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,
No Quarter
Gov't Mule Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Know they won't be home tonight
The snow falls hard and don't you know
The winds of Thor are blowing cold
They're wearing steel that's bright and true
They carry news that must get through
They choose the path where no one goes
They hold no quarter
Walking side by side with death
The devil mocks their every step
The snow drives back the foot that's slow
The dogs of doom are howling more
They carry news that must get through
To build a dream for me and you
They choose the path that no one goes
They hold no quarter
They ask no quarter
They hold no quarter
They ask no quarter
(Ah, the pain without quarter)
They ask no quarter
(Ooh, yeah, when I'm callin', callin', callin')
They give no quarter, ah
The dogs of doom are howlin' more
Give me quarter
I hear the dogs of doom a-howlin' more...
The lyrics of this song, No Quarter by Gov't Mule, are deeply introspective and emotional. The first verse sets the scene for an empty and cold night, signaling a sense of foreboding. The use of the metaphor of the "winds of Thor" blowing cold indicates that something significant and powerful is happening. The next two lines reveal that some unknown messengers are traversing a difficult path to deliver a message, indicated by the line "they carry news that must get through." The use of the phrase "they hold no quarter" indicates that they are committed to their task, regardless of the consequences.
The second verse continues the metaphorical language by introducing the idea of walking side by side with death, while the devil looms nearby. The imagery of the "dogs of doom" howling more adds to the sense of doom, signaling that something terrible is coming. Again, the messengers are committed to their task, as they carry news that will help "build a dream for me and you." The use of the phrase "they choose the path that no one goes" adds to their sense of isolation and sacrifice, as they are embarking on a dangerous journey. The repetition of the phrase "they hold no quarter" in the chorus reinforces the idea that they are determined and unstoppable.
Overall, this song is a powerful meditation on the cost of sacrifice, commitment, and duty. The metaphors of cold, darkness, and doom add to the sense of tension and unease, while the chorus emphasizes the idea of doing what must be done regardless of the consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
Close the door, put out the light
Shut yourself away from the world and retreat into darkness
Know they won't be home tonight
Understand that those who should be here with you are not coming back
The snow falls hard and don't you know
There is a heavy weight of sorrow and loss in the air
The winds of Thor are blowing cold
Powerful and merciless forces are at work, bringing destruction and pain
They're wearing steel that's bright and true
They are armed with unbreakable conviction and determination
They carry news that must get through
They have a message that is of vital importance and cannot be ignored
They choose the path where no one goes
They are willing to tread a lonely and difficult road to accomplish their mission
They hold no quarter
They show no mercy or compassion, and will not be deterred
Walking side by side with death
They are constantly facing danger and risking their lives
The devil mocks their every step
Evil forces are actively working against them, trying to defeat them at every turn
The snow drives back the foot that's slow
Those who are weak or hesitant will not survive the harshness of this reality
The dogs of doom are howling more
The ominous signs of impending disaster are multiplying and growing more intense
They ask no quarter
They do not seek any favors or special treatment, and will accept whatever fate brings
They give no quarter, ah
They are equally unrelenting in their own actions, and do not hesitate to act decisively
Give me quarter
The singer is pleading for a moment of respite or relief from the unrelenting pressure
I hear the dogs of doom a-howlin' more...
The sense of impending danger is growing stronger and more overpowering
Contributed by Camden N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@alexbruce9
Warren Haynes is quite honestly and quit simply the BEST musician out there in the genre. He has surpassed by far all other "guitar Gods" of days past He is the most honorable and respectful player I have ever had the pleasure of seeing and listening to. He brings out the best in everybody who is on stage with him at the time. Inspiration, Fire, Soulfulness, Beauty Respect, And a Kick Ass Rocker to boot!
@LATEWATER
Warren is my new hero... What an amazing talent to be able to embrace such a wide variety of style so well. Can't really pigeonhole the guy.
@grantwhitney
fucking monstrous! Cranking this so loud my brain is bleeding...
@oldudejones4367
I’ve heard it said on here and I agree, Warren Haynes is a national treasure.
@DannyBallenbach
Being a guitar player, I tried to picture where all the lead notes would be on the neck ... I suddenly became Dazed and Confused. - Warren Haynes Rocks!!
@williambourke6620
I'm from Australia and believe me no one knows about Warren let alone Gov't Mule. Not because we're not intersted. We just don't hear it. He and the band need to tour over here. I must say, I love his covers like No Quarter, it actually makes it fresh again. But I must say, I really love the originals.
@MADMIKE74
Saw them at Beacon theater in NYC. Absolutely Epic. What great OLD venue. Also saw the Allman Bros. there in 94/95. They used to book the theater for a whole month 😊
@johnob7959
Love that riff no matter who plays it.
@rudolfknodl1040
Best Band of our time
@VintageSG
I've only seen and heard of Warren via Youtube, and frankly I cannot disagree with you. To see him with Levon Helm, then the way he did the Mountain Jam show with the Levon Helm Band after Levon's sad demise shows he is truly a beautiful human being too. Then he can rock out better than most, be smoooooth, subtle, can pull inflexions and questions from the guitar. Lighter than a feather one second, skull crushed the next. Best MUSICAL HUMAN?, I'd not argue with you my friend, you know..