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.
Sailin' Into Walker's Cay
Taj Mahal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
Bonefish are biting and grouper are schooling there
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
Adam Clayton Powell would fish up near ol' Bimini I'd like to go to
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
Great big billfish are bouncing in the deep blue sea
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
If you are a fisherman and you want to have fun come down to
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
Ah de weather's fine you should come and wet a line down at
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
I ain't been to school but I am one fishing fool I'm going down to
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
You could rent a boat something that will float you to
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
Big tuna be divin' down there in the deep blue sea
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
Dee dee duh da da deeya deeya deeya deeya dee doo doo duh da dee doh
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
Dee dee duh da da deeya deeya deeya deeya dee doo doo duh da dee doh
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
Big fish and little fish swimmer and swimee
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
One hundred and ten miles from Miami
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
Aaaahh billfish be fillin' in the deep blue sea
Walker's Cay aaaahh Adam Clayton Powell used to fish down there I know it must be good for me man!
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
Aaahh I'm gonna' get my boat and anything that will float and go down to
Walker's Cay I like to fish all the time everyday Richie Havens do too ya' know ooohhhh and Percy Heath
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
Dee dee duh da da deeya deeya deeya deeya dee doo doo duh da dee doh
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
The lyrics of Taj Mahal's song "Sailin' Into Walker's Cay" describe a fishing trip to the small Bahamian island of Walker's Cay, 110 miles from Miami. The song exudes enthusiasm for fishing, with its emphasis on the abundance of fish, including bonefish, grouper, and billfish in the deep blue sea. Even legendary civil rights activist Adam Clayton Powell would fish near Bimini, prompting the singer to express a desire to join him.
The song's lyrics seem to be a call to all fishermen to come and experience the joys of fishing at Walker's Cay. The singer even suggests renting a boat or anything that floats to get there, stating that the weather is fine and that it's an excellent place to wet a line.
Overall, the song celebrates the simple pleasures of fishing, the beauty of the ocean, and the camaraderie of fellow fishermen. It's a laid-back tune that captures the quintessence of a relaxing weekend getaway.
Line by Line Meaning
One hundred and ten miles from Miami
Walker's Cay is located exactly 110 miles away from Miami
Bonefish are biting and grouper are schooling there
There are plenty of bonefish and grouper waiting to be caught at Walker's Cay
Adam Clayton Powell would fish up near ol' Bimini I'd like to go to
Adam Clayton Powell used to fish near Bimini, and the singer would like to visit there too
Great big billfish are bouncing in the deep blue sea
Large billfish are swimming in the deep blue sea near Walker's Cay
If you are a fisherman and you want to have fun come down to
Fishermen can have a lot of fun by visiting Walker's Cay
Ah de weather's fine you should come and wet a line down at
The weather at Walker's Cay is perfect for fishing and visitors should come and enjoy it
I ain't been to school but I am one fishing fool I'm going down to
The singer may not have attended school, but they are an expert fisherman and are heading to Walker's Cay
You could rent a boat something that will float you to
Visitors can easily rent a boat to take them to Walker's Cay
Big tuna be divin' down there in the deep blue sea
Large tuna fish can be found diving in the deep blue waters surrounding Walker's Cay
Dee dee duh da da deeya deeya deeya deeya dee doo doo duh da dee doh
This line does not have a clear meaning and is likely just part of the song's melody
Big fish and little fish swimmer and swimee
Fish of all sizes can be found swimming in the waters around Walker's Cay
Aaaahh billfish be fillin' in the deep blue sea
Billfish are plentiful in the deep blue waters around Walker's Cay
Aaaahh Adam Clayton Powell used to fish down there I know it must be good for me man!
Since Adam Clayton Powell used to fish in the area, the singer assumes that it must be a great fishing spot
Aaahh I'm gonna' get my boat and anything that will float and go down to
The singer is excited to get their boat or any other floating device and head down to Walker's Cay
I like to fish all the time everyday Richie Havens do too ya' know ooohhhh and Percy Heath
The singer and musicians Richie Havens and Percy Heath all enjoy fishing and would likely enjoy visiting Walker's Cay
Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay, Walker's Cay
This line repeats the name of the location throughout the song
Contributed by Micah A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
joe solway
MY favourite Taj Album. Amazing texture on every song.
lectrikdog
Great music to de-stress from hurricanes
Dawn's Eclectic Choices
Thanks for sharing this! I used to have this album (back in 1977 even) but I can't find the songs when I look for them here! Until now, anyway!
Terri Robbins
Same here, but after years of searching I finally found the cd! (only last year!)
Patricia Poet Guest
I can listen to anything really GOOD, BUT WHEN I WANT TO BE REALLY HAPPY. ONLY THE KING OF BLUES. THE MAN TAO MAHAL 💋BRINGS ME TO CENTEREDNESS. MPGUEST THE POET.