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,
Out of the Rain
Gov't Mule Lyrics
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I′ve been so long where the sun don't shine
Standing at the cross-roads
Could have went either way
But now I′ve found you
And the storm is behind
Out of the rain, out of the rain
Out of the rain
Back on the right track, feeling no pain
You took a sparrow and let it fly like a eagle
I can see long ways, oh, I let it to love again
Out of the rain, out of the rain
Out of the rain
Took your sweet love
To pull me out of the canyon
I believe, I believe, I beleive, I believe
I can make it, baby, maybe to love again
Oh yes, I am
Out of the rain, out of the rain
Out of the rain
Over the wall, I'm out in the open
Back on the right track, oh, I′m feeling no pain
You took a sparrow, let it fly like a eagle
Well, I can see long ways, long ways, long ways
I think I can love again
Out of the rain, out of the rain
Out of the rain
Out of the rain, out of the rain
Out of the rain
The song "Out of the Rain" by Gov't Mule is a song about finding hope and renewal after being lost and trapped in a difficult situation. The singer is metaphorically caught in a storm, where the sun doesn't shine, standing at a crossroad and not sure which way to go. However, he has found shelter, someone to guide him out of the storm, and lead him back on the right track. The metaphor of a sparrow being lifted up like an eagle explains how love can transform one's life and outlook, and elevate them to new heights. The singer believes, because of this person's love, that he can love again, and is feeling no more pain.
The lyrics are a message of hope for anyone who is struggling, feels lost or trapped in a difficult situation or relationship. The song tells us that even if we are standing at the crossroad of life, we should not lose hope or our faith. The love and support of someone special can help us come out of the difficult times and see life in a new, brighter light.
Line by Line Meaning
Out of the rain, under the shelter
Finding refuge from hardships and misfortunes
I've been so long where the sun don't shine
Being stuck in a place of darkness and despair
Standing at the cross-roads
Facing a decision that determines your future path
Could have went either way
Being unsure of which path to take and the consequences of each
But now I've found you
Finding love and companionship that brings light and joy into your life
And the storm is behind
Leaving behind the hardships and troubles of the past
Over the wall, I'm out in the open
Breaking free from limitations and barriers
Back on the right track, feeling no pain
Getting back on track towards your goals with renewed energy and hopefulness
You took a sparrow and let it fly like a eagle
Providing encouragement and support that enables someone to achieve their full potential
I can see long ways, oh, I let it to love again
Gaining new perspective and hope that allows for the possibility of finding love once more
Took your sweet love, to pull me out of the canyon
Being rescued from a deep and isolating state of mind by love
I believe, I believe, I beleive, I believe, I can make it, baby, maybe to love again
Having faith and confidence that love is possible once more
Out of the rain, out of the rain
Finding salvation from struggle and hardship
Out of the rain
Emerging from a difficult past towards a brighter future
Contributed by Penelope D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.