When the Allman Brothers Band reformed in 1989 in response to the popularity of the Dreams box set, Warren Haynes was added on lead guitar and Allen Woody on bass. The two shared a love for '60s power trios, like Cream, Jimi Hendrix Experience, and James Gang. With no bands making similar music in the 90s (except ZZ Top), Haynes, Woody, and former Dickey Betts drummer Matt Abts came together as Gov't Mule during Allman Brothers' breaks. (It is likely that Haynes and Abts first met during the recording of the Dickey Betts Band CD "Pattern Disruptive" in 1988.) They released their debut album the selftitled Gov't Mule in 1995. It was followed by Live from Roseland Ballroom.
When it became apparent that the Allman Brothers weren't planning on recording any new material, Haynes and Woody left to concentrate full-time on Gov't Mule in 1997. Dose, the studio follow up to their first studio effort, was released in early 1998. They were joined by members of the Allman Brothers, the Black Crowes, and Parliament/Funkadelic for their 1998 New Year's Eve concert. This was released in both a two and four CD version as Live ... With A Little Help From Our Friends. The band exposed some of their roots with covers of Neil Young, Free, Traffic, Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, Mongo Santamaria (via John Coltrane) and Frank Zappa.
In 2000, the band released Life Before Insanity to critical praise. Many thought that this would be Gov't Mule's breakthrough CD. However, Woody was found dead in New York City in August. Haynes and Abts considered breaking up the band but did stage a concert called "One for Woody" to raise money for his daughter's education. The Allman Brothers, the Black Crowes, members of the Grateful Dead, and other friends of Woody also performed at the concert.
At both the "One for Woody" performance and other shows, Haynes began appearing with the Allman Brothers Band again. With Dickey Betts' departure from the Allmans, Warren came back full time to the band at the beginning of 2001 and has continued splitting his time between the Allmans and for a period Phil Lesh and Friends and the reformed Dead as well as Gov't Mule (performing acoustic gigs with just Haynes on guitar and Abts on percussion and as The New School of Gov't Mule with Widespread Panic's Dave Schools on bass and Chuck Leavell, formerly of the Allman Brothers and known for his current work with the Rolling Stones on keyboards).
The next year, Haynes and Abts began to record a tribute CD using Woody's favorite bass players. These sessions resulted in two CDs The Deep End, Volume 1 (2001) and The Deep End, Volume 2 (2002). A documentary of the recording sessions was also made by Phish bassist Mike Gordon called Rising Low. Bass contributions to the CDs came from Jack Bruce of Cream, John Entwisle of The Who, Mike Watt of Minutemen, Les Claypool of Primus, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Chris Squire of Yes among others.
When it came to touring in support of the Deep End CDs, Haynes and Abts used a revolving door of keyboardists and bassists. Keyboardists included Chuck Leavell, Rob Barraco of Phil Lesh and Friends and Zen Tricksters, Phish's Page McConnell and Danny Louis. Bassists included among others, Dave Schools, Oteil Burbridge of the Allman Brothers, Les Claypool, Victor Wooten of the Flecktones, George Porter Jr. of The Meters, Greg Rzab formerly of The Black Crowes and the Buddy Guy Band and Andy Hess, also formerly of The Black Crowes. Louis and Hess were eventually added as permanent members of Gov't Mule. They continue to tour extensively and have become staple acts at many music festivals including Bonnaroo, Wakarusa, Vegoose, and their annual New Orleans Jazzfest night show (where they filmed and recorded the last show of the Deepest End tours, with 17 guest musicians in a 6 hour show) wich was released on CD/DVD as The Deepest End, Live in Concert.
The first CD with Louis and Hess Deja Voodoo was released in September 2004. Additional material from those sessions was released in 2005 as and EP entitled Mo' Voodoo.
The new lineup's second release, titled High and Mighty, was released on August 22, 2006.
A third, Mighty High, was released in 2007 it features reggae and dub versions of classic Mule covers and originals with special guest appearances by Willi Williams, Michael Franti and Toots Hibbert,
Brand New Angel
Gov't Mule Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come to your sweet daddy, wipe the tears from your eyes
This must be your lucky day, I hope you like surprises
Save my weary soul, take me from this hole
Lead me to the light or just take me through the night
Brand new angel, never turn your back on me
People say you should stay away but I disagree
Save my weary soul, take me from this hole
Lead me to the light or just take me through the night
Brand new angel, don't be so easy to deceive
Things are different down here
You gotta let your body breathe
Save my weary soul, take me from this hole
Lead me to the light or just take me through the night
The song "Brand New Angel" by Gov't Mule tells the story of a brand new angel who has fallen down from the sky and is now being approached by the singer. The singer asks the angel to save his weary soul, to take him from the hole he is in and lead him to the light, or simply take him through the night. The angel is seen as someone who has come to the singer's aid and is a symbol of hope in a time when the singer needs it the most.
The character of the angel is also seen as a representation of goodness and purity. The singer describes the angel as having just fallen from the sky, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for the angel being a new and untainted presence in the singer's life. The singer also acknowledges that people may warn him to stay away from the angel, but he sees something different in her and trusts that she can help him.
Throughout the song, the singer pleads with the angel to save him from his current state and lead him towards a brighter future. The repeated line of "Save my weary soul" reinforces the desperation and vulnerability that the singer is feeling. Ultimately, the song is a plea for help and a recognition that sometimes, we need outside assistance to find our way out of the darkness.
Line by Line Meaning
Brand new angel, did you just fall down from the sky
Did you just arrive in my life unexpectedly?
Come to your sweet daddy, wipe the tears from your eyes
Let me take care of you and make everything okay.
This must be your lucky day, I hope you like surprises
Meeting me is good fortune and I have unexpected things in store for you.
Save my weary soul, take me from this hole
Rescue me from my troubles and struggles.
Lead me to the light or just take me through the night
Guide me to a better place or provide comfort in the midst of darkness.
Brand new angel, never turn your back on me
Please always be there for me and don't abandon me.
Look deep into my eyes and tell me what you see
See into my soul and help me understand myself.
People say you should stay away but I disagree
Others may warn you about me, but I believe we belong together.
Brand new angel, don't be so easy to deceive
Please be aware of the world and not too trusting.
Things are different down here
The world can be tough and unpredictable.
You gotta let your body breathe
Relax and take it easy.
Save my weary soul, take me from this hole
Rescue me from my troubles and struggles.
Lead me to the light or just take me through the night
Guide me to a better place or provide comfort in the midst of darkness.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: WARREN HAYNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind