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,
Revolution Come Revolution Go
Gov't Mule Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They can′t kill your dreams
New faces welcome down at the meeting place
With a goal of the future, a bright new blaze
Down the street you can hear the sound of confusion
Echoing like a million voices
On the wave of the wind you may ride
I think this change is here to stay, don′t you know?
Revolution come, revolution go
New master riding in on a white horse
All the new kings with them feet of clay
Lying to the people 'bout some new deal
Chump change happens every day
People in the streets raising their voices high
Trying to be heard over the thunder
World is rumbling and trembling
Is it some kind of spell that we're under?
I think this change is here to stay, don′t you know?
Revolution come, revolution go
Sun is rising
On the sinking town
Don′t let us die before
The sun goes down
Bells ringing
In the hope of a brand new day
We come flying on the wings of a song
Singing the message of right and wrong
Keep on ringing them bells
For the brand new day
For the brand new day
Keep on ringing them bells
For the brand new day
Smile in the face of your enemies
They can't kill your dreams
I think this change is here to stay, don′t you know?
Revolution come, revolution go
The lyrics to Gov't Mule's song "Revolution Comes, Revolution Goes" are centered around the idea of change and revolution, in both a hopeful and cautionary sense. The first verse encourages the listener to maintain their dreams in the face of opposition while welcoming new voices and ideas to come together in a "goal of the future." The second verse references the confusion and rumbling of unrest in the world, perhaps hinting at the dangers of the new faces and "feet of clay" of those in power who make false promises. However, there is still hope as reflected in the final verse, where even though the "sinking town" may seem dire, there is still a chance to keep the message of right and wrong alive and continue ringing the bells for a brand new day.
Overall, the song highlights the idea that change is a natural and necessary part of life, but it can also be unpredictable and potentially dangerous. However, through unity and perseverance, there is always hope for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Smile in the face of your enemies
Do not be intimidated by those who oppose you.
They can't kill your dreams
The aspirations you hold are unbreakable by those who try to diminish them.
New faces welcome down at the meeting place
Individuals with different viewpoints are invited to join the movement.
With a goal of the future, a bright new blaze
The future is the focus and the passion is fierce.
Down the street you can hear the sound of confusion
The uproar of conflicting opinions is palpable.
Echoing like a million voices
The varying beliefs are loud and persistent.
On the wave of the wind you may ride
You must take a chance even if it means risk and failure, much like the unpredictability of the wind.
But only if you're not scared to fall
Fear of failure must not hold back taking a chance in the face uncertainty.
I think this change is here to stay, don't you know?
The current transformation is inevitable and long-lasting.
Revolution come, revolution go
It is human nature for change to happen, and then new change to follow.
New master riding in on a white horse
A new leader and regime have emerged with the promise of salvation.
All the new kings with them feet of clay
The new leaders are flawed and fragile.
Lying to the people 'bout some new deal
The promise of change is fabricated and dishonest.
Chump change happens every day
Small, insignificant changes frequently occur.
People in the streets raising their voices high
The people are protesting and demanding to be heard.
Trying to be heard over the thunder
It is difficult to have a voice among the loud clamor of dissenting opinions.
World is rumbling and trembling
Society is uneasy and turbulent.
Is it some kind of spell that we're under?
Do we have control over our own actions, or are we individually controlled by unseen forces?
Sun is rising
New hope is on the horizon.
On the sinking town
Despite the community strife and chaos, change and transformation can still happen.
Don't let us die before
There is still work to be done in order for positive change to become a reality.
The sun goes down
Time is running out to make a difference and effect change.
Bells ringing
Symbolic of a call to action.
In the hope of a brand new day
Hoping for a better and brighter future.
We come flying on the wings of a song
Music can carry and bring people together in a shared vision for transformative change.
Singing the message of right and wrong
Music can convey and promote clear values and beliefs.
Keep on ringing them bells
The message of change must continue to be spread.
For the brand new day
Hoping and fighting for a fresh start and renewed optimism.
Keep on ringing them bells
The message of change must continue to be spread.
For the brand new day
Hoping and fighting for a fresh start and renewed optimism.
I think this change is here to stay, don't you know?
The current transformation is inevitable and long-lasting.
Revolution come, revolution go
It is human nature for change to happen, and then new change to follow.
Writer(s): Warren Haynes, Daniel Louis Schliftman, Jorgen Carlsson
Contributed by Kylie S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
avi ram
so much groove
gerry wand
Saw this band in Vancouver BC Canada a few years back.. ..Glad I did
Beatlefour
Just saw Govt Mule Last Thursday - So Happy I did ;) !!!!!
Bankovic Alexandre
when the guitar comes on where is the bass gone ?