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Introduction
When you hear the title The Snakes Crawl at Night, you might expect a tale of danger and deception lurking in the shadows—and you wouldn’t be far off. This haunting classic by Charley Pride, released in 1966, takes you deep into the realm of betrayal and revenge, wrapped up in the sorrowful twang of country music. It’s a narrative-driven piece, one that feels almost like a Southern gothic short story set to music, making it all the more compelling.
The song revolves around a man who’s been done wrong, and it’s not shy about delving into dark themes. The lyrics tell the chilling story of a husband who suspects his wife of infidelity. As he watches and waits, the metaphorical “snakes” of deceit and jealousy slither closer. When he finally catches his wife in the act, his rage takes over, leading to a tragic outcome. The protagonist is not just grappling with his wife’s betrayal but also wrestling with his own darker instincts—ultimately deciding to take matters into his own hands. The story ends with a grim revelation: he’s telling his tale from behind bars, paying the price for a crime of passion. The song doesn’t just reveal what happened; it forces the listener to confront the emotional turmoil that led to such a devastating decision.
This was one of Charley Pride’s earlier hits, and while it didn’t chart as high as some of his later songs, The Snakes Crawl at Night set the stage for the powerful storytelling and evocative voice that would define his career. Charley Pride brought something special to the genre—a rich, velvety baritone voice that could convey every nuance of pain, regret, and fury. But beyond the voice, it was his ability to make you feel each line that made this song unforgettable.
There’s a starkness to the lyrics that pairs perfectly with Pride’s delivery. The simple instrumentation—guitar, fiddle, and subtle percussion—leaves plenty of space for the story to breathe. This arrangement draws listeners closer, compelling them to hang on every word as the tale unfolds. And while it’s a song of heartbreak, it’s also a cautionary tale about letting jealousy and vengeance consume you.
It’s worth noting that this song was written by legendary songwriters Mel Tillis and Fred Burch, who knew how to craft a story that pulls at the listener’s emotions. They penned a number of hits, but The Snakes Crawl at Night stands out for its unique combination of vivid imagery and raw emotion. The way the song’s title acts as a symbol for deceit—suggesting that evil deeds often happen under the cover of darkness—gives it a timeless appeal. Even today, it’s a stark reminder of what can happen when love turns into something twisted and toxic.
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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…