“Come with me, leave your yesterday your yesterday behind. And take a giant step outside your mind…”
-Taj Mahal
One of the more woefully underappreciated blues artists of the last three decades, Taj Mahal has consistently made great records that combine his extensive knowledge of roots music with a refreshingly non-elitist sensibility. Giant Step/De Ole Folks At Home from 1969 was Taj’s commercial high point, and it’s easy to understand why. The first half of the album (originally released as a two-record set) features Taj and band blending rock, pop and blues on songs like “Take a Giant Step,” “Give Your Woman What She Wants” and “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl.” The second half is more laid-back and down-home, with Taj essaying solo renditions of “Fishing Blues,” “Stagger Lee” and “Light Rain Blues” on banjo, harmonica and acoustic guitar. The most effortlessly enjoyable record of an effortlessly enjoyable career.
Though you failed at love and lost
And sorrow’s turned your heart to frost
I will mend your heart again
Remember the feeling as a child
When you woke up and morning smiled
Its time its time its time you felt like that again
There is just no percentage in remembering the past
Its time you learned to live again and love at last
Come with me leave your yesterday your yesterday behind
And take a giant step outside your mind
You stare at me with disbelief
You say for you there’s no relief
But girl I swear it won’t do you no harm
Don’t sit there in your lonely room
Just looking back inside that gloom
Mama that’s not were you belong
Come with me I’ll take you where the taste of life is green
N’ Everyday everyday hold on woman just got to be seen
Come with me leave your yesterday your yesterday behind
And take a giant step outside your mind
Though you failed at love and lost
And sorrow’s turned your heart to frost
I will mend your heart again
Remember the feeling as a child
When you woke up and morning smiled
Its time its time its time you felt like that again
There is just no percentage in remembering the past
Its time you learned to live again and love at last
Come with me leave your yesterday your yesterday behind
And take a giant step outside your mind
