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Emmylou Harris — Snake Song
Album: Poet - a tribute to Townes Van Zandt
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 984









Released: 2001
Length: 2:27
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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You can't hold me
I'm too slippery
I do no sleepin'
I get lonely
you can touch me
if you want to
I got poison
I just might bite you

Lie in circles
on the sunlight
shine like diamonds
on a dark night
ain't no mercy
in my smilin'
only fangs and
sweet beguiling

Future, he don't
try to find me
skin I been through
dies behind me
solid hollow
wrapped in hatred
not a drop of
venom wasted

You can slip in
try to find me
hold your breath and
flat deny me
it makes no difference
to my thinkin'
I'll be here when
you start sinkin'
Comments (61)add comment
All hail Emmylou.
Posted 1 month ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
2 geniuses
Posted 1 year ago by mach-hog    [ Reply ]
 dwsneed wrote:

That "dude" is Towns Van Zandt, one of the greatest song writers, ever.


Ever, ever.
Posted 2 years ago by sergeant_x    [ Reply ]
 dwsneed wrote:

That "dude" is Towns Van Zandt, one of the greatest song writers, ever.



Townes Van Zandt is also one of the most influential songwriters also.

Steve Earl, not a bad songwriter himself, named his late son, Justin Townes Earl.
Posted 3 years ago by Ok_Sobriquet    [ Reply ]
 Ipse_Dixit wrote:
The dude on the album cover looks like Greg from Succession.
 
That "dude" is Towns Van Zandt, one of the greatest song writers, ever.
Posted 4 years ago by dwsneed    [ Reply ]
Towns and Emmylou, a combination that makes for pure excellence.
Posted 4 years ago by dwsneed    [ Reply ]
More Townes Van Zandt! He is too incredible to be relegated to such obscurity on this incredible station. 
Posted 4 years ago by dmcanany    [ Reply ]
The dude on the album cover looks like Greg from Succession.
Posted 5 years ago by Ipse_Dixit    [ Reply ]
 Shesdifferent wrote:
Why do I have to endure this stuff just to get to the good songs? The song doesn't even have a melody.
 

To build character. I'm sure you are better for it.
Posted 5 years ago by kazoo    [ Reply ]
Posted 5 years ago by Noni163    [ Reply ]
always happy to hear townes’ music
Posted 6 years ago by steven88    [ Reply ]
Well this song certainly made me curious about the album, and a look-up at 'AllMusic' gives it a rave review and high marks from both critics and listeners, for those of you who might be interested.
Posted 7 years ago by ExpatLarry    [ Reply ]
 Shesdifferent wrote:
Why do I have to endure this stuff just to get to the good songs? The song doesn't even have a melody.
 
You may want to look up the definition of the word "melody" before you go around denying its existence.  This song certainly has a melody.
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Strong song, this singer is worth knowing more about, and the subject is even more fascinating imo
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
right on the money!
Posted 9 years ago by Daddy_Twist    [ Reply ]
I happened to meet Emmylou yesterday (Apr. 1st) at Vanderbilt in Nashville. We were there just waiting at valet parking for our cars to come around. What a kind soul, a real sweetheart.
Posted 9 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
 
TVZ wasn't country

rulebritannia wrote:
Liking this song makes me afraid I'm starting to like....Country!

 


