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,
Lay Your Burden Down
Gov't Mule Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's heavy, lay your burden down
Brother can't you see stars in the night
Brother can't you see stars in the night
There's a road up yonder far beyond the light
Take a ride this morning on a slow train through the sky
My life is just a fast train, gone in the blink of an eye
It's heavy, lay your burden down
It's heavy, lay your burden down
Felt the hand last Sunday when the stars refuse to shine
Felt the hand last Sunday when the stars refuse to shine
I'm just a young man, I don't feel like dying
It's heavy, lay your burden down
It's heavy, lay your burden down
Can't you hear the angels screaming or is it all in my head
Can't you hear the angels screaming or is it all in my head
Looking out my window and the sky is blood red
The sky is blood red
You got to lay your burden down
The lyrics to "Lay Your Burden Down" by Gov't Mule speak to the idea of letting go of one's burdens and finding peace. The repeated phrase "It's heavy, lay your burden down" suggests that the weight of one's problems can be overwhelming, and the only way to find relief is to let them go. The song also alludes to the idea of death and the afterlife, with lines like "Brother can't you see stars in the night / There's a road up yonder far beyond the light" and "Felt the hand last Sunday when the stars refuse to shine / I'm just a young man, I don't feel like dying." These lyrics suggest that there is a higher power at work and that death is not something to be feared.
The second verse of the song suggests a contrast between the singer's fast-paced life and the slow-moving train of the sky. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the hectic pace of modern life and the need to slow down and appreciate the moment. The line "My life is just a fast train, gone in the blink of an eye" reinforces this idea.
The final verse of the song is the most ominous, with references to screaming angels and a blood-red sky. These lyrics suggest a sense of impending doom, perhaps signaling that the time to let go of one's burdens is running out.
Overall, "Lay Your Burden Down" is a powerful and thought-provoking song about the struggle to find peace in the face of life's many difficulties.
Line by Line Meaning
It's heavy, lay your burden down
Life's difficulties can weigh you down, it's time to let go and release your burden.
Brother can't you see stars in the night
Have faith and see the bright spots in life amidst the darkness.
There's a road up yonder far beyond the light
There's a brighter path to be taken, even when things seem dim.
Take a ride this morning on a slow train through the sky
Take time to appreciate the beauty of the world around you and enjoy the journey of life.
My life is just a fast train, gone in the blink of an eye
Life moves quickly and it's important to cherish every moment before it's gone.
Felt the hand last Sunday when the stars refuse to shine
In moments of darkness or despair, a higher power can help guide you through.
I'm just a young man, I don't feel like dying
Despite feeling lost or conflicted, there's still so much life to be lived and experienced.
Can't you hear the angels screaming or is it all in my head
There may be signs or guidance from above, but it's up to you to interpret them and find meaning in life.
Looking out my window and the sky is blood red
Even in beautiful moments, there can be a sense of foreboding or unease.
You got to lay your burden down
It's important to release what's weighing you down and live life as fully and joyfully as possible.
Lyrics Š Peermusic Publishing
Written by: MICHAEL BARBIERO, WARREN HAYNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@michelebravin2248
This album is simply...INSANE ! Great great stuff !
@drockkclapton
I was 15 and I learned my guitar teacher's band was opening for the Mule. This album had just come out so I bought it in preparation for the concert. At first it just didn't work for me, but I kept listening to it, and I reached a point I couldn't get enough of these guys. I still remember hearing that Woody had died on the radio. đ It was a sad day.
@sunshinegrl2
love this. thank you for sharing!
@SIXXION
great music & timings
@SeeMorButts
Lay it down Matt.
@supacide
This is sick.
@MrTimezone2
I read the comments and like what I read. This is beyond stuff.
@bradrage
Great song, Ben Harper works so well in this, a great pair together.
@jairomartinsguitarra2859
S2
@howardcox2918
The last great Mule album,no offense