of gossip and the importance of focusing on one's own affairs rather than meddling in the affairs of others. The song is a message to individuals who tend to pry into the lives of others, often causing friction and unrest in their personal relationships. The singer speaks candidly about his experiences with these meddlesome individuals, particularly women on the party line, nosy neighbors, and strangers who take an interest in his private matters. The singer urges them to stay out of his business, asserting that if they mind their own affairs, they will not be concerned with his.
The chorus of the song echoes this sentiment, reinforcing the idea that individuals who mind their own business have a better chance of staying happy and content, whereas those who meddle in the affairs of others are likely to experience unnecessary stress and conflict. The song makes a broader statement about the importance of respecting boundaries and the value of personal privacy.
Overall, Taj Mahal's "Mind Your Own Business" delivers an important message about respecting personal boundaries and the negative consequences of prying into the lives of others. The song is a timeless commentary on human nature and the importance of focusing on one's own affairs rather than interfering in the lives of others.
Line by Line Meaning
If the wife and I are fussin', brother, that's alright
It's okay if my wife and I argue sometimes because we have a strong relationship
'Cause me and that pretty woman got a license to fight
My wife and I have a good understanding and can handle our own disagreements
Why don't you mind your own business?
Don't interfere in my personal matters
'Cause if you mind your own business
If you focus on your own affairs
Then you won't be mindin' mine
You won't be concerned with what I do
Oh, the woman on the party line is such a noisy thing
There's a talkative lady on the phone line
She picks up her receiver when she knows it's my ring
She answers the phone when she knows it's me who's calling
I got a pretty little girl who wears her skirts up high
I have an attractive girlfriend who likes to show off her legs
The boys all whistle when she walks by
Guys can't help but express their admiration for her
Well, if you mind your own business
If you concentrate on your own matters
Then you won't be worried about mine
You won't be concerned with my affairs
If I wanna honky-tonk around to two or three
If I want to go out and have fun with a few drinks
My brother, that's my own headache, don't you worry about me
It's my own problem to deal with, don't get involved
Mindin' other people's business might seems to be high-toned
Interfering in others' affairs may appear sophisticated
I got all that I can do just to mind my own
I'm already busy taking care of my own affairs
Yes, if you mind your own business
If you focus on your own concerns
Then you'll stay busy all the time
You'll have plenty to keep you occupied
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HANK WILLIAMS SR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind