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,
Nothing Again
Gov't Mule Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So you blame it on jealousy-you say the rumors are untrue
But you feel yourself slipping away
You awoke from a dream-things were different than now
You were gonna be a superstar-Elvis was teaching you how
You met a man in a suit-he said "Sign on the line
[Chorus]
You got to ride like Hell-your face into the wind
One day you're everything-then you're nothing again
We all know that the journey means more than where you wind up
But they don't know what it's like to drink from your cup
Still they got something to say
You met a girl on the highway-she made you feel like a man
But somewhere along the way-your poor heart just caved in
So you smoke a little that and you drink a little this
And soon you can't separate the misery from the bliss
[Chorus]
Anyone can be blinded-caught up in the lust
But we all must go back-back to our own dust
Back to yesterday
One cold night in the sixties-in a small town serene
A young boy sits and stares at a black and white screen
He's caught up in the rhythm,the words,and the sound
And it feels just like a ticket out of this town
[Chorus: x2]
The lyrics to Gov't Mule's 'Nothing Again' seem to be telling the story of someone who had dreams of becoming a superstar, but reality caught up with them. The first verse suggests that people warned the person about something, but they didn't listen and instead blamed it on jealousy. The chorus talks about how the person goes from being everything to nothing again, indicating a fall from grace. The second verse talks about how the person was promised fame and success but had to sign on the line and do things 'to help them unwind.' The chorus repeats, implying that this is something that happens often.
The third verse talks about how people judge from the outside, yet have no idea what it's like to walk in the shoes of the person they're criticizing. The next couple of lines talk about how the person meets a girl on the highway who makes them feel like a man, but eventually, their heart caves in. The last line in this verse states that the person can't separate the misery from the bliss, probably due to substance abuse. The last verse tells the story of a young boy who dreams of being a superstar and escaping a small town through music. However, the story ends with the chorus, indicating that his dreams might not become a reality.
Overall, 'Nothing Again' seems to be a cautionary tale about the music industry and the consequences of chasing fame and success. It highlights the pressure that comes with the industry and how easy it is to get caught up and lose oneself in the process.
Line by Line Meaning
We all tried to warn you-but you already knew
People advised you against certain choices, but you had already made up your mind.
So you blame it on jealousy-you say the rumors are untrue
You attribute negative feedback towards you to those who are envious of you. You deny the validity of any criticisms towards you.
But you feel yourself slipping away
Despite your denial, you feel like you are losing control and falling apart.
You awoke from a dream-things were different than now
You had expectations and dreams of the future, but now it's not as great as you thought it would be.
You were gonna be a superstar-Elvis was teaching you how
You once had aspirations of achieving greatness and even pursued guidance from your idols.
You met a man in a suit-he said 'Sign on the line
A representative offered you a deal or opportunity you couldn't refuse.
But you'll need a little something to help you unwind'
The person offering the deal suggests that you indulge in substances or activities that will aid relaxation.
You got to ride like Hell-your face into the wind
To have any success or agency in life, you have to be bold, risk-taking, and unafraid of danger.
One day you're everything-then you're nothing again
Your fortunes can change swiftly and without warning.
We all know that the journey means more than where you wind up
The process of growth and maturation should be valued more than the endpoint or result.
But they don't know what it's like to drink from your cup
Others can't empathize or understand the struggles that come with your experiences.
Still they got something to say
People can offer their opinions or criticisms on your choices, even if they can't altogether relate to it.
You met a girl on the highway-she made you feel like a man
You had a romantic relationship with someone who flattered your ego and gave you confidence.
But somewhere along the way-your poor heart just caved in
Eventually, that relationship fell apart and broke your heart.
So you smoke a little that and you drink a little this
To cope with pain or stress, you turn to substances that provide temporary relief from the torment.
And soon you can't separate the misery from the bliss
Eventually, the substances become intertwined with both the negative and positive parts of your life, making it difficult to discern the difference.
Anyone can be blinded-caught up in the lust
Anyone is capable of becoming infatuated or overwhelmed by their desires.
But we all must go back-back to our own dust
We all have to face the consequences of our choices and eventually die.
Back to yesterday
Death takes us back to a time and place where things may have been different.
One cold night in the sixties-in a small town serene
A specific moment in time, set in the past.
A young boy sits and stares at a black and white screen
A child, still innocent and naive, watches TV and is captivated by the music and images he sees.
He's caught up in the rhythm,the words,and the sound
The music has enraptured him, to the point where nothing else exists except for the media he's interacting with.
And it feels just like a ticket out of this town
Music acts as an escapism that provides a passage into something greater than his current situation.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: WARREN HAYNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind