About the song
In the realm of country music, Charley Pride stands as a towering figure, his voice resonating with both power and grace. Throughout his illustrious career, he has captivated audiences with his heartfelt melodies and poignant lyrics, cementing his status as one of the genre’s most beloved icons. Among his many hits, one song stands out for its unique blend of traditional country storytelling and a dark, foreboding atmosphere: “The Snakes Crawl at Night”.
Released in 1966, the song marked Pride’s debut single with RCA Victor, and it quickly established him as a rising star in the country music scene. The song’s opening notes immediately set the tone, with a haunting guitar melody that creates a sense of unease and suspense. Pride’s vocals, imbued with a world-weary weariness, weave a tale of a man haunted by his past and the dangers that lurk in the shadows.
The lyrics, penned by Mel Tillis and Fred Burch, are a masterclass in storytelling, painting vivid imagery of a rural setting where danger lurks beneath the surface. The protagonist, a man haunted by his past mistakes, finds himself trapped in a cycle of fear and paranoia, convinced that the “snakes” of his past are always slithering closer.
The song’s arrangement masterfully complements the lyrical darkness and emotional intensity of Pride’s vocals. The driving beat, punctuated by the twang of the guitar, provides a relentless undercurrent, while the interplay of fiddle, banjo, and steel guitar adds layers of texture and atmosphere. The overall effect is a soundscape that perfectly encapsulates the song’s message of lurking danger and the inescapable weight of the past.
“The Snakes Crawl at Night” is more than just a country ballad; it is a cautionary tale about the destructive power of guilt and fear. It is a song that speaks to the universal human experience of wrestling with our demons and the lingering shadows of our past. With its timeless melody, dark lyrics, and haunting vocals, “The Snakes Crawl at Night” remains a chilling and unforgettable classic in the annals of country music.
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Lyrics
All te snakes crawl at night that’s what they sayWhen the sun goes down then the sneaks will playI watched that car pull right up into my drivewaySaw a shadow slip away from my houseSo I hurried straight and looked in her roomAnd I found out that it was my loving spouseAll te snakes crawl at night…So I waited in the shadows until morning and the gun I held was trembling in my handNo I did not plan to give them any warningCause the devil on my shoulder had commandAll te snakes crawl at night…Oh the trial in a little while was over and they sentenced me to die right awayBut before I leave this courtroom please Your HonorThere’s something more that I would like to sayAll te snakes crawl at night…All te snakes crawl at night…