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,
Snatch It Back And Hold It > Hold It Back > Snatch It Back And Hold It
Gov't Mule Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Baby, one more time
I ain't doing too bad, baby
Got you on my mind
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
We'll have a real good time
Somebody, help me
Somebody, help me
I can't help myself
I ain't doing too bad, baby
I ain't got no brand new bag
Somebody, help me
I can't help myself
Somebody, help me
I can't help myself
I ain't doin' too bad, baby
I ain't got no brand new bag
Snatch it back and hold it
Baby, one more time
I ain't doing too bad, baby
Got you on my mind
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
We'll have a real good time
Somebody, help me
I can't help myself
Somebody, help me
I can't help myself
Hey, hey, hey, hey
Got you on my mind
The lyrics of the Gov't Mule's song "Snatch It Back And Hold It > Hold It Back > Snatch It Back And Hold It" seem to suggest someone who is struggling with their emotions and thoughts, and is seeking help from someone to hold on to their feelings. The repetition of the line "Snatch it back and hold it, baby, one more time" emphasizes the need to keep holding on to those emotions, not allowing them to slip away.
The lines "I ain't doing too bad, baby, got you on my mind" may indicate that while the singer may be doing alright, they are still struggling with thoughts of the person they are addressing in the song. The repeated call for help may suggest that they cannot handle their thoughts and emotions on their own, and need the help of someone else to stay grounded. The line "I can't help myself" adds to this idea of being overwhelmed and needing assistance.
Overall, the song seems to be about the struggle to maintain emotional stability, and the need for someone else's help to do so. The repetitive structure of the song emphasizes the importance of holding onto one's feelings and not letting them go.
Line by Line Meaning
Snatch it back and hold it
Reclaiming and retaining what's mine
Baby, one more time
Asking for another chance to make things right
I ain't doing too bad, baby
I'm managing reasonably well, despite some struggles
Got you on my mind
Thinking about you constantly
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Expressing enthusiasm for what's to come
We'll have a real good time
Anticipating a positive experience together
Somebody, help me
Asking for assistance or guidance
I can't help myself
Feeling powerless over a situation
I ain't got no brand new bag
I'm not trying to be someone I'm not
Hey, hey, hey, hey
Expressing a sense of urgency or importance
Got you on my mind
Reiterating the importance of another person in one's life
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Amos Wells Blakemore Jr., Danny Louis Schliftman, Jorge Carlsson, Matt Abts, Warren Haynes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jonwoodard2222
Sound and tone is amazing on this. Sounds like early 60's in so many ways. Warren Haynes and his entire band do no wrong. Recent show at the Ryman in Nashville blew the roof off.
@kevinmiccio9805
I've had this on a loop for an hour or so. I was in a bad mood b4. Now I'm happy and mellow. Love it . Really hit the spot. Warren lightens and brightens my soul.
@markgarno5167
This is some ol' CHESS shit right here. I am totally jamming on my harmonica too this
@pookachu64
The vocals, the tones, man this is great stuff!
@martaminder2716
Have loved this song for years. Great version, thank you for keeping it alive
@thierryc3753
Excellent ,luckily there are still people who make good music 🎸👍
@franciscojcolon7327
Warren & Mule always bring it!! One of the greatests blues rock bands!!
@raygengamer8440
the 3 songs
snatch it back and hold it
make it rain
heavy load (play on my death bed)
are so damn great. it makes me so sad that such art aint as big as cardi b or what have you.
@bruce5168
@raygen gamer it's alright brother, more for us to love!!
@RickMcCargar
This is the best song I've heard in quite a while. Love the extended jam!