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,
Rebel With a Cause
Gov't Mule Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey now now
Woah boy
And I'm a rebel with a cause just because
Of the cause that they have caused
Rebel with a cause just because
Of the cause that they have caused
So many innocent children in the ghet' town
Sometimes they don't have a bite to eat
Children forced to buy apple, everyday
Unring the bell, it's time, it's time
Take back what we had, it's yours and mine, yeah
A rebel with a cause just because
Of the cause that they have caused
Rebel with a cause just because
Of the cause that they have caused
See everyone is blamin' the other man
And no one really want to take a stand
Standin' up for equal rights of justice
Anyway, everywhere now, stand now here
(Unring the bell)
'Cause I'm a rebel with a cause, it's time
Take back what we had
Just because of the cause
Of the cause that they have caused
Of the cause that they have caused
Rebel with a, rebel with a
Rebel with a cause just because
Flyin' machines to missions to the moon
Well, Babylon is burnin' in the pale afternoon
Unring the bell, it's time, it's time
'Cause I'm a rebel, I'm now a rebel with a cause just because
There's a revolution goin' on
And you see it's there still down here
Unring the bell before it's too late
Oh yeah
The song Rebel with a Cause by Gov't Mule reflects on the state of society, particularly on injustice and poverty. The first verse alludes to the struggles of children in the ghetto who don't even have access to food, emphasizing the enormous discrepancy between the haves and the have-nots. The singer then speaks of himself as a rebel with a cause not only because he sees the suffering, but because he is aware that the actions of others have brought about the problems in the first place. He is disillusioned with the blaming and the lack of accountability and calls on people to take a stand and fight for justice.
The song then takes on a more introspective and reflective tone reflecting on the current state of society. There is a revolution going on, the lyrics state, and everyone can see that it's happening. The singer wonders if it's too late and calls on people to take action before the situation spirals out of control. The final line "unring the bell before it's too late" is a call to action urging listeners to do something before it is too late.
Overall, the song Rebel with a Cause is a call for people to take action and fight against the injustices in society.
Line by Line Meaning
And I'm a rebel with a cause just because
I am a revolutionary who is fighting for a specific purpose, simply because of the effects of the actions of those in power.
Of the cause that they have caused
The reason for my rebellion is the result of a pre-existing problem caused by another party.
So many innocent children in the ghet' town
There are numerous young and vulnerable children living in poverty-stricken ghettos.
Sometimes they don't have a bite to eat
These children may not have enough food to sustain themselves.
Children forced to buy apple, everyday
These children are forced to purchase food which may not provide proper nutrition on a daily basis.
Unring the bell, it's time, it's time
We must remove the effects of previous actions before they become too severe, now is the time.
Take back what we had, it's yours and mine, yeah
It is our responsibility to regain what was taken from us and the communities we belong to.
See everyone is blamin' the other man
People are constantly blaming each other for problems instead of taking action to address them.
And no one really want to take a stand
People often choose to remain silent and passive rather than actively working to resolve issues.
Standin' up for equal rights of justice
We must work towards achieving social and legal parity for all individuals.
Anyway, everywhere now, stand now here
We must take a stand for equality and justice, anywhere and everywhere we see its absence.
'Cause I'm a rebel with a cause, it's time
As a revolutionary, I am fighting for a specific purpose, and now is the time to take action.
See everyone is blamin' the other man
People are constantly blaming each other for problems instead of taking action to address them.
Rebel with a cause just because
As a revolutionary, I am fighting for a specific purpose despite the challenges and obstacles that come with it.
Flyin' machines to missions to the moon
We have accomplished great feats in science and engineering, yet social and economic issues still persist.
Well, Babylon is burnin' in the pale afternoon
The grand city, a center of power and influence, is in decline and losing its grip on authority.
There's a revolution goin' on
There is a widespread movement towards change and disruption happening.
And you see it's there still down here
The struggle and energy of revolution can still be seen even in everyday life.
Unring the bell before it's too late
We must reverse the negative effects of previous actions before they become irreversible and harmful.
Oh yeah
Expression of enthusiasm and determination towards revolutionary change.
Contributed by Keira O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.