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 SeƱor 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.
Scratch My Back
Taj Mahal Lyrics
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And I don't know where to scratch
Come here baby, scratch my back
I know you can do it, so baby get to it
You're workin with it now
You got me feelin' so good
Just look to the sun now baby
This little girl sho' knows how'd scratch
Now, you're doin' the chicken scratch
It's lookin' good baby
Just gettin' scratch
That's what I'm talkin' bout
The first line of the song - "I'm itchy and I don't know where to scratch" - creates a metaphor about itchiness as a metaphor for a person's unresolved personal problems. The second line is an invitation to his partner to help him in his struggle. The singer then persuades his partner, telling her that she is capable of relieving him of his itchiness - "I know you can do it, so baby get to it."
As the song progresses, the lyrics become more sexual, and the act of scratching becomes a euphemism for physical intimacy. Taj Mahal sings about his pleasure, hinting that his partner's actions have helped him to relieve his itchiness. The lines, "You're workin with it now, you got me feelin' so good" and "This little girl sho' knows how'd scratch" are examples of how Taj Mahal expertly utilized innuendos to deliver his message.
The song's lyrics are fun, witty, and clever. Taj Mahal uses the metaphor of an itch to describe human problems and how we may look for someone to relieve us of those problems. The sexual innuendos create a steamy atmosphere, adding an element of playfulness that makes "Scratch My Back" a timeless classic.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm itchy
I am experiencing an uncomfortable sensation and a desire to scratch my skin.
And I don't know where to scratch
I am unsure of the exact location of the itch and need assistance in locating it for scratching.
Come here baby, scratch my back
I am requesting that someone come and provide the back scratching I desire.
I know you can do it, so baby get to it
I have confidence in your ability to scratch my back and urge you to begin immediately.
You're workin with it now
You are successfully scratching the itch.
You got me feelin' so good
The act of scratching my back is providing me with pleasure and relief.
Just look to the sun now baby
The pleasure I am experiencing is comparable to the warmth and comfort provided by the sun.
This little girl sho' knows how'd scratch
The person performing the scratching is proficient and skilled at this task.
Now, you're doin' the chicken scratch
The movements of the person's hand resemble the dance move known as the chicken scratch.
It's lookin' good baby
The back scratching is being executed in a satisfying and visually pleasing manner.
Just gettin' scratch
The scratching continues to provide pleasure and relief.
That's what I'm talkin' bout
The satisfactory nature of the scratching is what I have been discussing and hoping for.
Writer(s): James Moore
Contributed by Kaitlyn T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.