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Introduction
Charley Pride’s “The Snakes Crawl at Night” is one of those hidden gems that often flies under the radar but holds a special place in the heart of country music enthusiasts. Released in the mid-1960s, this track became a stepping stone for Pride, who was just beginning to navigate his way through the country music industry. Listening to it today feels like stepping back in time to a period when storytelling was at the heart of country music.
This song is classic country through and through. With its haunting, cautionary lyrics and the rich, smooth voice of Charley Pride, it captures the tension of a tale filled with deceit, regret, and ultimate retribution. The song spins a story about betrayal and the darkness that often lies just beneath the surface of relationships. The metaphor of snakes crawling at night cleverly reflects the hidden dangers that lurk in the shadows, reminding listeners that sometimes the most dangerous threats are the ones you don’t see coming.
What’s particularly compelling about this track is how Pride’s emotive voice draws you into the story. There’s a sincerity in his delivery that makes the narrative feel real, almost as if he’s lived through it himself. It’s easy to get lost in the lyrics, where every line feels like it was written with a purpose. The vivid imagery of the night and the lurking snakes gives the song an almost cinematic quality, painting a picture that’s easy to visualize.
At the time of its release, Charley Pride was breaking barriers as one of the few African-American artists in country music, a genre traditionally dominated by white musicians. His rise to stardom was no small feat, and “The Snakes Crawl at Night” was part of his journey to proving that great music transcends race and background. It’s fascinating to think about how this song played a part in paving the way for a more inclusive music industry.
Musically, the song is straightforward but effective, with its traditional country arrangement featuring twangy guitars and a steady rhythm that mirrors the creeping tension in the lyrics. There’s a simplicity to its production that feels timeless, proving that sometimes less truly is more when it comes to crafting an emotionally resonant piece.
Overall, “The Snakes Crawl at Night” is a testament to the storytelling tradition in country music, where each song is like a chapter in a much larger book of life’s ups and downs. Charley Pride’s delivery is heartfelt, and you can almost hear the weight of the song’s themes in his voice. It’s a piece that invites listeners to reflect on trust, deception, and the shadows that people carry with them.
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…