Gov’t Mule from their 2001 release Life Before Insanity.

Way back in October 2003, they were playing two nights at the Vic here in Chicago, so of course we went to both shows. On the first night they started off with “Wandering Child” which wasn’t unusual, such a great opening track, but then they followed it up with “Life Before Insanity” and by the time they went in to “Bad Little Doggie” I had a feeling we were in for something special as they did this full album start to finish.

One of the best things about that night was the chance to hear this one “Far Away” which they don’t play quite that often.

Something made me think of this song tonight, I hope you give a listen if you aren’t familiar.

Hello again – It’s me, the fool on the hill
Life here ain’t so bad
My dreams are dark, my friends are wasted
Just like their moms and their dads

And they don’t know what I am talking about
And they may never know

I’m just fourteen – but I know where I stand
Behind these walls – life ain’t so easy
But it’s turned me into a man

Sometimes I don’t know what I am talking about
And I may never know

Far away – the cool taste of reality
Far away – perfect little family
Far away – the little boy I used to be

Look at my eyes – maybe they’ll show you the truth
The truth I cannot see
Once in a while I catch a glimpse of it all
But it slips away from me
Someday I’ll know what’s going on in my head
For now, I’II just stay here

Far away – the cool taste of reality
Far away – perfect little family
Far away – the little boy I used to be
Far away

I hate it when they look right through you
It sends me into a rage
I know I ain’t crazy – and I don’t need your proof
I just need out of this cage

Hello again – It’s me, the fool on the hill
Life here ain’t so bad

Lyrics by Warren Haynes