Posted 9 years ago by ZLEX    [ Reply ]
Coming back from listening to Townes Van Zandt on YouTube to this.  Interesting!
Posted 9 years ago by tonypf    [ Reply ]
{#Clap}
Posted 9 years ago by Pezz9    [ Reply ]
{#Sleep}
Posted 13 years ago by MiracleDrug    [ Reply ]
Liking this song makes me afraid I'm starting to like....Country!
Posted 13 years ago by rulebritannia    [ Reply ]
Kregg wrote:
"well emmylou stands up next to a mountain"
Certainly an innovative version of Voodoo Child. The guitar break is a completely new treatment.
Posted 18 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
"well emmylou stands up next to a mountain"
Posted 18 years ago by Kregg    [ Reply ]
lou lou is bringing the place DOWN!
Posted 18 years ago by tony620d    [ Reply ]
not diggin it
Posted 18 years ago by nick_valensi    [ Reply ]
Shesdifferent wrote:
Why do I have to endure this stuff just to get to the good songs? The song doesn't even have a melody.
Time to revoke your visa
Posted 18 years ago by rixtar99    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by johnnnynav    [ Reply ]
I hate to say, cause I love Emmylou, but her voice really sounds ravaged and it breaks my heart.
Posted 19 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
have good, get give babyarm
Posted 19 years ago by Glockman45    [ Reply ]
janellish wrote:
spectacular sparseness. i love the banjo twang. this is the kind of country folk bit that i can really get into.
Oh, whatta beautiful sweet voice. (And what a lineup on that album.)
Posted 19 years ago by eeching2004    [ Reply ]
spectacular sparseness. i love the banjo twang. this is the kind of country folk bit that i can really get into.
Posted 19 years ago by janellish    [ Reply ]
She just played this last weekend at Speedway Meadows in Golden Gate Park at a bluegrass festival. 5 stages 2 days of music FREE! Emmylou was a stand out favorite.
Posted 19 years ago by Faithful_Fool    [ Reply ]
This is a new one on me. Nice Emmylou. I like the sparseness of this.
Posted 19 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
Shesdifferent wrote:
Why do I have to endure this stuff just to get to the good songs? The song doesn't even have a melody.
I love her voice when she sings like this, this is very nice IMHO...
Posted 19 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]
Why do I have to endure this stuff just to get to the good songs? The song doesn't even have a melody.
Posted 19 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
WTF? After this set I had to double-check to make sure I hadn't accidentally selected my Twang City bookmark.
Posted 19 years ago by drover    [ Reply ]
Ohhh, Banjo Segue....Nice !!!
Posted 19 years ago by psycholynx    [ Reply ]
kellyeden wrote:
Don't forget to go waaayyyy back, to Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town, Elite Hotel and, especially, Luxury Liner. Emmylou was singing songs written by Rodney Crowell, Townes Van Zandt and Gram Parsons, to name a few. Her Hot Band was just that, with Ricky Skaggs, Crowell and Albert Lee. Don't miss Roses in the Snow for the most beautiful version of "Wayfaring Stranger" you'll ever hear.
These early albums are more "country" but I agree that she had a MONSTER band and plenty of energy on these. I also agree with a previous poster that "Wrecking Ball" is a killer CD...and not so "country", if that is an issue.
Posted 19 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
When Emmylou sings "just might bite you" I stand up and take notice!
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
My comment was in reponse to the question about Emmy's best album. Lots of good comments in response to this question. However, I'd like to suggest something that isn't an ELH album, but an epiphany anyway: check out Graham Parson's Grievous Angel. Around 1973, I'd heard the Parson's album was great, but I didn't know it was also going to introduce me to someone (ELH) who would still be a compelling artist 30 years later.
Posted 19 years ago by tonypf    [ Reply ]
Clever transition. But the crappy Dylan song still sucked!
Posted 19 years ago by mrmojorisin    [ Reply ]
Beautiful. Emmylou Harris and Patty Griffin rank among my RP must-explore "discoveries".
Posted 19 years ago by resonator    [ Reply ]
Miles wrote:
Can anyone recommend their favorite ELH album and describe it? Thanks.
I'll respect any answer to this question, but I have to go with Red Dirt Girl. God, her voice is even sexier on that album than it is in this song.
Posted 19 years ago by MikeWC    [ Reply ]
Damn - I thought this was The Eagle's Journey of the Sourcerer when I heard the intro.
Posted 19 years ago by grizzly_anderson    [ Reply ]
