The Best Allman Brothers Song

In my mind, this is it. The quintessential Allman Brothers song. Progressive blues at its finest. I wrestled with this conclusion because it was written and recorded after the death of founding member, driving force and guitar-virtuoso Duane Allman. Moreover, this version was recorded in 2003 after Dickie Betts was asked to leave.

In the end though, it is what it is. The lead/slide guitar and first solo is Derek Trucks. There is so much pure emotion, gut-wrenching tone and pristine technique in his playing that he makes you forget all about Dickie Betts and has you believing that he has tapped into whatever vein that fueled Duane Allman in the early days. The solo on the outro is Warren Haynes, and he is no slouch himself.

The song was written by Gregg in the aftermath of Duane’s tragic and untimely death. The lyrics are a bit ham-fisted in parts, ("…'Cause time goes by like pouring rain, and much faster things...") but they are earnest and straight from the heart. (Reminds me of a lyric by Bob Dylan, from “Tangled Up in Blue” when he sings:

“And every one of them words rang true
And glowed like burnin' coal
Pourin' off of every page
Like it was written in my soul from me to you”
...but that’s another post isn’t it?)

The point is, the lyrics are great regardless of his inability to think of another metaphor. Listening to the song on the way to work this morning brought a tear to my eye. This is as good as it gets.

You can find it on the “One Way Out” collection, or better yet you can watch and listen to it in 5.1 on the DVD “Live at the Beacon Theater.” Outstanding.


Aint’ Wastin’ Time No More (Listen)
By Gregg Allman
From “One Way Out.”

Last Sunday morning, the sunshine felt like rain.
Week before, they all seemed the same.
With the help of God and true friends, I come to realize
I still had two strong legs, and even wings to fly.

And oh I, ain't wastin time no more
'Cause time goes by like hurricanes, and faster things.

Lord, lord Miss Sally, why all your cryin'?
Been around here three long days, you're lookin' like you're dyin'.
Just step yourself outside, and look up at the stars above
Go on downtown baby, find somebody to love.

Meanwhile I ain't wastin' time no more
'Cause time goes by like pouring rain, and much faster things.

You don't need no gypsy to tell you why
You can't let one precious day slip by.
Look inside yourself, and if you don't see what you want,
Maybe sometimes then you don't,
But leave your mind alone and just get high.

Well by and by, way after many years have gone,
And all the terrorists (war freaks) die off, leavin' us alone.
We'll raise our children in the peaceful way we can,
It's up to you and me brother
To try and try again.

Well, hear us now, we ain't wastin' time no more
'Cause time goes by like hurricanes
Runnin' after subway trains
Don't forget the pouring rain.

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This week's Top 10.