Haynes also spent the summer of 2004 playing with The Dead, a group featuring the remaining members of The Grateful Dead. He was also a member of the longest running lineup of Phil Lesh's "Phil Lesh and Friend's" band, comprised of himself, Lesh, Jimmy Herring, John Molo, and Rob Baracco
In 2004, he was named to the Rolling Stone magazine list of 100 Greatest Guitarists of All-Time at #23. He was joined on the list by fellow Allman Brothers Band guitarists Duane Allman, Dickey Betts, and Derek Trucks.
Warren is well known for the annual Warren Haynes Christmas Jam which draws many well known musicians, who play until the early morning hours. The Jam is a benefit for Habitat for Humanity, and is known as one of the best shows in the country.
The Real Thing
Warren Haynes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like some medal of honor
He carried his wisdom like a knife
An empty pocket was a temporary chain
Knowing you've got it coming
Ain't no crime
Every blue note that rolled off his tongue
Nobody knew where he came from
Ah but everybody knew, everybody knew
He was the real thing
No doubt about it
The kind that you remember when they're gone
The real thing
Put here for a reason
We knew someday the whole world
Was going to know his name
He was the real thing
She whispered in his ear, and he heard the thunder
Singing 'bout a world he never knew
Head spinning round, he began to wonder
Was he made to love her, or born to sing the blues
He searched inside him for an answer
But all he found was a troubled mind
He left her somewhere on the blue highway
Oh it wasn't just another love that he left behind
It was the real thing
No doubt about it
The kind that you remember when it's gone
The real thing
Not like passion's fire
But a burning, smoldering, eternal flame
It was the real thing
And sometimes at night he longs for her whisper
But he hides from the dawn, 'cause he always wakes to find her gone
In some broken down dressing room in some major city
The thunder plays an old familiar tune
He spies a face of a distant angel
Outside, beneath the halo moon
Finger on the trigger, needle in the vein
One more bullet, it might be your last ride
This is ain't no no-show, this ain't no nervous breakdown
And it sure as hell ain't the time to let the fool decide
This is the real thing
No doubt about it
Who cares if they love you and you're gone
This is the real thing
So you were put here for a reason
But what gives you the right to quit when you're tired
Anyway boy, this ain't no game
This is the real thing
He wore a song around his neck
Like some medal of honor
He carried his wisdom like a knife
The Warren Haynes song, "The Real Thing" tells the story of a man who lives and breathes music. His passion comes through in the way he carries himself and the music he creates. The singer wears a song around his neck like a medal and carries his wisdom like a knife. He understands that life is temporary, but that doesn't mean he can't enjoy it to the fullest.
The man in the song is characterized as the "real thing," a person who is true to who they are and doesn't fall victim to the temptations of the world. Through his music, he tirelessly spreads his message to anyone who will listen, leaving a lasting impact on them long after he's gone. The song touches on love and the sacrifices one must make to achieve their dreams, even if that means turning their backs on those they love.
The song's lyrics describe a man who's unwilling to compromise on his passion for music. It speaks to the importance of staying true to oneself and not letting the world's noise drown out one's voice. The story ultimately ends with the man looking back on his life, with regrets and questions, but still holding onto the idea that his message carried a strong positive impact for those who heard it.
Line by Line Meaning
He wore a song around his neck
He treasured his music as a physical entity close to his heart
Like some medal of honor
With deep respect and pride in his craft
He carried his wisdom like a knife
His experience was a sharp tool that he wielded with confidence
An empty pocket was a temporary chain
Being broke could weigh him down, but only for a while
Knowing you've got it coming
Acknowledging that fate will eventually catch up with you
Ain't no crime
It's not wrong to accept your destiny
Every blue note that rolled off his tongue
His music was a direct expression of his emotions
You could feel his soul twisting right in two
His passion was so intense, it almost physically pained him
Nobody knew where he came from
His origin was shrouded in mystery
Ah but everybody knew, everybody knew
Despite the mystery, his presence was undeniable
He was the real thing
Authenticity was his defining quality
No doubt about it
His genuineness was undisputed
The kind that you remember when they're gone
He made an impact that would last beyond his time
Put here for a reason
He had a purpose that he was fulfilling
We knew someday the whole world
Was going to know his name
He had the potential to make a global impact
She whispered in his ear, and he heard the thunder
Her words had a profound effect on him
Singing 'bout a world he never knew
Her perspective stirred something new in him
Head spinning round, he began to wonder
He was suddenly questioning everything
Was he made to love her, or born to sing the blues
He was grappling with his identity and purpose
He searched inside him for an answer
He was internally conflicted
But all he found was a troubled mind
He couldn't make sense of his thoughts and emotions
He left her somewhere on the blue highway
He had to keep moving
Oh it wasn't just another love that he left behind
The impact of their connection went beyond a typical romance
Not like passion's fire
Their connection wasn't simply driven by lust
But a burning, smoldering, eternal flame
Their bond was intense, enduring, and everlasting
And sometimes at night he longs for her whisper
He still yearns for her comfort and support
But he hides from the dawn, 'cause he always wakes to find her gone
He's avoiding facing the reality of her absence
In some broken down dressing room in some major city
His life is lonely and uncertain
The thunder plays an old familiar tune
Music is his constant companion
He spies a face of a distant angel
He catches a glimpse of hope and inspiration
Outside, beneath the halo moon
The beauty of the night sky uplifts him
Finger on the trigger, needle in the vein
He's risking everything with his addiction
One more bullet, it might be your last ride
Every time could be his final moment
This is ain't no no-show, this ain't no nervous breakdown
He's not just having a momentary breakdown
And it sure as hell ain't the time to let the fool decide
He needs to make wise choices and take control of his life
Who cares if they love you and you're gone
Leaving a legacy is more important than individual affection
So you were put here for a reason
He has a purpose he needs to fulfill
But what gives you the right to quit when you're tired
Fatigue is not a valid excuse to give up
Anyway boy, this ain't no game
Life is serious and demands commitment
This is the real thing
Life, music, and love all demand authenticity
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STEVIE WONDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shaffnut
Unbelievable. I will see Warren Haynes anytime, anywhere, for any reason. Period. Simply the best.
@gregorius650
I have listened to this hundreds of times. Im still amazed and astonished. Been listening to bands for 50 years. Warren Haynes, you truly are the real thing! I love ya man.
@annanika73
Warren takes you on a journey each and every time his music are beautiful notes of expression God I love the man!
@kennethcherry7048
Got to see him sing this by himself acoustic in cincy. It was after a breakup with a girl. Goosebumps to say the least
@samgibson684
Saw him perform in golden gate park acoustic......
It was otherworldly
@saulcardoza9677
Truly Grateful for Warren Haynes & his POWERFUL MUSIC... 😊🖒
@TheSecondNature
This is crazy... he wrote such an amazing song and never released it other than putting it in a live album (live at Bonnaroo). I hope this will have the full Mule treatment someday
edit: I found out he did a full band studio version with Phil Lesh and friends on the album "There and Back Again"... It's pretty great, check it out!!!
@VenancioPortalatin
Warren Haynes is so freakin amazing!
@williepard
Warren Haynes is really the real thing. I never miss him or Gov’t Mule whenever they play anywhere near me.
@peterkruse8866
Fantastic songwriter, performer. This song hits my soul like thunder. Only 18.971 views. Really?! Come on! Warren is the real thing!