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,
Time
Gov't Mule Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's different today
Can't you feel it?
A new sun is rising
They say this change
Change is here to stay
No looking back
No more compromising
Riding on the rhythm, rhythm of a thousand dreams
Feels like our souls are flying
Time to wake up and smell the world changing
No question, no denying
Long time coming
But we're finally here
Look around the world
Change is in the air
Look to your neighbor
He ain't your enemy
We're in this together
But fighting to be free
Seems a little crazy to me
Something's happening and it sure feels good
Dark clouds have all been swept away
Spirits rising like we knew they could
Moving on up, stomping out the pain of yesterday
Riding on the rhythm, rhythm of a thousand dreams
Feels like our souls are flying
Time to wake up and smell the world changing
No question, no denying
Long time coming
But we're finally here
Look around the world
Change is in the air
Look to your neighbor
He ain't your enemy
We're in this together
But fighting to be free
Seems a little crazy
Seems a little crazy to me
Open up our eyes
We can finally see
Open up our souls
We can breathe again
We can breathe again
Long time coming
But we're finally here
Look around the world
Change is in the air
Look to your neighbor
He ain't your enemy
We're in this together
But fighting to be free
Crazy to me
Crazy to me, ah yeah
Seems a little crazy to me
The song “Ain't Wastin' Time No More” by Gov't Mule is a reflective piece that talks about the fleeting and unpredictable nature of time. The opening lines "Last Sunday morning, the sunshine felt like rain. The week before, they all seemed the same." set the tone for the song, which paints a vivid picture of the passing of time. It is a reminder that time waits for no one, and often moves faster than we can keep up with or even comprehend. The song acknowledges the passing of time and how it forces us to adapt, grow and reflect on our own lives.
The next few lines "With the help of God and true friends, I've come to realize, I still have two strong legs, and even wings to fly. So, I ain't a-wastin time no more. Cause time goes by like hurricanes, and faster things." suggests that the singer has gone through some form of change or hardship – perhaps a near-death experience as suggested by the reference to wings. This realization has led him/her to ignore distractions and start living fully, without wasting any more time.
In the second verse, the singer addresses Miss Sally, who seems to be crying incessantly for the past three days. He asks her to step outside, look at the stars and find love. This echoes the sentiments expressed in the refrain, "... time goes by like pouring rain, and much faster things" as if to say, time waits for no one, and we shouldn't waste it on trivialities or sadness.
The song then encourages listeners to seize the day, not wait for the guidance of a psychic, and to look within themselves to determine their path. Finally, the last verse refers to the importance of leaving a better world for generations after ours by leading a peaceful life. It's a reminder that we have a responsibility to each other and future generations to make the world a better place.
Line by Line Meaning
Last Sunday morning, the sunshine felt like rain.
Even though it was sunny, everything still seemed gloomy to me.
The week before, they all seemed the same.
Prior to last week, every day felt identical.
With the help of God and true friends, I've come to realize, I still have two strong legs, and even wings to fly.
I've been fortunate to recognize that I have the capability to do great things with the support of my faith and loved ones.
So I, ain't a-wastin time no more.
I've come to the decision to stop wasting my precious time.
Cause time goes by like hurricanes, and faster things.
Time moves quickly and can pass us by in a rush like a hurricane or quick like lightning.
Well, Lord, Lord, Miss Sally, why all your cryin'?
Why are you so upset, Miss Sally?
Been around here three long days, lookin' like we're dyin'.
It feels like we've been in this difficult situation for a long time and it's taking a toll on us.
Go step yourself outside, and look up at the stars above, And go on downtown, baby, find somebody to love.
Take a step back from our current predicament, appreciate what nature has to offer, and find someone to love.
Meanwhile, I ain't a-wastin' time no more.
At the same time, I'm not wasting any more of my precious time.
Cause time goes by like pouring rain, and much faster things.
Time can go by quickly like a heavy rainfall and even quicker than that.
You don't need no gypsy to tell you why,
You don't require a fortune teller to help you understand.
Ya can't let one precious day to slip by.
Don't let a single day go to waste.
Well, look inside yourself, and if you don't see what you want, Maybe sometimes then ya don't,
Examine yourself closely and it's possible you may not encounter exactly what you're seeking.
But, leave your mind alone and just get high.
In the meantime, just relax and enjoy life.
Well, by and by, way after many years have gone, And all the war freaks die off, leavin' us alone.
Over time, when those who thrive in chaos are no longer with us, we may be left on our own.
We'll raise our children, in the peaceful way we can, It's up to you and me brother, To try and try again.
It's our responsibility as individuals to make an effort to raise the next generation calmly.
So, hear us now, we ain't wastin' time no more.
Hear what we're saying: we won't waste any more time.
Cause time rolls by like hurricanes.
Time passes us quickly like a hurricane.
Runnin' after the subway train.
It can sometimes be difficult to keep up with the pace of life.
Don't forget the pourin' rain.
Remember that heavy rainfall can still occur even when everything else seems chaotic.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Daniel Schliftman, Jorgen Carlsson, Matt Abts, Warren Haynes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
bob lackey
Fantastic version from all involved including the back up singers! Just excellent! Guitar tone also fantastic. Just right for this song.
Greg Robertson
Warren is the man. Saw Allman Bros with Phil Lesh n Friends opening n he played for both bands!!
Michael Cooke
Is there anything this man cant sing? Brilliant
fennis26
Interesting watching Warren controlling his urges to really rip on the solo; tasty stuff!
rafael marchante angulo
Smashing it as usual
Andrew Rush
For the bass player to hold that time FLAT PICKING, amaze balls my guy
Ricardo anton gomez
pure music!!!!!
wedge antilles
Warren is playing an Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster. With its built in 25db mid boost this guitar furnishes the player with a touch of mid dynamics which are otherwise do not exist in a Stratocaster (that is why Strat players do like pedals with a mid hump like Tube Screamers).
JED
Great cover! Saw another great Floyd cover live, Queensryche doing “Have a Cigar”… excellent!
Daniel Martin
Floyd with a Mule spin....brilliant !.....done with real good taste.