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,
If Heartaches Were Nickels
Gov't Mule Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All broken down this way
But even if you saw me, baby
I know I still couldn't make you stay
I couldn't make you stay
You know about the high cost of loving
There's something you're gonna have to pay
Woman like you needs fine things
Woman, knew it right from the start
Woman, I don't have much to offer, baby
Just this so broken heart
Just this broken heart
But if heartaches were nickels
I wouldn't be here crying
In the dark
If wine and pills were hundred dollar bills
I might keep you satisfied
And if broken dreams were limousines
Oh, you know I might take you for a ride
But all I can do is think of you and wish you were by my side
Oh, if heartaches were nickels
Then I'd be the richest fool alive
Oh, wine and pills were hundred dollar bills
I might keep you satisfied
And if broken dreams were limousine
Oh, you know I might take you for a ride
But all I can do is think of you and wish you were by my side
Oh, if heartaches were nickels
Then I'd be the richest fool alive
Yes, I would
I'd be the richest fool alive
Oh, yeah
Richest fool alive
Oh, baby
Richest fool alive
The song "If Heartaches Were Nickels" by Gov't Mule is a bluesy, soulful track that explores the pain of a broken heart. The lyrics suggest that the singer has lost a lover and is now very much alone, longing for their return but knowing that it is unlikely. The chorus of the song is particularly poignant, as the singer suggests that if heartaches were nickels, he would be a rich man - it's clear that he is suffering deeply. The verses describe the things he could offer his ex-lover if he had the means, such as wine and pills, or the material trappings of wealth. However, it is clear that he feels he has nothing to offer now but his broken heart.
The lyrics to "If Heartaches Were Nickels" are full of pain and isolation, but they are also deeply poetic and expressive. The song is a testament to the power of the blues genre in conveying the feelings of sadness and loss that we all experience at some point in our lives. The soulful melody and powerful guitar work only add to the depth and emotion of the lyrics, making this one of Gov't Mule's most affecting songs.
Line by Line Meaning
I wish you could see me
I want you to know how much you've hurt me
All broken down this way
I'm completely devastated
But even if you saw me, baby
Seeing me like this wouldn't change anything
I know I still couldn't make you stay
There's nothing I could have done to make you stay
You know about the high cost of loving
You know that loving someone can be expensive
There's something you're gonna have to pay
There's a price to pay for loving me
Woman like you needs fine things
Someone like you deserves luxury and expensive things
Woman, knew it right from the start
I knew from the beginning that you wanted something more
Woman, I don't have much to offer, baby
I don't have much to give you
Just this so broken heart
All I have to offer is a broken heart
But if heartaches were nickels
If emotional pain could be traded in for money
I wouldn't be here crying
I wouldn't be so upset
In the dark
Alone and in despair
If wine and pills were hundred dollar bills
If alcohol and drugs could be used to replace money
I might keep you satisfied
I could have made you happy
And if broken dreams were limousines
If failed dreams could be turned into luxury cars
Oh, you know I might take you for a ride
I could have taken you on a luxurious journey
But all I can do is think of you and wish you were by my side
All I can do is miss you and wish you were with me
Then I'd be the richest fool alive
If emotional pain could be traded in for money, I'd have more than enough
Yes, I would
Absolutely
Oh, baby
Expressing sadness and longing
Richest fool alive
Being in emotional pain is worthless, even if it could be turned into wealth
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Warren Haynes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sam Bo Bachrack
My very first concert was gov't mule at the beacon theater in 2006. I was 12 years old and it was right before new years. The door guy took one look at me and said "no way dude." my dad had to tip him $100 to even let me in the place. I saw a guy in a motorized wheel chair with a license plate on the back that said "rolling mule." They opened with Thorazine Shuffle. It felt like they played that song for an HOUR. My mind was blown to pieces. I couldn't help but notice the stench. It permeated the place and stung my nostrils with every breath. "Daddy what are they all smoking? It stinks!" "That's the spicy smoke son" he said. It was past midnight and I was falling asleep so we headed for the exit. "Where ya going guys? second sets about to start!" some guy said. My dad pointed at me and said "He's 12 man!!." My favorite part was the drummer. he DID NOT STOP. Even when the songs ended he kept it going. and his SOLO. It inspired me to play the drums. Matt Abts man. Still crushing it at 68! Thanks for the memories guys. LOVE LIVE THE MULE
C H
Whatta helluva nice First Mule story. Thanks for sharing this
stratocaster1greg
Great story man. Thanks for sharing.
Maxim Popov
Mega version. Blues is the healer 💙
O K
Well done. Thank you from Germany for this beautyful version.
welshmule1
One of the best songs Warren has ever written, thank you for recording it on a Gov't Mule album at last, amazing.
Mark Williams
Excellent music and lyrics. This blues/rock/jam band is the best.
MrWilson Witha"P" bass
So good to have Quality video and audio ! Would love to see the whole show . Thank you all .
Amazing Arabella and Warren Xplorin Channel
Killer song! Long Live the Mule!
Ben Whetstone
This is sick. I’ve loved the Mule since 1996, at least. Amazing track and video.