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,
Slackjaw Jezebel
Gov't Mule Lyrics
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I believe they're crying still
The world as we know it keeps right on turning
I guess it always will
Still, something's changed, I hate to admit it
I ain't been the same since you came around
My mind is swollen from the weariness
Twisted angel, cast out of some strange heaven
Sent down here to pull me out of my shell
You show up on my doorstep, honey dripping from your mouth
Like some slack jaw Jezebel
Flesh and bones is all I'm made of
I couldn't have stopped you if I tried
The spell you were casting, way too heavy
Now I can't be satisfied
But you think you're going to save me, you better think again
I've had saviors galore
And although you are a vision, an angel wrapped in sin
I've seen it all before
Twisted angel, cast out of some strange heaven
Sent down here, landed on my window sill
Now you're walking through my back door, honey dripping from your mouth
Like some slack jaw Jezebel
You've got your bag of dust and your divining rod
I wonder how I got myself here
Wheel's spinning faster and I know I have to jump off
Guess I'm weighing the fire against the fear
You spoon-fed my ego, made me feel so young
Kissed me 'til my lips were sore
But I know you're just a Jezebel with a poisonous tongue
I've been down this road before
It's full of twisted angels, cast out of some strange heaven
Sent down here to put me through Hell
You show up on my doorstep, honey dripping from your mouth
Like some slack jaw Jezebel
Oh like some slack jaw Jezebel
The song 'Slackjaw Jezebel' by Gov't Mule is a powerful blues rock song that speaks to the singer’s inability to break free from the hold of a twisted angel, a metaphorical character that represents a woman who has changed his life in the worst possible way. As baby's cries in the background, the singer speaks of the world spinning and something changing with the arrival of this woman who has caused him weariness and mental anguish. He compares her to a cast-out angel who is trying to "save" him from himself, but he knows better. He has had his share of saviors and knows that no matter how much honey drips from her mouth, she is like any other "slack jaw Jezebel" that has come before her.
In the chorus, the singer further speaks to the seductive power of this woman, highlighting her sensual physical attributes as well as the spiritual tools she uses to gain control over him. He admits he is powerless and cannot stop her from doing whatever she wants with him. However, he also knows that she has a toxic side that can drain him emotionally and mentally. Ultimately, the singer recognizes the danger and tries to weigh his options, deciding whether to jump off this whirlwind ride or not.
In conclusion, 'Slackjaw Jezebel' is a powerful song with vivid imagery and metaphorical storytelling that speaks volumes about the damaging effects of toxic relationships on people. It illustrates the helplessness one can feel when under the spell of a seductive yet poisonous individual who seems hell-bent on controlling them.
Line by Line Meaning
Babies were crying when you got here
The world was already full of pain even before you came.
I believe they're crying still
The world continues to suffer and we are still crying.
The world as we know it keeps right on turning
No matter how much pain exists, the world keeps moving forward.
I guess it always will
This pain and suffering will forever be a part of our world.
Still, something's changed, I hate to admit it
Although the world has not stopped turning, something seems to have shifted for me personally.
I ain't been the same since you came around
You've caused a change in me.
My mind is swollen from the weariness
My heart and mind are heavy from the impact of your presence.
Wish you'd never flagged me down
I regret ever having met you.
Twisted angel, cast out of some strange heaven
You are an otherworldly being who doesn't quite belong here.
Sent down here to pull me out of my shell
You came into my life to awaken a part of me that was sleeping.
You show up on my doorstep, honey dripping from your mouth
You arrived in my life with alluring words and intentions.
Like some slack jaw Jezebel
You remind me of a seductive and manipulative figure from history.
Flesh and bones is all I'm made of
As a human being, I am vulnerable to your influence.
I couldn't have stopped you if I tried
You have too much power over me to resist.
The spell you were casting, way too heavy
Your influence over me is overbearing.
Now I can't be satisfied
I am left feeling unfulfilled and wanting more.
But you think you're going to save me, you better think again
Despite what you may believe, you cannot save me.
I've had saviors galore
I've tried to find salvation through many different means and people.
And although you are a vision, an angel wrapped in sin
You may present yourself as heavenly, but you are not without fault.
I've seen it all before
I am not new to these kinds of situations and I know how they end.
You've got your bag of dust and your divining rod
You have your own tools and methods of manipulation.
I wonder how I got myself here
I am questioning my own choices and how I let myself be led astray.
Wheel's spinning faster and I know I have to jump off
Things are escalating and I need to remove myself from this situation.
Guess I'm weighing the fire against the fear
I am torn between my desire for you and my fear of the consequences.
You spoon-fed my ego, made me feel so young
You flattered and praised me, making me feel good about myself.
Kissed me 'til my lips were sore
You showed me physical affection and passion.
But I know you're just a Jezebel with a poisonous tongue
I am aware of your manipulative and dangerous nature.
I've been down this road before
This is not the first time I have encountered someone like you.
It's full of twisted angels, cast out of some strange heaven
This world is full of people like you, otherworldly and not quite human.
Sent down here to put me through Hell
You came into my life to bring me pain and suffering.
Now you're walking through my back door, honey dripping from your mouth
You are invading my life and trying to lure me back in with your honeyed words.
Like some slack jaw Jezebel
Like the seductive and manipulative figure from history, you are trying to control me.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: WARREN HAYNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind