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,
Endless Parade
Gov't Mule Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A superstar filled with superstition can't pull himself out of the mire
All you ever dreamed of is finally in your reach but careful what you wish for
If you don't practice what you preach
The circus came to town, I guess it must have stayed
It's like an endless parade
Nothing's real, nothing you can feel, no one you can touch
Strangers stare in silence, they think they know your mind
No place to jump off, that's the way the game's designed
Another new day dawns, another sunset fades
It's like an endless parade
Music, music and more music imploding inside your brain
The life that you have chosen did it finally drive you insane
Psychopathic tirades fill your head with ammunition
Sights set on your enemies but you keep losing your position
Reluctantly you face the day try to get your gameface on
What used to be a fantasy has now become a marathon
Every heart you ever broke, all the people you've betrayed
Another new day dawns
Another sunset fades
Yeah, the circus came to town, I guess it must have stayed
It's like an endless parade
The lyrics of Gov't Mule's "Endless Parade" reflect on the chaos and disillusionment that can come with fame, success, and the pursuit of one's dreams. The first two verses talk about the pitfalls of achieving one's goals, warning listeners to be careful what they wish for and cautioning against preaching what you don't practice. The chorus likens the experience of being in the limelight to a never-ending circus parade, with people constantly viewing and judging you but never truly connecting with you. The third verse delves deeper into the toll that such a life can take on one's mental health, with references to music imploding inside one's brain and tirades filling it with ammunition. The final verse depicts the struggle of facing each day with a facade of strength, and the weight of guilt that comes with betraying others in the pursuit of one's own success.
One interesting fact about "Endless Parade" is that it was the first single released off Gov't Mule's 2003 album "Deja Voodoo". The band, led by guitarist and singer Warren Haynes, was formed in 1994 after Haynes left the Allman Brothers Band. "Endless Parade" was written by Haynes, and its lyrics have been interpreted as a commentary on the music industry, fame, and the human toll of chasing one's dreams. The song has been played live by the band many times, often as an encore or opening song, and has become a fan favorite. Another interesting fact is that the music video for "Endless Parade" features the band performing in a graffiti-laden warehouse, with psychedelic and kaleidoscopic effects added for visual interest. The video was directed by Daniel E. Catullo III, who has also worked on concert films for Rush and Dream Theater.
Line by Line Meaning
A prima donna with a premonition feels like he's preachin' to the choir
A self-important individual with a foreboding sense believe that they are trying to convince people who already agree with them
A superstar filled with superstition can't pull himself out of the mire
A celebrity consumed with irrational beliefs cannot escape a difficult situation
All you ever dreamed of is finally in your reach but careful what you wish for
Everything you ever wanted is within reach, but be cautious of the potential consequences
If you don't practice what you preach
You must follow through with the things you advocate for
The circus came to town, I guess it must have stayed
A chaotic and never-ending cycle of events has taken hold
All these people you can see through like ghosts, maybe you've seen too much
All the people around you seem insincere, perhaps due to your own jaded perspective on life
Nothing's real, nothing you can feel, no one you can touch
Nothing seems genuine, and there is no one or nothing that you can connect with emotionally
Strangers stare in silence, they think they know your mind
Inquisitive onlookers scrutinize your behavior and make assumptions about your thoughts
No place to jump off, that's the way the game's designed
There is no way to escape this cycle of life; it is how it has always been
Another new day dawns, another sunset fades
Time moves forward without end
Music, music and more music imploding inside your brain
The constant barrage of music is driving you crazy
The life that you have chosen did it finally drive you insane
Has the emotionally trying life you have established finally led to a breakdown?
Psychopathic tirades fill your head with ammunition
Vengeful and unstable thoughts are starting to consume you
Sights set on your enemies but you keep losing your position
You have an intense fixation on your foes, but your position in this endless parade keeps slipping away
Reluctantly you face the day try to get your gameface on
You approach each day with hesitation, trying to put on a brave face
What used to be a fantasy has now become a marathon
What was once a joyous dream has now become a grueling test of endurance
Every heart you ever broke, all the people you've betrayed
The guilt of past mistakes haunts you
Yeah, the circus came to town, I guess it must have stayed
The madcap spectacle that descended upon your life has never left.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: WARREN HAYNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@georgecamp9060
I'm 73 years old and have seen and heard so many groups. Warren Haynes has played with the Allman Brothers and was a perfect fit. He and Dereck Trucks worked flawlessly together. He sat in with many groups and always made them better. Govt. Mule has been great since they started. If he doesn't make the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame they should disband the whole thing.
@stewartbates5533
Gov't Mule way to good for the hall of fame.
@juliecostigan4631
I agree100%
@abnormaltoy
@@stewartbates5533 so is Esteban.
@rickfulkerson308
I agree 👍 100%!!!! Allman Brothers played on Johnny Carson show, Dickie.Betts and Warren Haynes kicking ass on guitars, had Doc Serevenson and couple of horns also.on stage. And I never heard a rendition of All Along the Watchtower like Gov't Mule does it... it's great! Yeah Warren was in 2 bands for several years . He's a brilliant musician and Matt Abts spectacular non drums!!. I listen to them daily along with other great music!
@J.Smith-bass
Well said... I couldn't agree more with you.. 🎶✌️
@nickcosta8062
Organic and honest... This guy (Warren Haynes) is a powerhouse... No bullshit... Straight to the heart music...
@daddyohatroadrunner
Holy shit! Hard to find music like this nowadays... goosebumps and knot in the throat.
@christopherroman4320
Tell me about it! Grew up in the 80s and by the time after 2000, music went downhill. There still is hope.
@jimmywagstaff190
Is there anything this guy can’t play?? Proud of my NC brethren... Warren is amazing.