No Mule's Fool
Encyclopedia
No Mule's Fool is a song from the British progressive rock band Family
released in October 1969. It was the group's first single in chart in the United Kingdom
, reaching number 29.
and John "Charlie" Whitney, "No Mule's Fool" is a country-influenced rock song about a boy and his mule taking it easy on a hot day. The boy lies on the grass, daydreaming and concentrating on the only audible sound in proximity - the buzzing of a honeybee. With the temperature at 95 degrees, the boy and his mule prefer to enjoy the warmth of the day by relaxing. Aware that people think the boy and the mule - both of which are expected to be more industrious - are lazy, the boy admits as much, but adds, "But one day they're going to see / We're only doing what makes us happy."
provide a pleasant backdrop, but the energy of the song is from the bass of John Weider
, playing as a member of Family on record for the first time. Weider also provides a lilting violin solo in the middle eight. The song fades out with a quickly paced jam, with plenty of "pickin' and grinnin'" country and western guitar from Whitney. Roger Chapman's relaxed vocals add to the gentle nature of the lyrics.
, United Artists Records placed it at the beginning of the U.S. edition of Family's 1970 album A Song For Me
.
"No Mule's Fool" and its B-side, "Good Friend of Mine," were the last Family recordings to feature Jim King, who left the group shortly thereafter, as well as the first Family recordings to feature Weider.
Family (band)
Family were an English rock band that formed in late 1966 and disbanded in October 1973. Their style has been characterised as progressive rock, although their sound often explored other genres, incorporating elements of styles like as folk, psychedelia, acid, jazz fusion and rock and roll...
released in October 1969. It was the group's first single in chart in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, reaching number 29.
Lyrics
As written by group leaders Roger ChapmanRoger Chapman
Roger Chapman , also known as Roger "Chappo" Chapman and Chappo, is an English rock vocalist. He is best known as a member of the Progressive rock band Family, which he joined along with Charlie Whitney, in 1967 and also the rock, R&B band Streetwalkers formed in 1974...
and John "Charlie" Whitney, "No Mule's Fool" is a country-influenced rock song about a boy and his mule taking it easy on a hot day. The boy lies on the grass, daydreaming and concentrating on the only audible sound in proximity - the buzzing of a honeybee. With the temperature at 95 degrees, the boy and his mule prefer to enjoy the warmth of the day by relaxing. Aware that people think the boy and the mule - both of which are expected to be more industrious - are lazy, the boy admits as much, but adds, "But one day they're going to see / We're only doing what makes us happy."
Music
Charlie Whitney's acoustic guitar and a brief riff from the soprano saxophone of Jim KingJim King (saxophonist)
Jim King was an original member of the British rock band, Family. He played saxophone and harmonica, and sang occasional lead vocals on the band's first two albums, Music in a Doll's House and Family Entertainment. King also sang the entire lead vocal on "Observations From a Hill", a song on the...
provide a pleasant backdrop, but the energy of the song is from the bass of John Weider
John Weider
John Weider is a rock musician who plays guitar, bass, and violin. He is best known as the bass player for the British band, Family from 1969 to 1971.-Biography:...
, playing as a member of Family on record for the first time. Weider also provides a lilting violin solo in the middle eight. The song fades out with a quickly paced jam, with plenty of "pickin' and grinnin'" country and western guitar from Whitney. Roger Chapman's relaxed vocals add to the gentle nature of the lyrics.
Trivia
"No Mule's Fool" was not intended to appear on an album, but in the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, United Artists Records placed it at the beginning of the U.S. edition of Family's 1970 album A Song For Me
A Song for Me
-Side two:- Additional Tracks on the February 2007 Re-release :# "No Mules Fool"# "Good Friend Of Mine"# "Drowned In Wine" # "Cat And The Rat" # "Wheels" # "Song For Me" -Personnel:*Roger Chapman – vocals, percussion...
.
"No Mule's Fool" and its B-side, "Good Friend of Mine," were the last Family recordings to feature Jim King, who left the group shortly thereafter, as well as the first Family recordings to feature Weider.