The slithery serpent has been a source of fascination for humankind since the beginning of time. Its sleek and stealthy moves, poisonous bite, and hypnotic gaze have inspired countless works of art, literature, and music.
In the world of music, snakes have been the subject of many a song, each capturing the enigmatic allure and danger of the reptile in its own unique way. From blues and rock to indie and hip-hop, the snake has served as a symbol of temptation, betrayal, and transformation.
Here, we explore some of the most interesting and inspiring songs about snakes that have made their way into the musical canon.
“Snake Song” – Isobel Campbell
Isobel Campbell’s haunting “Snake Song” glides smoothly with her mellow vocals and stripped-down acoustic guitar, yet it carries a subtly eerie vibe, alluding to a snake’s sly and dangerous nature.
The song paints a picture of a snake charmer attempting to lure a serpent out of hiding, while the lyrics evoke a sense of foreboding, as if warning of the dangers that may arise from such an act. Campbell’s ethereal voice blends with the song’s minimalistic style, creating a visceral effect that lingers long after the song has ended.
“Snake Charmer” – blink-182
The punk rock group blink-182 has released a song about snakes, titled “Snake Charmer.” With fast-paced instrumentals and lyrics filled with ambiguity, the track reflects the unpredictability and cunning nature of snakes.
The intense burstiness of the composition and the thematic complexity of the lyrics make “Snake Charmer” a compelling and thought-provoking addition to any playlist about snakes.
“The Snake” – Al Wilson
“The Snake” by Al Wilson is a poignant, bluesy song about the dangers of trusting the wrong people. Wilson’s smooth, soulful voice laments the story of a woman who is charmed by a deceptive lover, represented by the metaphor of a snake. The moody guitar riffs and the powerful, wailing chorus perfectly capture the turbulent emotions of the protagonist, creating an enthralling and dynamic listening experience.
Wilson’s use of vivid imagery and intense musicality make “The Snake” a haunting and unforgettable addition to any playlist centered on serpentine themes.
“Snake Eyes” – Mumford & Sons
“Mumford & Sons’ ‘Snake Eyes’ remains a hauntingly beautiful track that delves into deep introspection. The song features an acoustic guitar melody intertwined with somber lyrics describing the feeling of loneliness and reflection.
The poetic complexity of this track is magnified by the emotional vocal performance of lead singer, Marcus Mumford, adding to the track’s powerful narrative. ‘Snake Eyes’ seems like an ode to those internal struggles that are difficult to express but are nonetheless felt deeply.”
“Snake Oil” – Steve Earle
The track by Steve Earle titled “Snake Oil” is a perfect fit for this theme of songs about snakes. The song tells a story about a man who is peddling a questionable product, akin to snake oil. The lyrics are poetic and grip the listener’s attention, painting vivid imagery of the salesman’s trickery.
The artist’s distinct voice and the melody’s bluesy tones create a sense of intrigue and mystery around the character of the snake oil salesman. Such an imbroglio narrative has a way of evoking a sense of wonder and awe in any listener.
“Snakebite” – Alice Cooper
“Snakebite” by Alice Cooper is a riveting and electrifying track that perfectly captures the mysterious and captivating essence of the enigmatic reptile. The song features Alice Cooper’s signature theatrical vocals and hard-rocking instrumentals that will leave listeners spellbound and enthralled.
The lyrics vividly paint a picture of the king of all snakes, portraying its power and allure in a hauntingly beautiful way. This song is a must-listen for anyone who wants to experience the dark and enchanting world of the snake.
“Snake in the Grass” – Annihilator
The enigmatic “Snake in the Grass” by Midnight Oil is a tantalizing, multi-layered addition to the canon of snake-themed tunes. The tense, brooding instrumentation builds a sense of unease that graphically captures the serpentine quality of the snake, then expands into a surprisingly upbeat, almost celebratory outro.
The abstract lyrics play with notions of deception and lurking danger, hinting at a deeper complexity beneath the surface of the song’s straightforward façade, much like the snake itself slithers below the underbrush.
“Snake Dance” – The March Violets
“Snake Dance” by The March Violets is an electrifying tune that captures the intense and mysterious nature of the slithering serpents. The song’s pulsating beat and edgy guitar riffs, coupled with the singer’s haunting vocals, create an atmosphere of intrigue and tension.
With lyrics like “one step forward, two steps back, snake dance, breaking your back,” the track evokes the unpredictability of these cold-blooded creatures. The March Violets have successfully crafted a musical tribute to the enigmatic and elusive nature of snakes.
