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,
Trying Not To Fall
Gov't Mule Lyrics
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I know now where the traps lie-are they lying for me?
Only love can save you-but I don't feel it
I'm just a poor soul I'm weak-but I gotta stand tall
Trying not to fall into the abyss
I hear the sirens calling-are they calling for me?
Only truth can save you-but I don't remember it
I'm just a poor soul-I'm weak-But I gotta stand tall
Trying not to fall into the abyss
Trying not to fall into the abyss
Where are all the others that fell before me-will I see them again?
And where is the strength that I've known for so long-is it failing me now?
Nothing left to save you
I'm just a poor soul-I'm weak-but I gotta stand tall
Trying not to fall into the abyss
Trying not to fall into the abyss
Trying not to fall into the abyss
Trying not to fall into the abyss
The lyrics of Gov't Mule's "Trying Not To Fall" describe the internal struggles of someone who feels isolated, weak, and unsure of themselves. The singer questions whether people are laughing at them and whether they are walking into traps. They know that only love and truth can save them, but they don't feel or remember either. Despite feeling like they are just a poor soul, they feel an obligation to stand tall and resist falling into the abyss.
The abyss that the singer is trying not to fall into can be interpreted as a metaphor for a range of negative experiences such as depression, addiction, or any situation that feels overwhelming and isolating. The singer tries to find strength in thinking about those who have fallen before them, but they are unsure if they will ever see them again. They also question whether their own strength is failing them now.
The repetition of the phrase "Trying not to fall into the abyss" underscores the importance of persistence in the face of hardship. The song encourages the listener to confront their struggles with courage and determination, even when they feel weak and alone.
Line by Line Meaning
I see the faces laughing-are they laughing at me?
I am unsure if people are mocking me and I feel embarrassed.
I know now where the traps lie-are they lying for me?
I have detected potential danger in my life, and I am afraid it might be planned against me.
Only love can save you-but I don't feel it
Love is the magical force that can bring salvation, but unfortunately, it is beyond my reach.
I'm just a poor soul I'm weak-but I gotta stand tall
Though I am feeling helpless and fragile, I need to keep my courage up.
Trying not to fall into the abyss
I am trying hard to avoid slipping into the darkness of despair.
I hear the sirens calling-are they calling for me?
I am troubled thinking whether the sounds of sirens are for me, and I am going to be in trouble.
I feel the tumblers falling-are the falling on me?
I sense danger looming closer, and it could potentially harm me.
Only truth can save you-but I don't remember it
In moments of crisis, it is essential to hold onto the truth, but I seem to have forgotten it.
Where are all the others that fell before me-will I see them again?
I'm unsure about the fate of people who faced similar situations as mine in the past and wondering if I'll meet them again.
And where is the strength that I've known for so long-is it failing me now?
I feel the strength and courage that kept me going for so long may not be strong enough to hold up to the current problem.
Nothing left to save you
With all options and helpers out of the equation, the fate of the consequences can't change.
Trying not to fall into the abyss
I am doing my best to keep a solid mind to prevent me from falling into the deep end of desperation.
Trying not to fall into the abyss
I am taking steps to stay afloat and keeping the darkness of the abyss away.
Trying not to fall into the abyss
I plead with myself to maintain my determination of never to give up until the end, despite the obstacles ahead.
Trying not to fall into the abyss
I am making every possible effort to prevent myself from falling into the bottomless pit of misery.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DANIEL LOUIS, WARREN HAYNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind