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.
Sittin' On Top Of The World
Taj Mahal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Blonde-headed woman, she's the cause of it all
Now she's gone, gone, gone and I don't worry
'Cause I'm sittin' on top of the world
Saw her in Dallas, in El Paso
So come back baby, I need you so
Now she's gone, gone, gone and I don't worry
Mississippi river, so big and wide
Blonde-headed woman on the other side
Now she's gone, gone, gone and I don't worry
'Cause I'm sittin' on top of the world
Mississippi river, so big and wide
Blonde-headed woman on the other side
Now she's gone, gone, gone and I don't worry
'Cause I'm sittin' on top of the world
I worked all summer, spring and fall
Blonde-headed woman was the cause of it all
Now she's gone, gone, gone and I don't worry
'Cause I'm sittin' on top of the world
Don't come here running, holding out your hand
I have me a woman, you can grab your man
Now she's gone, gone, gone and I don't worry
'Cause I'm sittin' on top of the world
Saw her in Dallas, in El Paso
Blonde-headed woman, you know I need you so
Now she's gone, gone, gone and I don't worry
'Cause I'm sittin' on top of the world
Don't come here running, holding out your hand
I have me a woman, you can have your man
Now she's gone, gone, gone and I don't worry
'Cause I'm sittin' on top of the world
Mississippi river, so big and wide
Blonde-headed woman on the other side
Now she's gone, gone, gone and I don't worry
'Cause I'm sittin' on top of the world
The lyrics to Taj Mahal’s “Sitting On Top Of The World” express the frustration and relief of a man who has recently been heartbroken. The repetition of the opening line “I worked all summer, spring and fall” emphasizes the singer’s hard work to keep his relationship going, but ultimately the “blonde-headed woman” is “gone, gone, gone”. Despite this loss, he declares that he doesn’t worry because he is “sittin’ on top of the world”.
The subsequent verses reveal that the singer has seen the woman in multiple locations, from Dallas to El Paso to the other side of the Mississippi river. Although part of him longs for her to come back to him, he also states that he has moved on and warns her not to come running back. The repeated line “Blonde-headed woman, you know I need you so” adds a layer of complexity to his emotions, suggesting that he still harbors some feelings for her even if he knows that it’s over.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of acceptance and empowerment for the singer. Despite his heartache, he is confident in his ability to move on and find happiness without the woman who was once the cause of it all.
Line by Line Meaning
I worked all summer, spring and fall
I put in a lot of effort and worked tirelessly throughout the year
Blonde-headed woman, she's the cause of it all
A woman with blonde hair was the reason for my hard work and dedication
Now she's gone, gone, gone and I don't worry
Even though she's no longer with me, I'm not upset about it
'Cause I'm sittin' on top of the world
I feel on top of the world, content and happy with where I am in life
Saw her in Dallas, in El Paso
I came across her in various cities, including Dallas and El Paso
So come back baby, I need you so
I want her to return to my life because I deeply care for her
Mississippi river, so big and wide
The Mississippi river is vast and wide
Blonde-headed woman on the other side
There is a woman with blonde hair on the other side of the Mississippi river
Don't come here running, holding out your hand
Don't come to me with the expectation of our previous relationship continuing
I have me a woman, you can grab your man
I have moved on and found someone else, you should do the same
Contributed by Eva E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@bensmith8127
Taj,
As a 69 year old guitarist who has had the joy and frustration of playing 61 of these 69 years, I just have to tell you that I first became aware of you at age 15 when I saw you for the first time on public television. In my eyes you are such an accomplished, multi instrumentalist and vocalist. To watch you perform in so many different settings with such ease of delivery has been awe inspiring and joyful. It is you that caused me to toss my pick out the window years ago and become more aligned with my guitar. I always get the feeling that you are right here in the room with me when I watch you. I’ve also had great pleasure in playing your songs on many occasions. Thank you sir, for the pureness of your music and soul.
@bluesborn
This makes me want to march in time out the door and form a spontaneous dance line with the neighbors.
@Dixielinemuzik
This should be studio recorded for sure. Great roots blues music.
@johnconway9882
He recorded this song several years prior to this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5RL74_YWyI
@bak1358
This is absolutely the best version of this song I've heard. Man this was awesome
@johnallwood
I could sit there and listen to corey and taj doing this all day long
@lenandpam
Simple Blues, simply awesome!
@bengreens
Taj made Corey laugh with the "wrapped a towel" line!
@ecanuck
This was from the Martin Scorcese documentary series on PBS on the Blues. There's a box set for the series, 2003 (Hip-O Records, Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues: A Musical Journey.)
@doobeedoo2
still alive, amazing dedicated artist