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,
Tonight's The Night
Gov't Mule Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Bruce Berry was a working man
He used to load that Econoline van
A sparkle was in his eye
But his life was in his hands
Well, late at night when the people were gone
He used to pick up my guitar
And sing a song in a shaky voice
That was real as the day was long
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Early in the morning, at the break of day
He used to sleep until the afternoon
If you never heard him sing
I guess you won't too soon
Because, people, let me tell you
It sent a chill up and down my spine
When I picked up the telephone
And heard that he'd died out on the mainline
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Bruce Berry was a working man
He used to load that Econoline van
Well, early in the morning
Just about the break of day
He used to sleep until the afternoon
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
Tonight's the night
The song "Tonight's The Night" by Gov't Mule tells the story of a man named Bruce Berry, who is depicted as a hardworking individual. Bruce Berry used to load an Econoline van while harboring a spark in his eye, symbolizing his dreams and aspirations. Despite his obligations, at night when everyone else was gone, he would pick up a guitar and sing with a shaky yet authentic voice that resonated deeply with those who listened.
The repetition of the phrase "Tonight's the night" is used as a chorus throughout the song, creating a sense of urgency and anticipation. It emphasizes that there is a pivotal moment approaching, perhaps representing a turning point or a fateful event. The repetition also highlights the importance of seizing opportunities and cherishing the moments that truly matter.
The lyrics take a melancholic turn when it is revealed that Bruce Berry has passed away out on the mainline. This sudden loss is portrayed as a chilling revelation that sends shivers down the singer's spine. It showcases the fragility and unpredictability of life, reminding listeners to appreciate the artists, musicians, and dreamers while they are still among us.
In summary, "Tonight's The Night" reflects on the life and untimely demise of Bruce Berry, a hardworking man with a passion for music. It serves as a reminder to seize the present moment and appreciate the talents of those around us before it is too late.
Line by Line Meaning
Tonight's the night
The time has finally come for something significant to happen
Bruce Berry was a working man
Bruce Berry was an ordinary, hardworking individual
He used to load that Econoline van
His job involved loading a specific type of van
A sparkle was in his eye
He had a glimmer of hope and passion in his eyes
But his life was in his hands
He had control and responsibility for his own life
Well, late at night when the people were gone
During the late hours when there were not many people around
He used to pick up my guitar
He would grab a guitar
And sing a song in a shaky voice
He would sing with a vulnerable and tremulous vocal style
That was real as the day was long
His singing was genuine and full of authenticity
Early in the morning, at the break of day
During the early hours of the morning
He used to sleep until the afternoon
He would sleep until late in the day
If you never heard him sing
If you never had the opportunity to listen to his singing
I guess you won't too soon
It is unlikely that you will have the chance in the near future
Because, people, let me tell you
Listen closely, everyone
It sent a chill up and down my spine
It caused a shivering sensation that ran through my entire body
When I picked up the telephone
When I answered the phone call
And heard that he'd died out on the mainline
And learned that he had passed away while on duty
Tonight's the night
The time has finally come for something significant to happen
Bruce Berry was a working man
Bruce Berry was an ordinary, hardworking individual
He used to load that Econoline van
His job involved loading a specific type of van
Well, early in the morning
During the early hours of the morning
Just about the break of day
Right before the sun rises
He used to sleep until the afternoon
He would sleep until late in the day
Tonight's the night
The time has finally come for something significant to happen
Tonight's the night
The time has finally come for something significant to happen
Tonight's the night
The time has finally come for something significant to happen
Tonight's the night
The time has finally come for something significant to happen
Tonight's the night
The time has finally come for something significant to happen
Tonight's the night
The time has finally come for something significant to happen
Tonight's the night
The time has finally come for something significant to happen
Tonight's the night
The time has finally come for something significant to happen
Tonight's the night
The time has finally come for something significant to happen
Tonight's the night
The time has finally come for something significant to happen
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Neil Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bob Schenkel
Warren Haynes is one of the most generous and thoughtful artist in rock and roll today. He always gives his best, and he is never afraid to share the spotlight with other great artists. In fact, he is always very humble and wants to give credit to other first. No wonder everyone wants to play on stage with him. Seen him a lot of times, hope I see him a bunch more.
John Gapter
1st saw Gov't Mule @ the Rock- HORDE. WOW! Colorado crowds are the Best, I know. Love Warren when w/ the Dead or any of the many other groups who blessed us w/ the magic music we all cried & flied to. He made the Jerry vocals & guitar parts sound the way..... Any song he covers is BADASS. Soulshine in Studio C @ KBCO(pre corp)
oicsaywhat
Amen to that, yeah he’s a sweetheart of a guy
retromolars
So true!!!!
Val Labudovic
So true! What a wonderful role model Warren is!
Rambladesman Moe
He is truly an American treasure.
Daniel Fernholz
He's so old-fashioned! What a great artist. Old-fashioned means a lot to me! Modern music has no soul. Warren Haynes is "THE MAN"!
eric karukin
This band always sounds good , they make every cover sound like they are the originators , I fell apon them and they have become one of my go to bands
Clancy Young
They have some great original music too. Warren has a lot of hits under his belt. From his own work and songs like soul shine with the Allman bros to Two of a kind working on a full house recorded by Garth Brooks.
Lawrence Taylor
My favorite Government Mule song has become the next one. Warren is really one of the greats.