AL WILSON - THE SNAKE (RARE VIDEO FOOTAGE)

[@wannabehapi]

"The Snake" is a song written and first recorded by civil-rights activist Oscar Brown in 1963; it became a hit single for American singer Al Wilson in 1968.

[@DUCKDUCKGOISMUCHBETTER]

What a great song, based on one of the famous Aesop's Fables from thousands of years ago. And absolutely full of metaphors and allegories to some unfortunate characteristics we can encounter in human nature, if we don't use good judgment about some people.

[@yvonnewatkinson840]

Love this song duck (nottingham

[@corkiejean1995]

It’s like the Scorpion and Frog fable

[@Bamaboompa]

2023 - more than ever, a snake is a snake is a snake 🐍

[@blessingsabove2716]

Exactly!!! So True 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯🙏

[@joetoe9947]

☝️… and some snakes NEVER change… (us 50/1 🐍s)…

[@tagtv]

A Northern Soul anthem in Britain, still filling huge dancefloors to this day.

[@lolgrant]

Moral of the story: only Al Wilson can pull off double-denim

[@kresivarivkah612]

Lol. Truth.

[@anfrankogezamartincic1161]

In fact,it's tripple,that hat is pretty obvious

[@JuneBaby01]

...haha, but I'd have to say you wrong this fashion was prevalent back in those days...a common sight!

[@DUCKDUCKGOISMUCHBETTER]

I pull off double denim every day of the week, lol.

[@buck546]

Al was pure seventies in that outfit and topped off with white platform shoes! I loved that decade best years of my life!

[@Gallop4Me]

It's still a great song in 2020 and Al Wilson knew how to sing this song!!!!!! Moral of story: A snake is a snake is a snake . . . . .

[@MsNaplin113]

Is this not pre-recorded? Either way amazing singer

[@darblanchard3968]

As is Ilhan Nur Said Elmi!

[@godsbelovedchild1810]

...And Al Wilson is a legend. The pride of black lives, as are Chadwick Boseman, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan

[@ysosirius2886]

Moral of story is Communism is here and you let the muthafkrs in 🤣

[@truthtriumphant5503]

Some snakes love to recite it!!!

[@Mftjan2000]

As a therapist, I often quoted this song to female clients....."Oh shut up silly woman, said that reptile with a grin: You knew damned well I was a snake before you took me in!" Lol.

[@tanyawebber8867]

A great northern soul track...a Tune!!..

[@DouglasGarrett-b5h]

Still listening to this awesome tune at age 70+

[@wombatcarebundanoon942]

What a powerful beautiful song....and a mighty man's voice driving it. Al Wilson...amazing! What a cool time to have be alive....I remember this one well.

[@tanyamckinnon5376]

Music from 60's and 70's were the BEST

[@4real73]

I remember it very well. I'm living it now, as a matter of fact! Did the same thing, even tho I know better.

[@willm.1002]

I'm trying to find out who sang the lady's part in that song but it's not listed anywhere. He worked a lot with Freda Payne, so I'm just guessing that it's her. Maybe someone can enlighten me.

[@DUCKDUCKGOISMUCHBETTER]

​@@willm.1002Great question!

[@buck546]

I first heard this song driving to work back in the early seventies and instantly feel in love with it. I didn't stop until I found out who sang it, the soul singer Al Wilson. The meaning of this song is so true and Al did a great job I never forgot it. I still all these years later play from time to time just to remind myself to be careful who you trust because the snakes are out there. And like another Black singer only Country the late great Charlie Pride sang " The snakes craw at Night".

[@123reletive123]

what a guy, such an amazing talent and so underrated. R.I.P AL

[@Barking914]

Great song still sounds great and rings true today! Still have the Soul City 45!! Thanks Al.

[@SkammLykelee]

Great rendition, but Al didn't write it. Oscar Brown Jr. did.

[@Barking914]

@@SkammLykelee Hmmm don't know about Oscar. Just know Al does the song justice in hos great one of a kind rendition!

