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.
You're Gonna Need Somebody on Your Bond
Taj Mahal Lyrics
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You're gonna need somebody on your bond
When it's late 'round midnight and old man
Death comes slippin' into the room
You're gonna need somebody on your bond
You take Mary and Martha standin' up in the hillside
Mary explainin' to Martha, "Darlin', look at the river deep and the water wide"
Tellin' everybody they're gonna need somebody on their bond
Whoa, you take Maivus Staples and ole Corn Cheevers [?]
They got the good side on their bond
Oh, I been listen to the music people ever since the day I was born
My momma raised me in a room across from the church by the tree
And that sweet gospel music, oh how it used to comfort me
Tellin' everybody they're gonna need somebody on their bond
In Taj Mahal's song "You're Gonna Need Somebody on Your Bond," the lyrics suggest the inevitability of death and the need for support in the afterlife. The repeated refrain emphasizes the importance of finding someone to bond with before it's too late. The first verse indicates that death will come in the darkest moments of the night and having someone by your side will make those moments more bearable. The second verse references Mary and Martha, two biblical figures who appear in the book of John in the New Testament. When their brother Lazarus dies, they send for Jesus to come and heal him, but it's too late. This is a reminder that even with faith, death is an inevitable and painful part of life. The image of Moses carrying big stones up the hill is a reference to the Ten Commandments and the idea that we must all carry our own burdens in this life.
The final verse references two prominent gospel singers, Mavis Staples and Corn Cheevers, who have found this bond in their faith. Taj Mahal notes that he has been listening to music all his life and his mother raised him across from a church, which gave him comfort in the form of gospel music. The powerful impact that music can have on people's spirit and sense of community is evident in the song's message. Overall, the lyrics of "You're Gonna Need Somebody on Your Bond" are a reminder to cherish our relationships and seek out meaningful connections to help us through life's challenges, including the ultimate challenge of facing death.
Line by Line Meaning
You're gonna need somebody on your bond child
You will need someone to stand by you in times of trouble
You're gonna need somebody on your bond
You will need someone to support and comfort you
When it's late 'round midnight and old man Death comes slippin' into the room
When you face death in your final moments
You're gonna need somebody on your bond
You will need someone to be with you in your last moments
You take Mary and Martha standin' up in the hillside
The story of Mary and Martha from the Bible
Mary explainin' to Martha, "Darlin', look at the river deep and the water wide"
The conversation between Mary and Martha about the difficulties of crossing the river
Here comes ole Moses, faithful Moses carryin' big ole stones up the hill
Moses carrying the Ten Commandments up Mount Sinai
Tellin' everybody they're gonna need somebody on their bond
Moses reminding people that they need to rely on each other for support and guidance
Whoa, you take Maivus Staples and ole Corn Cheevers [?]
Reference to two gospel singers
They got the good side on their bond
They have found support and comfort in their faith and community
Oh, I been listen to the music people ever since the day I was born
The singer has grown up listening to gospel music and its messages of faith and support
My momma raised me in a room across from the church by the tree
The singer grew up next to a church and was influenced by its teachings and music
And that sweet gospel music, oh how it used to comfort me
Gospel music provided the singer with emotional comfort and support
Tellin' everybody they're gonna need somebody on their bond
The message of the song, that people need to rely on each other for support and guidance
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DONOVAN LEITCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind