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,
Dancing Days
Gov't Mule Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Summer evenings grow
I've got my flower, I've got my power
I've got a woman who knows.
I said it's alright
You know, it's alright
I guess it's all in my heart
Is that the way it should start?
Crazy ways are evident
In the way you're wearing your clothes
Sippin' booze is precedent
As the evening starts to glow.
You know, it's alright
I said it's alright
You know, it's all in my heart
You'll be my only, my one and only
Is that the way it should start?
Dig.
You told your mama I'd get you home
But you didn't say I got no car
I saw a lion, he was standing alone
With a tadpole in a jar.
You know, it's alright
I said it's alright
I guess it's all in my heart, heart, heart
You'll be my only, my one and only
Is that the way it should start?
So dancing days are here again
As the summer evenings grow
You are my flower, you are my power
You are my woman who knows.
I said it's alright
You know, it's alright
I know it's all in my heart
You'll be my only, yes, my one and only
Yes, is that the way it should start?
I know it is, yeah.
"Dancing Days" is a song by the band Led Zeppelin, but this interpretation is for the cover done by Gov't Mule. The song's lyrics tell a story of a couple enjoying themselves on summer evenings as they dance through their days with hopefulness and excitement for the future. The phrase "dancing days are here again" refers to the couple being together after a period of separation; they are reunited and are able to enjoy each other's company once more. The song talks about the lovely moments that the couple shares, with the persona indicating that he has his "flower", which in this case might represent his lover, and his "power", which could represent his intellect, confidence, or charisma. The woman he is with knows, indicating that he trusts her and values her insight.
The second verse suggests that the couple is enjoying a night of drinking, with the lyrics, "sipping booze is precedent, as the evening starts to glow." The song emphasizes the couple's desire to have a good time and enjoy each other's company, with lines like "crazy ways are evident in the way you're wearing your clothes." Even though they might seem different and outlandish, the couple understands and appreciates each other's individuality. The following verse talks about the couple's struggle to get back home, with the woman telling her mother that her partner would "get them back," even though he didn't have a car. They encounter strange things along the way, like a lion and a tadpole in a jar, emphasizing the oddities of the situation.
In conclusion, "Dancing Days" seems to be a light-hearted song about a couple enjoying themselves and each other's company while also encountering strange situations. The song emphasizes the importance of remaining optimistic, even in the face of difficulty, and the power of connection, even when things might not make complete sense.
Line by Line Meaning
Dancing days are here again
The season for fun and frolicking has arrived
Summer evenings grow
The evenings are getting warmer as summer sets in
I've got my flower, I've got my power
I have everything I need to enjoy myself, including confidence and companionship
I've got a woman who knows
I am with a woman who understands me and shares my desires
I said it's alright
I am giving comfort to myself and others that everything is fine
You know, it's alright
Acknowledging another person's fears or doubts, but reassuring them it's alright
I guess it's all in my heart
I am confident of my feelings and what they mean
You'll be my only, my one and only
I am declaring my love for this person and that they are the only one for me
Is that the way it should start?
Is this the beginning of something special?
Crazy ways are evident
The way we express ourselves and our desires may seem unconventional
In the way you're wearing your clothes
Our attire reflects our personality and mood
Sippin' booze is precedent
Drinking is expected and encouraged as the night progresses
As the evening starts to glow
The atmosphere starts to change as the night wears on
Dig.
Get ready for a good time and groove to the music
You told your mama I'd get you home
You have entrusted me with your safety and well-being
But you didn't say I got no car
I don't have the means to take you home, but we'll figure it out together
I saw a lion, he was standing alone
I've seen strange things tonight and am feeling adventurous
With a tadpole in a jar.
I am observing and experiencing things I never have before
You are my flower, you are my power
You are essential to my happiness and confidence
You are my woman who knows.
You understand me and share my desires
I know it's all in my heart
I am sure of my feelings and what they mean to me
You'll be my only, yes, my one and only
I have chosen you and only you to be with
Yes, is that the way it should start?
Asking if this is the beginning of something special and meaningful
I know it is, yeah.
Affirming that this is the start of something wonderful
Contributed by Taylor D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Donna Bowen
Govt Mule takes every song and makes it their own without stepping on toes. Man, that is totally respect and talent.
Glenn Kemp
Even while struggling with an out of tune guitar, Warren still managed to put on the most awesome performance. He is not only my favorite guitarist, he is my favorite singer. What a band. The Mule rules.
jeff j
yep ...seen that sir
Ronald Wayne Van Zant
GETCHA PULL!😂👍
paige cutshaw
The fact he took time to tune the guitar on stage tells you you are about to get the goods. Pretty damn good cover.
Dewey Burns
It was still not in tune the guitar tech handed him out of tune guitar and couldn’t recognize the song if not for the lyrics
Jessica Rahmanovic
One thing I love about Warren Haynes and government Mule is you never know what they're going to throw at you what a great bunch of talent
Stephan Kiessling
I only know one guy who who was such an excellent singer as well as brilliant guitarist like Warren Haynes - Rory Gallagher. I saw the Mule two times. Phantastic band !!! Long live Warren.
G. Ward
Agreed!!
Phillip Davies
Yep.