Taj Mahal — Take A Giant Step
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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
It's time, it's time, it's time you felt like that again
There is just no percentage in remembering the past
It's 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 where you belong
Come with me, I'll take you where the taste of life is green
And 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've played the love and lost
And sorrows have turned your heart to frost
I will mend your heart again
Remember the feeling as a child
When you woke up and morning smiled
It's time, it's time, it's time you felt like that again
There is just no percentage in remembering the past
It's 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
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
It's time, it's time, it's time you felt like that again
There is just no percentage in remembering the past
It's 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 where you belong
Come with me, I'll take you where the taste of life is green
And 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've played the love and lost
And sorrows have turned your heart to frost
I will mend your heart again
Remember the feeling as a child
When you woke up and morning smiled
It's time, it's time, it's time you felt like that again
There is just no percentage in remembering the past
It's 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
Comments (202)add comment
40 years on. A perfect song.
Majoran wrote:
I think you may have the wrong von Allerschönsten
Etwas vom Allerschönsten
I think you may have the wrong von Allerschönsten
Saw him and two of his friends perform in a small theater from the second row, great night for me and my beautiful lady.
Etwas vom Allerschönsten
his steps
coltranes giant steps
we allllll need to take some giant steps
coltranes giant steps
we allllll need to take some giant steps
tonyinnj wrote:
Pleasant Valley Way is just up the road from me in West Orange, NJ...T
that's where
Carole King lived when she wrote Pleasant Valley Sunday (charcoal burnin' every-
where).
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
The things one learns on RP. I was aware of the many songs Goffin/King wrote for the Monkees. I had the 45s and the composers were noted on them (albums too).
This is why I enjoy reading the comments- the positive and informative comments, anyway.
Pleasant Valley Way is just up the road from me in West Orange, NJ...T
that's where
Carole King lived when she wrote Pleasant Valley Sunday (charcoal burnin' every-
where).
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
The things one learns on RP. I was aware of the many songs Goffin/King wrote for the Monkees. I had the 45s and the composers were noted on them (albums too).
This is why I enjoy reading the comments- the positive and informative comments, anyway.
The Monkees (first album)!
Problem: I have this rated as a 6
Solution: Re-rated to an 8
For whatever reason seeing this was released in 1969 surprised me. It never dawned on me that this tune was that old, maybe part of my +2 is due to how good it was then AND now.
LLRP!!
Solution: Re-rated to an 8
For whatever reason seeing this was released in 1969 surprised me. It never dawned on me that this tune was that old, maybe part of my +2 is due to how good it was then AND now.
LLRP!!
moocray wrote:
It's the paradox of people who can only be happy when they are miserable or are making others miserable.
Songs like this make you wonder why we spend so much energy on negative BS of the world. Humanity is capable of happiness.
It's the paradox of people who can only be happy when they are miserable or are making others miserable.
saw him at a winery napa, 20 or so years ago, wish i could seen him more
yobyot wrote:
Or you could be a supporter and donate a little.
The original catalog number for this "specially priced" album was Columbia GP-8. I remember because I bought it in 1968 because of the price -- on a lark when I was both young and poor.
Few records have meant as much to me as this one. Through it I discovered Taj Mahal and this song, in particular, have always been full of meaning to me.
And you can hear it for free on RP.
Or you could be a supporter and donate a little.
+1000
He is probably my favorite musician. My parents had The Natch'l Blues on vinyl when I was a kid, and I had it in frequent rotation along with the White Album. I've played a few tunes from Taj Mahal in bands over the years. I just keep coming back to this wonderful musician. A couple of weeks ago I found Mo' Roots, and the wonderful St. Kitts Woman, which I hadn't heard since 1997 in college. Taj is the kind of celebrity who feels like he might be a beloved family member, even though I've never met him.
Subtle, sweet guitar playing for sure...I likey!
A wonderful song written for The Monkees by Carole King and Gerry Goffin! Taj does a great job with it.
Mmmmmm. Take a giant step outside your mind....what could that be about? Not such an innocent song.
expatlar wrote:
I'm embarrassed to say I thought it was Randy Newman when I first heard it. And I'm a Taj Mahal fan (saw him live in Vancouver in the 1980s). My education continues... .Thanks Bill and Rebecca.
What a nice little song. A real warm and fuzzy foot-tapper. I don't begrudge him, but didn't Randy Newman make a bunch of money writing this kind of stuff for movies, decades later?
I'm embarrassed to say I thought it was Randy Newman when I first heard it. And I'm a Taj Mahal fan (saw him live in Vancouver in the 1980s). My education continues... .Thanks Bill and Rebecca.
What a nice little song. A real warm and fuzzy foot-tapper. I don't begrudge him, but didn't Randy Newman make a bunch of money writing this kind of stuff for movies, decades later?
Bob Dylan has always tried for this gritty sound that flows through Taj's pores!
Remember the feeling as a childWhen you woke up and morning smiled
Songs like this make you wonder why we spend so much energy on negative BS of the world. Humanity is capable of happiness.
Saw Ellen McIlwaine in concert a while back. She related stories of living in Greenwich Village along with Hendrix, Taj Mahal, and others. She was trying to get Taj to teach her some of his open tunings. He told her she had to find her own, not being contrary, but that she needed tunings that 'fit' her.
"And take a giant step outside your mind" 'Nuff said!
The original catalog number for this "specially priced" album was Columbia GP-8. I remember because I bought it in 1968 because of the price -- on a lark when I was both young and poor.
Few records have meant as much to me as this one. Through it I discovered Taj Mahal and this song, in particular, have always been full of meaning to me.
And you can hear it for free on RP.
Few records have meant as much to me as this one. Through it I discovered Taj Mahal and this song, in particular, have always been full of meaning to me.
And you can hear it for free on RP.
I wore this album through in the early 70's in college.
What a nice musician to listen to !!!
bachbeet wrote:
Pleasant Valley Way is just up the road from me in West Orange, NJ...That's where
Carole King lived when she wrote Pleasant Valley Sunday (charcoal burnin' every-
where).
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
Just googled this and discovered it was written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Never knew that. I always thought it was written by Taj and knew nothing of the Monkees' version. The Goffin/King duo sure wrote a lot of good songs.
Pleasant Valley Way is just up the road from me in West Orange, NJ...That's where
Carole King lived when she wrote Pleasant Valley Sunday (charcoal burnin' every-
where).
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
Catchy. Nice.
250970 wrote:
I'd love a "repeat/rewind button" :)
подсадите как прослушать предыдущий трек
I'd love a "repeat/rewind button" :)
If this is Mellow Mix, wheres the soul music? A bit of Roy Ayres would be category-appropriate, no? Its all very guitary, twangy and dare I say... white. Yes Tracy Chapman, Taj Mahal, the exceptions strengthen the rule as they say.
Ooo, talking 'bout new sensations
wferrier wrote:
or da monkees 2
meydele wrote:
I know they did, I just didn't know Carole King wrote it. I love the Monkees. I have several of their records. Wow, did I just admit that in public?
Go ahead say it again lol. I remember the days when all the girls in the hood were in love with The Monkeys. . .
or da monkees 2
Saw TM last year- 40 years after my 1st. He's a little slower now but so full of expression and joy for the music. What a career , what a gift to us all.
1969!
Every time I hear this song I think the lyrics are Dylan like.
подсадите как прослушать предыдущий трек
LaurieinTucson wrote:
Me too! King and Goffin? I never would have guessed. But I like it!
I love the historical bits you give us, Bill
Me too! King and Goffin? I never would have guessed. But I like it!
LPCity wrote:
Taj is touring with Keb Mo this summer under the moniker "TajMo".
Seeing the show in less than 2 weeks!
Seeing the show in less than 2 weeks!
Saw the show last weekend in Mammoth Lakes. Super tight band and this song was performed extremely well.
-John
I love the historical bits you give us, Bill
Took a few minutes to adjust to the vocal, but actually quite nice!
No only 5 - Decent to me
fredriley wrote:
Clearly, you do not enjoy the Taj Mahal signature vocal effect. An opinion best kept to yourself in some parts of North America if you want to stay for tea.
Elvis Costello has the same effect on me. I can hear the talent but, but, but, .... Must be deep-seated cognitive shortcomings.
This is the best of Taj Mahal? I don't want to think how bad the worst could be. This might be a decent number if the guy could actually sing, rather than croak a good semitone out of tune. I've heard better singers outside pubs at chucking out time.
Clearly, you do not enjoy the Taj Mahal signature vocal effect. An opinion best kept to yourself in some parts of North America if you want to stay for tea.
Elvis Costello has the same effect on me. I can hear the talent but, but, but, .... Must be deep-seated cognitive shortcomings.
Geez, I used to have this album on a 8 track in my 71 Dodge Duster. Driving up and down the Mississippi River Bluffs.
Very cool sound...sounds like it could have been a recent release
Lovin' that raspy voice. 
Taj is touring with Keb Mo this summer under the moniker "TajMo".
Seeing the show in less than 2 weeks!
Seeing the show in less than 2 weeks!
Love this. Saw him live in Chico in the 70s.
this was a double album
the "Giant Step" disc was electric with the full band
the "De Ole Folks At Home" disc was accustic with just Taj doing classic traditional blues songs
I used to have it when it first came out, think I'll try to get it on cd
the "Giant Step" disc was electric with the full band
the "De Ole Folks At Home" disc was accustic with just Taj doing classic traditional blues songs
I used to have it when it first came out, think I'll try to get it on cd
Oh my - this track is used over the end roller of a great doc - The Sunshine Makers - a must see - if in doubt check it out on IMDb
idunno, Taj always sounded a lil cartoonish to me
I've loved this song — indeed the whole album — since I bought it in 1969. I even remember the catalog number: Columbia GP8. It was part of a series of low-cost double albums. I was always on a budget in those days (what teenager wasn't/isn't?) and promptly wore out the vinyl. So pleased it's part of RP's programming as I don't have to listen to those worn-out grooves.
The new Monkees album is very good.
For anyone interested, give "Me & Magdalena" a spin.
For anyone interested, give "Me & Magdalena" a spin.
Both versions very nice. Always loved Monkees' version, now I have two to enjoy 
Nice to hear this on RP.
A couple of disparate comments....
Randy Bachman, formerly of the Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive (BTO) and now host of CBC radio's Vinyl Tap was talking about the Monkees, their origin, etc., the other day. If you love old rock 'n roll, I would strongly encourage you to look up Randy Bachman, Vinyl Tap, CBC and listen to a podcast or two. Randy is a class act.
A friend of mine is an amateur guitar player and performer. (Owns a Gibson, BTW.) He often affects a Taj Mahal-style vocal effect and I really do not like it. Just sayin'. In my opinion, if you are not a great vocalist, adopting an understated style typically works out to be much better.
Noise from the peanut gallery...
A couple of disparate comments....
Randy Bachman, formerly of the Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive (BTO) and now host of CBC radio's Vinyl Tap was talking about the Monkees, their origin, etc., the other day. If you love old rock 'n roll, I would strongly encourage you to look up Randy Bachman, Vinyl Tap, CBC and listen to a podcast or two. Randy is a class act.
A friend of mine is an amateur guitar player and performer. (Owns a Gibson, BTW.) He often affects a Taj Mahal-style vocal effect and I really do not like it. Just sayin'. In my opinion, if you are not a great vocalist, adopting an understated style typically works out to be much better.
Noise from the peanut gallery...
a solid Wonder of the World, Mr Taj Mahal : )
I wore this record out in the late '60's
He was opening for It's A Beautiful Day at the local college and I was excited as hell but it was canceled because someone got the flu which was their way back then to say not enough tickets sold
He was opening for It's A Beautiful Day at the local college and I was excited as hell but it was canceled because someone got the flu which was their way back then to say not enough tickets sold
Inspirational for all us miserable b@st#rds out there.
I don't remember the Monkee's version but this is nice...
On_The_Beach wrote:
I love both versions. Very different and both very cool.
from Wiki: "Take a Giant Step" is a song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King and released by the American band The Monkees in 1966. It was also covered in 1969 by singer Taj Mahal.
I love both versions. Very different and both very cool.
love this guy's voice
Hogtownmike wrote:
I prefer this one for the past 20 years or so but the Monkees version was the first version i heard as a kid and i will always love their version too.
I just happened to be watching a Taj Video this morning... Check him rehearsing with the Tedeschi / Trucks band:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkzKw1erF_Y
Impossibly cool!
I know I will get flack for this, but I prefer the Monkees version...
I prefer this one for the past 20 years or so but the Monkees version was the first version i heard as a kid and i will always love their version too.
I just happened to be watching a Taj Video this morning... Check him rehearsing with the Tedeschi / Trucks band:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkzKw1erF_Y
Impossibly cool!
This song is perfect for Denver, whenever there is a "cloud" over the city.
I know I will get flack for this, but I prefer the Monkees version...
rdo wrote:
Dude. This tune was also covered by the Monkees. I think you might be setting your expectations a wee bit high.
I really like this song, but it is a bit patronizing in the lyrics. No one can "step outside their mind" and it of course assumes the one advising such medicine is enlightened, which is an inherently arrogant thing to assume. 9
Dude. This tune was also covered by the Monkees. I think you might be setting your expectations a wee bit high.
I really like this song, but it is a bit patronizing in the lyrics. No one can "step outside their mind" and it of course assumes the one advising such medicine is enlightened, which is an inherently arrogant thing to assume. 9
...... this is "Outstanding"and I'm a believer! Taj = 10
from Wiki: "Take a Giant Step" is a song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King and released by the American band The Monkees in 1966. It was also covered in 1969 by singer Taj Mahal.
What a cool name .....Taj
I've loved his music since I was 14. About the same time I discovered Dr. John (the night tripper) who recorded a great version of this number. And followed by Traffic.....I'm definitely 'feelin' all right' , at work right now operating a couple of de-compression chambers. 100%Oxygen is the best drug.
Just googled this and discovered it was written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Never knew that. I always thought it was written by Taj and knew nothing of the Monkees' version. The Goffin/King duo sure wrote a lot of good songs.
Great lyrics. Tune pretty good too.
Taj Mahal is one of those musicians who has to make an effort to score below 8 with me. Here? No effort… just so natural. 
oldfart48 wrote:
THANK YOU TAJ FOR A LIFETIME OF JOY.....................ALBION 1970
THANK YOU TAJ FOR A LIFETIME OF JOY.....................
..nice pairing w/Jimmy Cliff "Sitting in Limbo"..a sort of progression..thx RP..
10!!!!!!
One of his best songs. I have several of his CDs and each one is excellent.
Seems like just the other day that I saw him play this with his inimitable style and humor at Chautauqua Hall in Boulder...but it must have been in '92 or so, because I recall I was with the ex-... Remember the feeling you had as a child...when you woke up and morning smiled... Well, it's time, it's time you felt like that again... Taj, you said and played it so well, and Thanks! for reminding me of that essential truth again!
Taj sounds a little like Dr. John on this one.
An enjoyable distraction.
Love the Taj...
He is playing in town this week... But I will be out of town
He is playing in town this week... But I will be out of town
This is a giant step. Love love love the guitar work.
Jazbo wrote:
You read my mind.
11 fo' sho'
Again, where's my 11?
You read my mind.
11 fo' sho'
Jazbo wrote:
Ahhh Valpo. Now I'm jonesin' some Tonys deep dish!
Again, where's my 11?
Ahhh Valpo. Now I'm jonesin' some Tonys deep dish!
I made a special trip here, just to say... yuck!
Anyone who uses Winamp or iTunes to listen to RP should download "Minilyrics". it's a great lyrics player that accesses an online database to look for the lyrics to songs. It's got a TON of lyrics. Some are in the form of text files (so they're static) but others are .lrc (lyric) files and are synced to the song. This is one that's synched. the lyrics are great.
Way too precious. And not in a good way.
Bill:
Thanks for making me smile.
Thanks for making me smile.
A treasure from 1969.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taj_Mahal_%28musician%29
In 1964 he moved to Santa Monica, California, and formed The Rising Sons with fellow blues musician Ry Cooder and Jessie Lee Kincaid, landing a record deal with Columbia Records soon after. The group was one of the first interracial bands of the period, which likely made them commercially unviable.<11> An album was never released (though a single was) and the band soon broke up, though Legacy Records did release The Rising Sons Featuring Taj Mahal and Ry Cooder in 1993 with material from that period. During this time Mahal was working with others, musicians like Howlin' Wolf, Buddy Guy, Lightnin' Hopkins, and Muddy Waters.<8> Mahal stayed with Columbia after The Rising Sons to begin his solo career, releasing the self-titled Taj Mahal in 1968, The Natch'l Blues in 1969, and Giant Step/De Old Folks at Home (also in 1969).<1> During this time he and Cooder worked with The Rolling Stones, with whom he has performed at various times throughout his career.<12> In 1968, he performed in the film The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus. He recorded a total of twelve albums for Columbia Records from the late 1960s into the 1970s. His work of the 1970s was especially important, in that his releases began incorporating West Indian and Caribbean music, jazz and reggae into the mix. In 1972 he wrote the film score for the movie Sounder, which starred Cicely Tyson.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taj_Mahal_%28musician%29
In 1964 he moved to Santa Monica, California, and formed The Rising Sons with fellow blues musician Ry Cooder and Jessie Lee Kincaid, landing a record deal with Columbia Records soon after. The group was one of the first interracial bands of the period, which likely made them commercially unviable.<11> An album was never released (though a single was) and the band soon broke up, though Legacy Records did release The Rising Sons Featuring Taj Mahal and Ry Cooder in 1993 with material from that period. During this time Mahal was working with others, musicians like Howlin' Wolf, Buddy Guy, Lightnin' Hopkins, and Muddy Waters.<8> Mahal stayed with Columbia after The Rising Sons to begin his solo career, releasing the self-titled Taj Mahal in 1968, The Natch'l Blues in 1969, and Giant Step/De Old Folks at Home (also in 1969).<1> During this time he and Cooder worked with The Rolling Stones, with whom he has performed at various times throughout his career.<12> In 1968, he performed in the film The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus. He recorded a total of twelve albums for Columbia Records from the late 1960s into the 1970s. His work of the 1970s was especially important, in that his releases began incorporating West Indian and Caribbean music, jazz and reggae into the mix. In 1972 he wrote the film score for the movie Sounder, which starred Cicely Tyson.
