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,
Large Than Life
Gov't Mule Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Run it by me I'm willing to learn
Make no mistake you'll never be allowed to come inside
Just be glad you're here on the outside looking in
Cause it won't take long to get to the bottom
Won't take much to be looking down at yourself
You think you know something but you don't know nothing
Captivate yourself you're the only one that can help you now
With your cartoon savior by your side
Look around the room do you see anyone that you recognize
Cause it won't take long to get to the bottom
Won't take much to be looking down at yourself
You think you know something but you don't know nothing
Everybody knows that death is larger than life
Cause it won't take long to get to the bottom
Won't take much to be looking down at yourself
You think you know something but you don't know nothing
Everybody knows that death is larger than life
The lyrics of "Larger Than Life" by Gov't Mule are a reflection on the complexity of life and the ultimate certainty of death. The beginning of the song acknowledges the idea that if we concentrate, we might gain some insight into what life is all about. However, the lyrics suggest that achieving this is not easy, and that despite our best efforts, we might never fully understand the mysteries of life.
The second verse hints at the idea that we are all in this together, side by side, but also implies that we are all alone in our search for meaning. The lyrics ask us to look around the room and question whether anyone can really help us in our quest for understanding or recognition. The chorus, repeated three times, reminds us that death is always just around the corner, and that all of our struggles, successes, and failures will ultimately pale in comparison to the power of death.
Overall, "Larger Than Life" is a song that encourages humility and self-reflection. It suggests that, no matter how much we learn or how much we achieve, we must always remember that we are small in the grand scheme of things, and that death has a way of putting everything in perspective.
Line by Line Meaning
If I concentrate will it just come to me
I wonder if, by focusing all my energy and attention, the answer or solution will reveal itself to me.
Run it by me I'm willing to learn
Please tell me more about it, I am open to gaining new knowledge or insight.
Make no mistake you'll never be allowed to come inside
Do not misunderstand the situation, you will not be granted entry or inclusion.
Just be glad you're here on the outside looking in
Find joy in being present, even if it means simply observing from a distance and not actively participating.
Cause it won't take long to get to the bottom
It will not be a long descent or decline to reach the lowest point or outcome.
Won't take much to be looking down at yourself
It will not require much for you to be in a position of self-doubt, self-criticism, or failure.
You think you know something but you don't know nothing
You believe you possess knowledge or understanding, but in reality, you lack complete comprehension or awareness.
Everybody knows that death is larger than life
It is a widely accepted fact that death is more powerful, significant, and inevitable than life itself.
Captivate yourself you're the only one that can help you now
Focus and engage with yourself, as you are the only one capable of aiding and addressing your own needs.
With your cartoon savior by your side
With a representation of a supposed hero or savior that is not realistic or genuine accompanying you.
Look around the room do you see anyone that you recognize
Observe your surroundings, are there any familiar faces or individuals you know in the present situation?
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: WARREN HAYNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
FELIPE AUGUSTO MOTA SILVEIRA
If I concentrate will it just come to me
Run it by me I'm willing to learn
Make no mistake you'll never be allowed to come inside
Just be glad you're here on the outside looking in
Cause it won't take long to get to the bottom
Won't take much to be looking down at yourself
You think you know something but you don't know nothing
Everybody knows that death is larger than life
Captivate yourself you're the only one that can help you now
With your cartoon savior by your side
Look around the room do you see anyone that you recognize
Cause it won't take long to get to the bottom
Won't take much to be looking down at yourself
You think you know something but you don't know nothing
Everybody knows that death is larger than life
Cause it won't take long to get to the bottom
Won't take much to be looking down at yourself
You think you know something but you don't know nothing
Everybody knows that death is larger than life
Banana Meccanica
Awesome song
Linda Tafelsky
Geez, I miss seeing theese guys huge!
John Gustav
My mantra. Good deep shit man lol
Ron Lee
ETERNAL
Abraham Jhon
such a small group of people repeating this song XD.
H Timezone
Hey one of my favorite Gov't Mule Songs and I am only the 4th comment. have a pepsi.
patrick arrington
It sure is wait till a family member passes away the greed awaits the ones that grieve the most$$$
Garrett Benedek
Well then, @abraham Jhon, please allow me to come inside, away from the outside, looking in
Philip Riedel
Sure as fu@k is