From the recording Reptiles and Monsters
Based on true stories about my encounters with Venomous Snakes growing up in Texas
If you're not a herpatologist or a Texan, there are four venomous snakes in Texas--The western diamondback rattlesnake, the copperhead, the cottonmouth (aka water moccasin), and the coral snake.
Yes, I really did encounter each of these as a kid out in nature. No, I never got bit, though I probalby should have because I went a lot of dumb places without adult supervision like most of us did in the 70s and 80s. This is why Gen X is so tough.
There was some controversy when I first started playing this song because it says "Four Poisonous snakes of Texas". People were quick to point out that snakes are not poisionous, but venomous. I can't argue with that, but "poisonous" just sounds cooler. I did throw in one "venomous" near the end for you critics.
I want to dedicate this song to my mom who was kept us safe from many dangers while Dad was at work.
I also want to hank my friend Shelly who hleped with arranging this song and played 2/3 of the guitar on this track and gaver me lots of mixing advice since I struggle with mixing heavy guitars.
vocals and some guitar, bass--Mark Orr
rhythm and lead guitar-Shelly Woolf
Lyrics
Four poisonous snakes of Texas, I’ve stared down each one in the wild.
I’m gonna tell you all about it,How I faced each one as a child.
Rattlesnake, you’ll never forget your first time.
I saw you out in the bushes when I was five.
I wanted to run and yell,But my momma taught me to stand real still.
When you see a rattlesnake and you’ll survive.
Cottonmouth, I met you when I was swimming In the Colorado River in July.
When out of the water you raised your head,I thought for sure I’d soon be dead.
But I casually swam away and didn’t die.
Four poisonous snakes of Texas, I’ve stared down each one in the wild.
I’m gonna tell you all about it, How I faced each one as a child.
Copperhead, when I saw you in the woods, I thought I’d be dead.
But a Cub Scout has to be mentally awake.
I threw a rock his way, And to my surprise, he slithered away.
And that was the last I heard of that there snake.
Coral Snake, you were the deadliest one.I met you when I was out mowing the lawn.
I told my mom about you,And she knew exactly what to do.
She chopped him up with an axe, and he was gone.
Poisonous snakes, poisonous snakes, Poisonous snakes of Texas.
What did I learn from all these lessons?You must be careful where you tread.
You better watch out, look around you,Or you might get injured or dead.
My friend you just got to be careful, Watch your step everywhere you walk.
And be prepared because there’s people Who spit out poison when they talk.
Poisonous snakes, venomous snakes,Poisonous snakes of Texas.
Four poisonous snakes of Texas, I’ve stared down each one in the wild.
And I done told you all about it,How I faced each one as a child.
How I faced each one as a child.