“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
You know, the other night I found myself diving back into some classic country tunes, and I stumbled upon Charley Pride’s “The Snakes Crawl at Night.” Have you listened to it lately? It’s one of those songs that, no matter how many times I hear it, still sends a shiver down my spine.
What strikes me most about this song is how it weaves a tale of betrayal and the dark corners of the human heart. It’s about a man who discovers his lover’s infidelity and grapples with the consuming emotions that follow. The metaphor of snakes crawling at night is just so vivid, isn’t it? It perfectly captures that feeling of unseen dangers lurking just beneath the surface, waiting to strike when you least expect it.
Charley Pride’s voice adds an extra layer of depth to the story. There’s this raw honesty in his delivery that makes you feel every ounce of the protagonist’s pain and turmoil. It’s like he’s not just singing the song—he’s living it. And that authenticity is something I think we all crave in music. It reminds us that our deepest, sometimes darkest emotions are shared experiences.
What’s also incredible about “The Snakes Crawl at Night” is its place in music history. Released in 1966, it was Charley Pride’s debut single. Can you imagine the courage it took for him to step into the country music scene at that time? As one of the first Black artists to achieve major success in country music, he broke barriers and opened doors for so many others. This song was the starting point of a career that would challenge norms and reshape the genre’s landscape.
Listening to it now, I can’t help but think about how its themes are still so relevant. The feelings of betrayal, jealousy, and the complexities of love are universal and timeless. It makes me reflect on how music can capture the essence of human experiences that transcend generations. Have you ever felt that way about a song?
I also love how the song blends traditional country sounds with a bit of a bluesy undertone. The instrumentation complements the mood perfectly—it’s somber yet gripping. Every time I hear that opening riff, I know I’m about to be taken on an emotional journey.
If you haven’t given it a proper listen in a while, I highly recommend setting aside a few quiet minutes to really absorb it. Maybe grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, find a comfy spot, and let Charley Pride’s storytelling wash over you. It’s amazing how music can connect us to emotions we didn’t even realize we were feeling.
Anyway, I just wanted to share that with you because it’s been on my mind. Songs like “The Snakes Crawl at Night” remind me of the power of music to tell stories that resonate deeply, no matter how much time has passed. It’s a testament to Charley Pride’s talent and the enduring nature of truly heartfelt songwriting.
Video
Lyrics
All te snakes crawl at night that’s what they say
When the sun goes down then the sneaks will play
I watched that car pull right up into my driveway
Saw a shadow slip away from my house
So I hurried straight and looked in her room
And I found out that it was my loving spouse
All te snakes crawl at night…
So I waited in the shadows until morning and the gun I held was trembling in my hand
No I did not plan to give them any warning
Cause the devil on my shoulder had command
All te snakes crawl at night…
Oh the trial in a little while was over and they sentenced me to die right away
But before I leave this courtroom please Your Honor
There’s something more that I would like to say
All te snakes crawl at night…
All te snakes crawl at night…