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,
Same Price
Gov't Mule Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sometimes in the evening
But nobody seems to care
Nobody thought he was sane anyway
He stands by the door on Second Ave.
Watching people as they pass by
But have you ever seen the gleam-It's a gleam
There's a gleam in Billy's eye
But nobody knows if he'll try to save the world
Or if he'll try to shoot the President
And nobody knows if he just needs a girl,
Or if he wants to be a girl,
Or if he just needs to feel like a man
It's the same price, anyway
Same price, you have to pay
People put you down
That's where you're gonna' stay
It's the same price
Rudy Tootie got caught up in a scheme
Just before it backfired
Three years later, now he's back on the street
Word's out, he's up for hire
Rudy always liked the smell of a dollar bill
Especially if it's burning
Always had a thing for low I.Q.'s in high heels
Can't you feel the tables turning
In walks Billie, she's maintenance free
She'll be whatever he wants her to be
It's the same price, anyway
Same price, you have to pay
People put you down
That's where you're gonna' stay
It's the same price
Now Rudy's 0 for 2, just another I.O.U.
She's watching as they take him away
He'll be better off behind those walls anyway
It's the same price, anyway
Same price, you have to pay
People put you down
That's where you're gonna' stay
It's the same price, Same price
People put you down that's where you're gonna' stay
It's the same price
Billy dresses like Billie with an"ie"
Sometimes in the evening
But nobody seems to care
Nobody thought he was sane anyway
The song Same Price by Gov't Mule explores the themes of acceptance, conformity, and individuality. The first verse introduces us to the character of Billy, who is described as a person with an unconventional appearance. The use of the name Billie with an "ie" and the reference to his habit of dressing like a woman in the evening suggests that Billy is a non-conforming, gender-bending individual. However, the lyrics emphasize that nobody seems to care about his appearance, which implies that he is accepted as he is, despite being considered insane by society. The final line of the verse highlights his uniqueness, as the "gleam" in his eye signals an inner spirit that refuses to be suppressed.
The chorus, "It's the same price, anyway, same price, you have to pay, people put you down, that's where you're gonna' stay, it's the same price," establishes a sense of futility and hopelessness in the struggle for individuality. The repeated use of the phrase "same price" implies that no matter which path we choose in life, there will always be consequences to pay. The line "people put you down, that's where you're gonna' stay" highlights a lack of agency in determining our destiny. Despite its bleak message, the chorus may also be interpreted as a call to defiance, encouraging listeners to persevere and fight against the established norms of society.
The second verse centers around another character named Rudy Tootie, who is described as a criminal. The lyrics describe him as someone who is motivated by money and appreciates the smell of a burning dollar bill. His attraction to individuals with low intelligence and high heels reflects a misogynistic and materialistic worldview. The final verses of the song detail his eventual downfall and arrest, concluding with the repeated chorus.
Overall, Same Price is a song that challenges the listener to examine their own conformity to societal norms and question whether they are truly living their lives for themselves or merely existing to please others.
Line by Line Meaning
Billy dresses like Billie with an"ie"
Billy is known for dressing in a feminine manner in the evening, often with the spelling of Billie, but no one seems to care about it.
Sometimes in the evening
This refers to Billy's occasional dress-up habits, which happen in the evenings.
But nobody seems to care
Despite Billy's unique fashion style, he is not judged for it or paid much attention to.
Nobody thought he was sane anyway
Billy is already viewed as a bit peculiar, so his attire doesn't come as much of a shock to those around him.
He stands by the door on Second Ave.
Billy often stands by the door of a specific building, which happens to be located on Second Ave.
Watching people as they pass by
He seems to be people-watching and observing the activity around him.
But have you ever seen the gleam-It's a gleam
Billy's watching isn't aimless but seemingly, he has a purpose as there's a shine or gleam in his eye that suggests he's up to something.
There's a gleam in Billy's eye
This reiterates that Billy is not just idly staring but seems to be working on something or has developed a determination for a particular purpose.
But nobody knows if he'll try to save the world
Billy’s motives remain entirely unclear to onlookers, and no one knows if he is trying to save the world.
Or if he'll try to shoot the President
As it remains uncertain what Billy's intentions are, some people suspect that perhaps he wants to assassinate the President.
And nobody knows if he just needs a girl,
Billy's desires are not clear, but he could be seeking a romantic partner to make him feel complete.
Or if he wants to be a girl,
Alternatively, Billy might want to morph his gender identity to suit his personal needs and desires.
Or if he just needs to feel like a man
It remains as a possibility that Billy is just trying to establish his identity and validate his masculinity.
It's the same price, anyway
The song is suggesting that no matter how Billy manifests or attempts to achieve his desires, the same price always applies.
Same price, you have to pay
The 'same price' refers to the cost one pays for life's whims and fancies (such as Billy’s).
People put you down
Though this alludes to the societal judgment towards people like Billy, in the larger context, people often criticize others for their idiosyncratic behaviors, like Billy's dressing habits.
That's where you're gonna' stay
No matter what you do, you’ll always be subject to some type of criticism or disapproval in life.
Rudy Tootie got caught up in a scheme
The song pivots to Rudy Tootie's story and his involvement in a scheme or scam.
Just before it backfired
Rudy was involved just before the plan fell apart.
Three years later, now he's back on the street
After three years in captivity, Rudy is now back on the street.
Word's out, he's up for hire
Rudy’s reputation is damaged by his failed attempt, and people are speculating that he’s now willing to work for anyone.
Rudy always liked the smell of a dollar bill
Rudy has always been drawn to money and the distinct scent of a dollar bill.
Especially if it's burning
For Rudy, the allure of the smell of burnt money is particularly enticing and intoxicating.
Always had a thing for low I.Q.'s in high heels
Rudy likes taking advantage of people who may not be aware of their surroundings or may be of limited intelligence.
Can't you feel the tables turning
Despite Rudy's shady reputation, he seems to have found some success in his endeavors, as revealed in the very next line.
In walks Billie, she's maintenance free
Billie, who is previously mentioned in the song, enters the story and is juxtaposed with Rudy’s character.
She'll be whatever he wants her to be
Billie, unlike Rudy, is ambi. she could take any form demanded by Rudy characters with ease.
Now Rudy's 0 for 2, just another I.O.U
Rudy is now in jail after failing in two attempts of his schemes.
She's watching as they take him away
Billie is observed watching as Rudy is taken away after Rudy's failed plot.
He'll be better off behind those walls anyway
The singer asserts that staying in jail could be considered better for Rudy.
Same price
The concluding statement reaffirms that life comes with its varying prices, especially when pursuing one's desires that may not align with the accepted norms.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: WARREN HAYNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind