21 Songs About Snakes And Serpents

Slithering through the annals of music history, snakes and serpents have long captivated songwriters with their mysterious allure and rich symbolism. As someone who’s always been fascinated by these enigmatic creatures, I’ve found myself drawn to songs that explore their complex nature. From the temptation they represent in biblical tales to their association with transformation and rebirth in various cultures, snakes offer a wealth of metaphorical material for musicians to sink their fangs into.

In this playlist about snakes and serpents, we’ll wind our way through various genres and eras, exploring how different artists have used serpentine imagery to convey everything from danger and deceit to wisdom and sensuality. Whether you’re a snake enthusiast like me or simply curious about how these remarkable reptiles have slithered their way into popular music, this list promises to be a fascinating journey through the musical world of scales and forked tongues.

1. “Snake Farm” by Ray Wylie Hubbard

Released in 2006, “Snake Farm” is one of Ray Wylie Hubbard’s most popular songs. It was inspired by a real roadside attraction called Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo in New Braunfels, Texas. Hubbard wrote the song after driving past the snake farm numerous times, imagining a love story between a man who dislikes snakes and a woman named Ramona who works at the snake farm. The song features a catchy, bluesy groove and humorous lyrics that play on the “nasty” connotations of a snake farm. It has become a staple of Hubbard’s live performances.

2. “The Snake” by Al Wilson

Originally written by Oscar Brown Jr. in 1963, “The Snake” was recorded and released by Al Wilson in 1968. The song tells a cautionary tale inspired by Aesop’s fable “The Farmer and the Viper”. It describes a woman who takes in a frozen snake, nurses it back to health, only to be bitten by the revived reptile. The song became a hit on the Northern soul scene in the UK in the 1970s. In recent years, it gained renewed attention when Donald Trump read its lyrics at campaign rallies to illustrate his views on immigration.

3. “Union of the Snake” by Duran Duran

Released in 1983 as the lead single from Duran Duran’s third album “Seven and the Ragged Tiger,” “Union of the Snake” became one of the band’s most popular hits. The song reached number three on both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100. Its abstract lyrics, according to singer Simon Le Bon, were influenced by Jim Morrison and The Doors. The song’s meaning has been subject to various interpretations, with Le Bon hinting at references to the subconscious mind and tantric sex. The track features a distinctive sound that helped define Duran Duran’s 1980s pop-rock style.

4. “Snakes” by Papa Roach

“Snakes” is a track from Papa Roach’s 2017 album “Crooked Teeth.” The song uses the metaphor of snakes to represent deceitful people and toxic relationships. With its hard-hitting guitar riffs and intense vocals, “Snakes” showcases Papa Roach’s signature nu-metal and alternative rock sound. The lyrics warn against trusting those who might betray you, with lines like “Watch your back, they’re gonna stab it / Snakes in the grass, trying to have it.” The song’s aggressive tone and catchy chorus make it a fan favorite at live performances.

5. “Crawling King Snake” by Big Joe Williams

“Crawling King Snake” is a classic Delta blues song first recorded by Big Joe Williams in 1941. The song uses the snake as a metaphor for a man’s sexual prowess and his pursuit of women. Williams’ version features his distinctive nine-string guitar playing and raw, emotive vocals. The lyrics contain double entendres typical of blues songs of the era, with lines like “I’m a crawling king snake baby, and I rule my den.” This song became influential in the blues genre and was later covered by many artists, including John Lee Hooker, who had a hit with his version in 1949.

6. “Snake Eyes and Sissies” by Marilyn Manson

“Snake Eyes and Sissies” is the eleventh track on Marilyn Manson’s debut studio album “Portrait of an American Family,” released in 1994. The song was initially intended to be the album’s lead single but was replaced by “Get Your Gunn.” It features Manson’s characteristic blend of industrial metal and shock rock elements. The lyrics are provocative and controversial, touching on themes of violence, sexuality, and social criticism. The song opens with a sampled quote from serial killer Richard Ramirez, setting a dark tone for the track.

The song’s title combines “snake eyes,” a losing roll in dice games, with “sissies,” a derogatory term for effeminate men, creating a juxtaposition that reflects Manson’s tendency to challenge social norms. Musically, it showcases the band’s early sound, with distorted guitars, pounding drums, and Manson’s distinctive vocals. The original version was longer (5:09) and contained additional lyrics that were cut from the final album version.

“Snake Eyes and Sissies” exemplifies Marilyn Manson’s early work, which often aimed to provoke and shock audiences while critiquing aspects of American culture. The song’s aggressive sound and controversial lyrics helped establish Manson’s reputation as a controversial figure in the rock music scene of the 1990s.

7. “There’s No Such Thing As A Jaggy Snake” by Biffy Clyro

Released in 2004, “There’s No Such Thing As A Jaggy Snake” is a track from Biffy Clyro’s album “Infinity Land”. This alternative rock song showcases the band’s signature style, featuring changing time signatures and angular guitar riffs. The song’s structure is unconventional, eschewing the typical verse-chorus format in favor of distinct sections with recurring musical ideas.

The track opens with a fast, erratic riff played on a Fender Stratocaster, followed by a distorted guitar section. The initial vocal part features screamed lyrics, a departure from traditional singing. The song then transitions into a section with a 5/4 time signature guitar riff.

Lyrically, the song is abstract and open to interpretation. It includes lines like “Take extra special care” and “Ribs break souls stay bare. Your forked stare cuts through”. The song’s title and content reflect Biffy Clyro’s tendency towards cryptic and thought-provoking lyrics.

8. “Spiders And Snakes” by Jim Stafford

“Spiders And Snakes” is a 1974 hit song by Jim Stafford, co-written with David Bellamy of The Bellamy Brothers. The song reached number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in Canada. It’s characterized as a swamp rock song, blending elements of country and rock music.

The lyrics tell a humorous story about a boy’s awkward attempts to impress a girl named Mary Lou. The verses are spoken rather than sung, with only the chorus being melodic. The narrator tries to catch Mary Lou’s attention by showing her frogs and other creatures, but she repeatedly expresses her dislike for spiders and snakes.

The song’s success was significant, spending over five months on the US charts and selling over a million copies. It was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA in March 1974.

9. “Cold Hearted” by Paula Abdul

Released in 1989, “Cold Hearted” (often referred to as “Cold Hearted Snake”) was Paula Abdul’s third consecutive number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Written and produced by Elliot Wolff, the song is a dance-pop track with a catchy chorus and energetic beat.

The lyrics warn about a deceitful man, metaphorically described as a “cold-hearted snake.” Abdul’s narrator cautions another woman about this untrustworthy individual, using vivid imagery: “He’s a cold-hearted snake, look into his eyes, oh oh oh, he’s been telling lies”.

Musically, the song features bright synth hooks, hard-hitting drum machine sounds, and dramatic string sections (created with synthesizers). The track includes a brief rap-like bridge, which adds to its dynamic nature.

“Cold Hearted” is also well-remembered for its iconic music video, which featured Abdul performing a provocative dance routine inspired by Bob Fosse’s choreography. The song’s success contributed significantly to Abdul’s rise as a pop star in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

10. “Serpentine Fire” by Earth, Wind & Fire

Released in October 1977, “Serpentine Fire” was a hit single from Earth, Wind & Fire’s album “All ‘N All”. The song reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart and number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Composed by Maurice White, Verdine White, and Reginald “Sonny” Burke, “Serpentine Fire” features the band’s signature blend of funk, soul, and R&B. The song’s title and lyrics reference the concept of kundalini energy in Eastern philosophy, which is often depicted as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine.

Musically, the track is characterized by its driving rhythm, punchy horn section, and intricate vocal harmonies. The production, handled by Maurice White, showcases the band’s tight musicianship and innovative sound. Critics praised the song’s energy and groove, with The Guardian describing it as running “on sheer adrenaline”.

“Serpentine Fire” spent seven weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart and was named the R&B single of the year by Billboard. Its success contributed to Earth, Wind & Fire’s status as one of the most influential and popular bands of the 1970s.

11. “I Want A Snake” by The Awesome Snakes

“I Want A Snake” is a track from The Awesome Snakes’ 2006 album “Venom”. The Awesome Snakes was a side project of Annie “Sparrows” Holoien and Danny Henry, both members of the punk band The Soviettes.

The song exemplifies the band’s deliberately simple and humorous approach to punk rock. With Holoien on bass and Henry on drums, “I Want A Snake” features a raw, distorted sound characteristic of garage punk. The lyrics, like many of the band’s songs, focus on snakes and “things that are awesome”.

“I Want A Snake” gained some additional exposure when it was featured in the Electronic Arts skateboarding video game “Skate 2”. This placement helped introduce the band’s quirky, snake-obsessed punk rock to a wider audience.

The album “Venom”, which includes “I Want A Snake”, received positive reviews from critics, particularly in the band’s home state of Minnesota. It was praised for its lo-fi aesthetic, humor, and energetic performances.

12. “The Serpent” by Genesis

“The Serpent” is a track from Genesis’ debut album “From Genesis to Revelation”, released in March 1969. At this time, Genesis consisted of Peter Gabriel (vocals), Tony Banks (keyboards), Anthony Phillips (guitar), Mike Rutherford (bass), and John Silver (drums).

Originally titled “She Is Beautiful”, the song was written by Tony Banks and Peter Gabriel. It was one of the earliest compositions by the band, dating back to their school days at Charterhouse.

Musically, “The Serpent” reflects the band’s early sound, which was more aligned with straightforward pop and psychedelic influences than their later progressive rock style. The album version features orchestral arrangements added by producer Jonathan King, a decision that wasn’t entirely welcomed by the band members.

Lyrically, the song likely plays on biblical imagery, given the album’s loose concept revolving around the books of Genesis and Revelation. However, specific details about the song’s lyrics are scarce in the available sources.

“The Serpent”, like the rest of the album, didn’t achieve commercial success upon its initial release. The album sold only 649 copies, partly due to marketing issues and being mistakenly filed under religious music in some stores. However, it has since become an interesting artifact for Genesis fans, showcasing the band’s early development before they established their progressive rock sound.

13. “I Palindrome I” by They Might Be Giants

Released in 1992 on the album “Apollo 18,” “I Palindrome I” is a quirky and clever song by the alternative rock duo They Might Be Giants. While not entirely about snakes, the song does feature a notable snake reference in its lyrics.

The song is structured around palindromes – words or phrases that read the same backward as forward. The title itself is a palindrome, and the lyrics are filled with them. The snake reference appears in the second verse:

“Someday mother will die and I’ll get the money

Mom leans down and says ‘my sentiments exactly’

You son of a bitch’

Son of a bitch, son of a bitch

Her mama was a baritone”

This verse is followed by the palindrome: “Egad, a base tone denotes a bad age,” which, when reversed, contains the phrase “a base tone,” connecting to the previous line about the baritone mother.

Musically, the song features They Might Be Giants’ characteristic blend of upbeat melodies, quirky instrumentation, and clever wordplay. The track’s energetic rhythm and catchy chorus contrast with its sometimes dark lyrical content, creating a dissonance that’s typical of the band’s style.

14. “Snake Song” by Townes Van Zandt

“Snake Song” is a haunting folk ballad by the legendary singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt, released on his 1969 album “Our Mother the Mountain.” The song exemplifies Van Zandt’s poetic lyricism and his ability to weave complex metaphors into seemingly simple folk tunes.

The lyrics use the image of a snake as a metaphor for addiction, temptation, or perhaps a toxic relationship. Van Zandt sings:

“Now the snake he has a sweet mouth

And he likes to make you laugh

But the snake he tells you lies, my love

And the snake he likes to bath”

The song’s melody is sparse and melancholic, featuring Van Zandt’s distinctive fingerpicking guitar style. His vocals are delivered with a sense of weariness and resignation, adding to the song’s overall mood of caution and regret.

“Snake Song” is considered one of Van Zandt’s more obscure tracks, but it showcases his talent for crafting deeply metaphorical lyrics that resonate on multiple levels. The song has been covered by various artists, including Norah Jones, further cementing its place in the folk music canon.

15. “Better Metal Snake” by Dethklok

“Better Metal Snake” is a track by the virtual death metal band Dethklok, featured in the animated series “Metalocalypse.” The song appears in the episode “Dethhealth” from the show’s third season.

In the context of the show, “Better Metal Snake” is performed by Dethklok after their guitarist, Toki Wartooth, is bitten by a snake and hospitalized. The band decides to create a “better” metal snake to combat the real snake, leading to this ridiculous yet catchy death metal tune.

Musically, “Better Metal Snake” features the hallmarks of death metal: growled vocals, heavily distorted guitars, blast beat drumming, and a relentlessly fast tempo. The lyrics, while absurd, play into the over-the-top nature of the show and the death metal genre:

“Mechanical serpent of hatred and spite

Crush the organic snake with all of your might”

The song parodies the tendency in metal music to create fantastical and often violent imagery, while also serving as a genuine example of the genre. Despite its comedic origins, “Better Metal Snake” is musically competent, showcasing the real musical talent behind the fictional band.

Like many Dethklok songs, “Better Metal Snake” blurs the line between parody and genuine metal music, appealing to both fans of the show and metal enthusiasts in general.

16. “Snakebite” by Alice Cooper

“Snakebite” is a track from Alice Cooper’s 1991 album “Hey Stoopid.” Known for his theatrical shock rock performances, Cooper often incorporates snake imagery into his music and stage shows.

The song features Cooper’s signature hard rock sound, with heavy guitar riffs and powerful vocals. Lyrically, “Snakebite” uses the metaphor of a snake’s venomous bite to describe a toxic relationship or a dangerous addiction. The chorus warns: “Snakebite, it’s a snakebite / You better watch out for that snakebite.”

Cooper’s use of snake imagery in this song aligns with his stage persona, where he often performs with live snakes. The track showcases his ability to blend horror themes with rock music, creating a dark and intense atmosphere that resonates with his fan base.

17. “Attacked By Snakes” by The Aquabats

“Attacked By Snakes” is a song by the American rock band The Aquabats, known for their quirky, humorous approach to music. The track appears on their 1997 album “The Fury of The Aquabats!”

True to The Aquabats’ style, “Attacked By Snakes” is an upbeat, energetic ska-punk song with a comical take on the fear of snakes. The lyrics describe various scenarios of snake attacks, exaggerating the threat in a playful manner.

The song’s fast-paced rhythm, horn section, and catchy chorus are characteristic of The Aquabats’ blend of ska, punk, and new wave influences. “Attacked By Snakes” exemplifies the band’s ability to create fun, lighthearted music while maintaining a high-energy rock sound.

18. “Snakes” by Pixies

“Snakes” is a track from the Pixies’ 2016 album “Head Carrier,” marking a return to their signature alternative rock sound after a long hiatus. The song showcases the band’s ability to blend catchy melodies with unconventional lyrics and structures.

Musically, “Snakes” features the Pixies’ characteristic loud-quiet-loud dynamic, with verses building up to a powerful chorus. The guitar work is intricate, with interweaving melodies and distorted riffs that are hallmarks of the Pixies’ sound.

Lyrically, the song is somewhat cryptic, as is often the case with Pixies tracks. The chorus repeats “Snakes are coming to your town / In tunnels underground,” creating an ominous, almost surreal atmosphere. This imagery could be interpreted as a metaphor for hidden threats or the subconscious mind.

“Snakes” demonstrates that even in their later career, the Pixies continue to produce music that is both accessible and artistically challenging, maintaining their status as influential figures in alternative rock.

19. “Snake Eyes” by Alan Parsons Project

“Snake Eyes” is a track from Alan Parsons Project’s 1980 album “The Turn of a Friendly Card.” The song is part of a concept album that explores themes of gambling and risk-taking.

Musically, “Snake Eyes” features the progressive rock sound that Alan Parsons Project is known for, with intricate instrumentation and layered production. The song combines elements of rock and electronic music, showcasing Parsons’ expertise as a producer and engineer.

Lyrically, “Snake Eyes” uses the imagery of rolling dice (where “snake eyes” refers to rolling two ones) as a metaphor for taking risks and facing unfavorable odds. While not directly about snakes, the song employs the gambling term to create a sense of tension and uncertainty.

The track’s atmospheric sound and thematic connection to chance and fate make it a fitting part of the album’s overall narrative about the allure and dangers of gambling.

20. “Long Snake Moan” by PJ Harvey

Released on PJ Harvey’s 1995 album “To Bring You My Love,” “Long Snake Moan” is a powerful and provocative track that uses snake imagery to explore themes of sexuality, power, and transcendence.

Musically, the song features a raw, blues-influenced sound with distorted guitars and Harvey’s intense vocal performance. The track’s heavy, grinding rhythm and repetitive structure create a hypnotic, almost trance-like effect.

Lyrically, Harvey employs vivid and sometimes unsettling imagery. The “long snake moan” of the title could be interpreted as a reference to sexual pleasure, spiritual ecstasy, or both. Lines like “You oughta hear my long snake moan” and “It’s my voodoo working” suggest a connection between sexuality and a kind of mystical power.

The song also incorporates religious imagery, with references to baptism (“Dunk you under / Deep salt water”) and resurrection (“Raise me up, Lord / Call me Lazarus”). This blending of the sexual and the spiritual is characteristic of Harvey’s work, challenging traditional boundaries and exploring the complex intersections of desire, power, and transcendence.

21. “Snake Charmer” by Blink-182

“Snake Charmer” appears on Blink-182’s 2011 album “Neighborhoods,” marking a more mature sound for the pop-punk band. The song uses the metaphor of a snake charmer to explore themes of temptation and dangerous attraction.

Musically, “Snake Charmer” features the band’s characteristic energetic guitar work and catchy melodies, but with a darker, more complex sound than their earlier work. The track incorporates elements of alternative rock and post-hardcore, reflecting the band’s evolution.

Lyrically, the song tells the story of a seductive and potentially dangerous woman, likened to a snake charmer. Lines like “She’s a snake charmer / She’s a demon spawn” paint a picture of an irresistible yet perilous attraction. The snake imagery is used throughout to represent temptation and danger.

The song can be interpreted as a commentary on toxic relationships or more broadly as an exploration of the allure of danger and the potential consequences of giving in to temptation.

“Snake Charmer” showcases Blink-182’s ability to tackle more mature themes while maintaining their signature sound, using the snake metaphor to add depth and intrigue to their storytelling.

Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.