Miles wrote:
Can anyone recommend their favorite ELH album and describe it? Thanks.
If I had to pick just one, I'd go with Cowgirl's Prayer. It's production is a little sparer than her recent work, just a few instruments, some tasteful backup, and that voice. If you want to try something of hers you probably haven't heard try her Christmas album Light of the Stable. Nothing terribly novel there of course, except for the title song (it was new to me anyways). She has backed up nearly everybody, so sometimes it feels like I hear her everywhere...hey Bill! Here's a theme for you: a string of songs with Emmylou on backup. It might surprise a few people with how well she gets around.
Posted 19 years ago by Lazy8    [ Reply ]
Townes Van Zandt is probably the best poet/musician in the history of music!!! If anyone liked this version I recommend listening to Townes, he is simply wonderful!!!
Posted 20 years ago by trixie    [ Reply ]
Favorite ELH? Damn, that's tough! Old, new. Live, studio. It's all good. For some good old stuff, check out "Live at the Ryman". There are some great live covers, such as Steve Earle's "Guitar Town", Nanci Griffith's "It's a Hard Life Wherever You Go", and John Fogerty's "(Stuck Here in) Lodi". The disc has a bit of a bluegrassy feel to it with covers of some really good Bill Monroe tunes. For an electrified feel, I'd go with "Spyboy". There's an absolutely wicked live version of "Deeper Well". Talk about a tune with a seriously tribal feel! The disc was recorded when they were working on "Wrecking Ball", so it gives a good alternate perspective to the finely crafted work of "Wrecking Ball". ...And just to prove she's still got it, you should listen to "Stumble into Grace". This time she went with all her own material (with help on some from the likes of the McGarrigle sisters), and almost all the songs hit me in some way or another. As far as the Mrs. Robinson thing goes, ay yi yi. Just have a look at the photo of her on the front of "Stumbling into Grace"!
Posted 20 years ago by unclejoey_ct    [ Reply ]
GolfRomeo wrote:
my Mrs. Robinson. Growl.
Emmylou or Townes Van Zandt?
Posted 20 years ago by misterlee    [ Reply ]
my Mrs. Robinson. Growl.
Posted 20 years ago by GolfRomeo    [ Reply ]
Emmylou is so good at what she does. She is truly an icon.
Posted 20 years ago by Red_Dragon    [ Reply ]
Miles wrote:
Can anyone recommend their favorite ELH album and describe it? Thanks.
Don't forget to go waaayyyy back, to Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town, Elite Hotel and, especially, Luxury Liner. Emmylou was singing songs written by Rodney Crowell, Townes Van Zandt and Gram Parsons, to name a few. Her Hot Band was just that, with Ricky Skaggs, Crowell and Albert Lee. Don't miss Roses in the Snow for the most beautiful version of "Wayfaring Stranger" you'll ever hear.
Posted 20 years ago by kellyeden    [ Reply ]
Miles wrote:
Can anyone recommend their favorite ELH album and describe it? Thanks.
I love Red Dirt Girl . It has many songs on it whose lyrics are captivating. Among the songs on there that are brilliant are "The Pearl," "Michaelangelo," "Red Dirt Girl," and "My Baby Needs A Shepherd." I have used "The Pearl" in teaching my honors English class as a perfect example of double meaning and Biblical allusion. It is worth looking into if you think Emmylou Harris is for you.
Posted 20 years ago by dolfan    [ Reply ]
Miles wrote:
Can anyone recommend their favorite ELH album and describe it? Thanks.
"Wrecking Ball" - I believe her first collaboration with Daniel Lanois. Traditional Americana writing and vocals combined with Lanois' trademark ambient textures and unconventional instrumentation.
Posted 20 years ago by bigpomp    [ Reply ]
the subtle yodelling sound that i hear at the beginning of each high-pitched line does not do anything for me.
Posted 20 years ago by PattonFever    [ Reply ]
Can anyone recommend their favorite ELH album and describe it? Thanks.
Posted 20 years ago by Miles    [ Reply ]
grizzly_anderson wrote:
the opening riff (can you call it that on a banjo?) made me think it was Journey of the Sourcerer until I heard Emmylou's voice...
I heard that as well!
Posted 21 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]
the opening riff (can you call it that on a banjo?) made me think it was Journey of the Sourcerer until I heard Emmylou\'s voice...
Posted 21 years ago by grizzly_anderson    [ Reply ]
Nice. Do you think Greg Brown heard this before he wrote "Lull It By"?
Posted 21 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by Patti_M.: Any song w/a banjo in it, perks up my ears! Good song. pbm 8^)
Agreed! (pimp)
Posted 21 years ago by MsfStl    [ Reply ]