What a great thought. Think outside the box. Take a giant step outside your mind. Get out of the rut you're in.
'
'
Taj is a fun musician.
Yes Yes Yes
simply & masterful & sweet
simply & masterful & sweet
Nice!
Art_Carnage wrote:
I also like the Monkee's version; like this one 2. To quote that legendary bopper: "different strokes for different folks."
The Monkees' version is much better. Yeah, I said it. You got a problem with that?
I also like the Monkee's version; like this one 2. To quote that legendary bopper: "different strokes for different folks."
gekkosan wrote:
me thinks not....Taj is pretty excellent.
Dunno... I think Dylan's already been there, done that, no?
me thinks not....Taj is pretty excellent.
Dunno... I think Dylan's already been there, done that, no?
i loved the monkees version as a kid (1976ish)... my dad hated it 'cause this was 'the real version' to him.
i love both versions now.
i love both versions now.
I've heard it said - we could have fun - what fun? who's fun? and where does all the time go? lol
Taj - quit monkeying around! Seriously, love this cover
what a wonderful song to wake up to—
Art_Carnage wrote:
Agree. I've been in a Monkees mood a lot lately. I'd forgotten how good this song is. They may have been cheesy, but darn it, they did a lot of good stuff!
The Monkees' version is much better. Yeah, I said it. You got a problem with that?
Agree. I've been in a Monkees mood a lot lately. I'd forgotten how good this song is. They may have been cheesy, but darn it, they did a lot of good stuff!
Again, where's my 11?
keller1 wrote:
I was just gonna say the same thing ...
So was I!
I was just gonna say the same thing ...
So was I!
Art_Carnage wrote:
I was just gonna say the same thing ...
The Monkees' version is much better. Yeah, I said it. You got a problem with that?
I was just gonna say the same thing ...
The Monkees' version is much better. Yeah, I said it. You got a problem with that?
Was hoping to hear Taj do this Sat. night, but he and Ms. Bonnie made up for it!!
I guess I am just ignorant, but I agree with Fred. The guy just can't sing. Sounds like Randy Newman with strep throat.
Really dig Taj Mahal...thanks Bill! 8/10 
I particularly like this CD: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Evening_of_Acoustic_Music
Boy, he looks young on that Best Of cover photo, eh?
I particularly like this CD: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Evening_of_Acoustic_Music
Boy, he looks young on that Best Of cover photo, eh?
Some Randy Newman as a follow-up might be kind of cute.
nigelr wrote:
Showin' yo' ignorance here, Fred, in my humble opinion, of course!
You could be right there, Nige, but this particular number really grates, a sucko-barfo right from the first sung note. This guy's voice sounds like Rod Stewart, only worse.
Showin' yo' ignorance here, Fred, in my humble opinion, of course!
You could be right there, Nige, but this particular number really grates, a sucko-barfo right from the first sung note. This guy's voice sounds like Rod Stewart, only worse.
BonTaj this Sept !!
This is sooo nice ! 
Jimmy Cliff to Otis Redding to Taj Mahal. 
What a set.
This just made it perfect for a drink on the deck watching the afternoon
What a set. This just made it perfect for a drink on the deck watching the afternoon
From the 'wee village under the mountains, on the beach, on the edge of the rain forest' to Coffs Harbour we agree: the Nottingham jury ain't heard nothin' yet! 
fredriley wrote:
Showin' yo' ignorance here, Fred, in my humble opinion, of course!
This is the best of Taj Mahal? I don't want to think how bad the worst could be. This might be a decent number if the guy could actually sing, rather than croak a good semitone out of tune. I've heard better singers outside pubs at chucking out time.
Showin' yo' ignorance here, Fred, in my humble opinion, of course!
This is the best of Taj Mahal? I don't want to think how bad the worst could be. This might be a decent number if the guy could actually sing, rather than croak a good semitone out of tune. I've heard better singers outside pubs at chucking out time.
This song is an example of why Taj is an integral part of livin' the good life...