You know, there’s this song I’ve been hooked on lately called “The Snakes Crawl at Night” by Charley Pride. It’s got this haunting melody that just pulls you in, and before you know it, you’re completely absorbed in the story it tells. The song dives deep into themes of betrayal and jealousy, wrapped up in a classic country sound that’s both nostalgic and timeless.
What really gets me is how vividly it paints the picture of someone grappling with suspicion and the lengths they might go when trust is broken. Pride’s voice carries so much emotion—it’s smooth yet tinged with this raw vulnerability that makes the lyrics hit even harder. Every time I listen, I catch a new nuance, a different layer to the story, and it just resonates on a personal level.
And here’s the thing: beyond its gripping narrative, the song also marks an important moment in music history. Charley Pride was one of the first Black artists to make a significant impact on the country music scene, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. Knowing that adds an extra depth to the song—it’s not just a great track; it’s a piece of cultural significance.
If you haven’t heard it yet, you should definitely give it a listen. It’s one of those songs that makes you feel something real, reminding you of the power music has to tell stories and connect us through shared emotions
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Lyrics
Oh the snakes crawl at night, that’s what they say
When the sun goes down, then the snakes 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
Oh, the snakes crawl at night, that’s what they say
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
Oh, the snakes crawl at night, that’s what they say
When the sun goes down, then the snakes will play
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 the snakes crawl at night, that’s what they say
When the sun goes down, then the snakes will play