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,
Greasy Granny's Gopher Gravy pt. 1
Gov't Mule Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Near the Iron River past the old church line
Lives a hot gal, smells of stale wine
We call her greasy granny
She's a hopped up, bopped up, nor-cal witch
She's a slap down, cranked up two ball bitch
She's stone wash denim if she's wearing a stitch
We love our greasy granny
Get your gopher gravy from greasy granny
Separate your mind from your body
Granny's house is hotter than an old Moose Club
She's cooking up the gravy in a claw foot tub
Waiting in the kitchen you can get a back rub from old greasy granny
Greasy granny's gravy, it'll make you sing
It'll shrivel up your pecker, make your nostrils sting
Rot out your teeth and make your left ear ring
We love our greasy granny
Get your gopher gravy from greasy granny
Separate your mind from your body
Get your gopher gravy from greasy granny
Separate your mind from your body
The lyrics of Gov't Mule's song Greasy Granny's Gopher Gravy describe a woman, nicknamed Greasy Granny, who lives near the Iron River and is known to be a nor-cal witch. She is described as smelling of stale wine and being a hopped up, bopped up woman who wears stone wash denim. Despite her unorthodox appearance and behavior, the members of the band seem to have an affection for Greasy Granny, whom they describe with colorful language.
The lyrics then go on to describe the experience of visiting Greasy Granny's house, which is hotter than an old Moose Club. She is cooking up her signature dish, gopher gravy, in a claw foot tub. Visitors to her house can even get a back rub from Greasy Granny herself. The band sings that her gravy is so potent it will make you sing and dance, but it also has some unfortunate side effects. It'll shrivel up your pecker, make your nostrils sting, rot out your teeth, and make your left ear ring. Despite these strange and unpleasant effects, the band still loves Greasy Granny and her gopher gravy.
Overall, the lyrics of Greasy Granny's Gopher Gravy are comedic and playful, describing an unusual character and her unusual dish. The song showcases Gov't Mule's ability to write catchy, humorous lyrics and their willingness to experiment with unusual musical styles that incorporate elements of southern rock, blues, and jam band music.
Line by Line Meaning
Back in El Sobrante where the sun don't shine.
In a remote place with limited resources
Near the Iron River past the old church line
In a place far from urban centers, beyond the usual boundaries
Lives a hot gal, smells of stale wine
There's a woman there who's attractive but has a questionable past
We call her greasy granny
Despite her reputation, there's an affection among locals for this woman
She's a hopped up, bopped up, nor-cal witch
She's unpredictable, with a volatile personality and seemingly supernatural abilities
She's a slap down, cranked up two ball bitch
She's forceful and intimidating, with an aggressive demeanor
She's stone wash denim if she's wearing a stitch
Despite her rough exterior, she has a certain style and fashion sense
We love our greasy granny
Despite her flaws, people in the area are attached to and loyal to her
Get your gopher gravy from greasy granny
She may be unorthodox and disreputable, but she makes a tasty dish
Separate your mind from your body
It's important to let go of societal prejudices and preconceptions to truly enjoy her food
Granny's house is hotter than an old Moose Club
Her home is uncomfortable and humid, but it's where the magic happens
She's cooking up the gravy in a claw foot tub
Her methods are unconventional, but effective
Waiting in the kitchen you can get a back rub from old greasy granny
She's also willing to provide other forms of comfort and relaxation to her guests
Greasy granny's gravy, it'll make you sing
Her cooking is so delicious and satisfying that it brings people joy and happiness
It'll shrivel up your pecker, make your nostrils sting
Her food is also incredibly strong and potent, with a powerful effect on the senses
Rot out your teeth and make your left ear ring
But despite her culinary skill, her dishes may have negative physical effects on the body
Get your gopher gravy from greasy granny
It's worth taking the risk, though, to experience her unique and delicious cuisine
Separate your mind from your body
Just be prepared to let go and fully embrace the experience
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: LES CLAYPOOL, MATTHEW J. ABTS, WARREN HAYNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind