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,
easy times
Gov't Mule Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Laying under the stars
Showered by moonlight
No thoughts for tomorrow
Nothing to do but live our lives
The way we choose
No time for sorrow
Before our skies turn grey
Those were easy times
You were all so easy on my mind
Every day was another journey
To see what we might find
Those were easy times
I remember
Hiding from the world
Kissed by the rain
Walking arm in arm
And no one could tear us apart
We were always even stronger
After the storm
Back then, even on the darkest night
Somehow, it gave way to the light
Those were easy times
You were all so easy on my mind
Every day was another journey
Just to see what we might find
Those were easy times
Looking back when
Never really see
Where things went wrong
Or why we couldn′t save it
We didn't know
That time was such a precious thing
We′d let it slip away
Now it all seems so crazy
In the end, life blood
So much harder
And we turned on each other
But I remember those easy times
You were all so easy on my mind
Those were easy times
Every day was another journey
Just to see what we might find
Those were easy times
I can see the whole world
In your eyes
Those were easy times
Now and then
I still can
But it feels just like
A sunrise
Easy times
I can see the whole world
In your eyes
Oh, I remember those easy times
Now and then
I still can
Yes, I can
It feels, feels just like a sunrise
You were always so easy on my mind
Feels like
Feels like a sunrise
The song "Easy Times" by Gov't Mule takes the listener on a journey through the memories of a time when life was easy, carefree, and full of possibilities. The lyrics paint a picture of warm summer nights spent under the stars, the excitement of new adventures, and the comfort of being in love. The singer reminisces about times when he and his loved ones were impervious to the hardships of life, and how they faced challenges with strength and resilience. The song explores themes of nostalgia, loss, and the bittersweet realization that time flies by too quickly.
The first verse of the song sets the tone for the rest of it, describing a time when life was simple, and there was no concept of time. The second verse talks about facing storms and how it made the individuals in the relationship even stronger. The chorus repeats the phrase, "you were all so easy on my mind," emphasizing the importance of the people around him during this time in his life. The bridge reflects on how life has changed and how it has become more challenging. There is a sense of regret and longing for those times that are gone forever.
Overall, "Easy Times" is a poignant reminder of how quickly time flies and how much we can take our easy lives for granted. The song is an ode to the past and serves as a reminder to cherish the present and the people we love.
Line by Line Meaning
I remember
Reflecting on a past memory
Laying under the stars
Relaxing under a clear sky
Showered by moonlight
Bathed in the soft light of the moon
No thoughts for tomorrow
Living in the present moment
Nothing to do but live our lives
Free from the constraints of time
The way we choose
Making decisions based on our own desires
No time for sorrow
Focusing on happiness and joy
Running the distance of the day
Charging ahead with enthusiasm
Before our skies turn grey
Taking advantage of the good times before they pass
Those were easy times
Looking back on a simpler period
You were all so easy on my mind
Being surrounded by supportive company
Every day was another journey
Approaching life with curiosity and wonder
To see what we might find
Embracing the unknown and unpredictable
Hiding from the world
Escaping from the pressures of life
Kissed by the rain
Taking pleasure in simple natural experiences
Walking arm in arm
Sharing intimate moments with loved ones
And no one could tear us apart
Feeling a strong bond of unity with others
We were always even stronger
Building resilience through adversity
After the storm
Overcoming obstacles and coming out the other end
Back then, even on the darkest night
Finding hope in the darkest times
Somehow, it gave way to the light
Believing that things will get better
Looking back when
Reflecting on the past
Never really see
Struggling to understand what happened in retrospect
Where things went wrong
Trying to identify the cause of problems or issues
Or why we couldn′t save it
Regretting a lost opportunity
We didn't know
Lacking awareness or understanding of something important
That time was such a precious thing
Underestimating the value of time
We′d let it slip away
Allowing time to pass without making the most of it
Now it all seems so crazy
Feeling overwhelmed or confused by past events
In the end, life blood
Realizing the importance of life
So much harder
Struggling with the difficulties of life
And we turned on each other
Feeling alienated from loved ones or family members
But I remember those easy times
Finding comfort in fond memories
I can see the whole world
Feeling a sense of wonder and awe
Now and then
Occasionally
But it feels just like
Remembering something as vivid as if it were happening now
A sunrise
Experiencing the beauty of the natural world
Feels like
Recreating the same emotions and experiences
Writer(s): Warren Haynes
Contributed by Owen T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
alfio alberelli
Wonderful tune! Guitar and the voice...at the top!
Lars Korb
Thanks for another great album. So much feeling and depth.
Andre ManhĂŁes
Simple and perfect!
This is a truly song! I can hear it for many times! đź’™
JC
Can someone explain to me why, Gov't Mule isn't as big as Pearl Jam and other bands? They're as good or better, IMO. Warren is an AMAZING musician, songwriter, and performer. One of my 5 biggest inspirations to learn to play guitar. The others being, in order, Duane Allman, Warren Haynes, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, SRV & Derek Trucks.
It started with just Duane. I bought my first guitar because of a single song; "Loan Me a Dime" by Boz Scaggs. Duane's solos in that song are EPIC. Then came Warren. Then KWS & SRV. and finally Derek. KWS is from my hometown, Shreveport , LA, so I can't skip him. He's an incredible guitarist & #1 album selling & multi-platinum blues artist. So he's gotta be in there.
And it's no coincidence that all of these men are among the best blues guitarists ever. That's what I like. It just took me until 38 yrs old to figure that out lol.
Rob Pattison
don’t forget Lowell George . Little Feat was a huge American rock band that like the mule excelled live w extended jams but sadly like LF have a cult following that never breaks commercially
Andy Black
Sounds great. I should be receiving my copy in the mail tomorrow. Thanks for the preview.
alfio alberelli
I've got my copy signed by the members, at the concert!!! They're really greatl friends of ours!!! Thanks....
Poetnsen
Just superb again, yes!
sponge worthiest
Great live tune too...
GREG GIBSON
cant wait til the show in downtown nashville!!! "gonna be rockin"