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,
Drawn That Way
Gov't Mule Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How much did it cost?
Is that you or Jesus on the cross?
What made you cross that line?
Said the boy next door
Do you like yourself better now than before?
Cartoon savior
You′re not really a man of God
You're just drawn that way
Where were your disciples
When you were living on the streets?
Before you figured out how to make ends meet
Now you get to judge everyone
Not just those on trial
Where do you find room for all that denial?
Cartoon savior
We all pay to play
You can′t really see the light
You're just drawn that way
Cartoon savior
How do you still breathe?
You can't stop yourself from lying
You′re just drawn
that way
The lyrics in Gov't Mule's song Drawn That Way appear to be a critique of religious leaders who are more concerned with their image and public perception than with their actual actions and beliefs. The first verse suggests that these leaders may have lost sight of their spiritual connection to a higher power, and are now more concerned with their own success and reputation. The line "Is that you or Jesus on the cross?" suggests that these leaders may be more interested in imitating the image of Jesus than in actually following his teachings and values.
The second verse suggests that these leaders may have come from humble beginnings, but have now become wealthy and powerful, and are using their position to judge and condemn others. The line "Where were your disciples when you were living on the streets?" suggests that these leaders may have forgotten their own struggles and the struggles of those around them, and are now more interested in maintaining their own power and status.
The chorus, which repeats the line "You're just drawn that way," suggests that these leaders may be trapped in a cycle of self-promotion and image management, and are unable to see the truth of their own actions and beliefs. The phrase "drawn that way" can also be interpreted as a reference to the image of a cartoon character, suggesting that these leaders may be more concerned with presenting a certain image than with their actual substance.
Line by Line Meaning
Where is your magic?
What special abilities or powers do you possess?
How much did it cost?
What was the price you paid for your success?
Is that you or Jesus on the cross?
Are you trying to portray yourself as a savior or martyr?
What made you cross that line?
What motivated you to break the rules or go against your beliefs?
Said the boy next door
Asking a rhetorical question in response to someone's questionable actions.
Do you like yourself better now than before?
Are you proud of who you've become or do you regret your choices?
Cartoon savior
A fake hero who only exists in people's imaginations.
No matter what you say
Despite your claims or promises.
You're not really a man of God
You don't truly follow religious beliefs or principles.
You're just drawn that way
You're only acting in a certain way because it's expected or it benefits you.
Where were your disciples
Where were your followers or supporters when you were in need?
When you were living on the streets?
When you were struggling or suffering.
Before you figured out how to make ends meet
Before you found a way to make money or survive.
Now you get to judge everyone
Now you have the power and opportunity to criticize or condemn others.
Not just those on trial
Not just those who are being judged in a court of law.
Where do you find room for all that denial?
How can you justify or ignore your own faults or mistakes?
We all pay to play
We all have to work or make sacrifices to achieve success or happiness.
You can′t really see the light
You don't really understand or believe in the truth or goodness of something.
How do you still breathe?
How can you continue to live with yourself despite your actions or beliefs?
You can't stop yourself from lying
You can't resist or stop yourself from being dishonest or misleading.
You're just drawn
You're just living out a predestined or predetermined role or fate.
Writer(s): Warren Haynes
Contributed by Elliot H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jeremiah Jams Band
Warren knocks it out of the park! Great groove, badass lyrics, incredible song✊🎶❣️
Martin Butler
Love this - Warren Haynes Genius!
Patrick Doran
Their last two albums have been really good.
MotorGoblin
Cool album! Most of me is listening to this to enjoy good music but at times the musician (or should I say the instrument owner) in me can't help but marvel the craftsmanship of both the writing and the performance.
peter betts
Warren s cool
Reland McClure
Hahahahaha! Love it! I can't help thinking of Jessica Rabbit saying,"I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way". Lol!
Jay Jurek
Made me sorta think the same, great Album, 2nd time back to back today
Emiliano Ortega-Guerrero
the soundtrack our lives... rock n roll yeah
Emiliano Ortega-Guerrero
HARD ROCK AWESOME
David Hahn
❤ ✌