[@pedward323]

@@Barking914Oscar Brown wrote these lyrics, recorded the song in 1963. Oscar Brown Jr is a well known black civil rights advocate. I am sure Trump did not get his families approval to use his work in this manner based on who he was. As he used poems, our history ,tales, fables to recite our history ,then he is using it to attack another race of people He was a singer, songwriter,radio host,activist and more and the likes of Trump, his derangers hearing him recite one of his Essays based in a old slave poster saling black slaves would be shocked

[@markprice6331]

Ive got the Soul City 45 as well! Love this its one of my favourites, I always wonder who the woman is that comes in singing right near the end as he is hissing as she has a great voice as well

[@paulamckenzie2356]

Most of these legends have passed away, so it’s a privilege to still have a few still going even though they don’t sound the same, and people can not expect a person 70+ or 80+ to sound like a 20 something anymore.❤

[@pedward323]

Rest in Peace Oscar Brown Jr who recorded this song in 1963,also Al Wilson who re-recorded it in 1963. Oscar was a black civil rights activist who did most of this by reciting our history in spoken word version . He was also a singer and more and I hate Trump and his derangers are only hearing this song because dummy recited it at a rally years ago. Brown words could scorch your soul to its core when reciting our black history in America. This even when reading an old slave auction poster using the tone of those slave master. As usual Trump never gets permission to use others works, songs and since Brown passed in 2005 I doubt he even asked his family to recite his lyrics to this song. If Brown was alive he would be ethering Trump ,his support left and write nit just about this but them period. But either way the snake describes him, them and want he unleashed on us all.

[@johnking3877]

This was massive in the northern soul era keep the faith

[@NorryJones-kg1se]

Nice 👍 dance?;?! X

[@danking8379]

GOLD PURE GOLD ....... What a treasure .... Better than i could have imagined

[@ILMJXXX]

+Dan King Thankyou.

[@douglasnelson7717]

Produced by Johnny Rivers. Now that explains the sound and tempo quite a bit. Al is marvelous in his performance.

[@Barking914]

Yes it was Johnny Rivers produced! Interesting combination. Johnny was blue eye soul back in the day. What a great combo of talent!

[@robertmiller7721]

Definitely has secret agent man vibes.

[@Barking914]

Got this 45 as a strapping young man, just loved it, what great words, message and composition. STILL sounds great today> Bless you Al!

[@mudhens4ever]

You knew darn well I was a snake before you brought in......

[@williamsailers9933]

The 60's and 70's, the good times were the best, the bad times were the worst. The music, the best EVER. From Mowtown, to Rock-N-Roll...just love it!

[@RallyRam-kt2ff]

But the worst times for the 60s and 70s I'd gladly take today

[@kathleenking47]

50s-80s☺️

[@begbieyabass]

When I heard this on my little plastic transistor radio age 9, from that took me into Northern soul, which led me into House/ Rave/ and Other offshoots.

[@davidreynolds4684]

This is the text book definition of a groovy song. The fast tempo with chill lyrics and incredible horns is perfectly blended.

[@Irene-gq4jr]

Moral of story: be careful who you allow into your life.

[@anitaevangel8742]

Be careful who we let across our borders, into our government, into our schools, pulpits.... Trump just quoted this at a rally... When the list of PEDO'S comes out, YOU'RE GOING TO LOSE IT! TRUMP2020

[@pms9006]

Thanks for explaining. 🙄

[@TheR1200clc]

Amen!

[@earlrtolliii9978]

Yes indeed

[@DKJHamp]

That's not the moral of the story. The moral of the story is that something cannot change its nature. A snake will always bite you. It's a take on the fable about the scorpion and the frog.

[@garyslater1243]

I've loved this since I first heard it, many years ago. An outstanding song, sung by a great singer - pure gold from beginning to end ! And how cool does he look in this film ?

[@wynonabieneman7985]

Oh the memories of that time 💞

[@whereisyourhumanity7557]

I used to have a hat like that.

[@kevbamford8104]

fab love it its a story how people mite repay u for your kindness

[@john111257]

yep says it all

[@craiggorman9392]

Absolutely Outstanding And Fantastic And Timeless Soul Music. 👍

[@michaelclements4643]

That's denim at its best

[@averypetty2465]

Back when they Knew how to dress well . Miss those days .

[@horseman4now]

@@averypetty2465 And dress Left.

[@susancorvalan6765]

Platform shoes, bell bottoms, newsboy cap!! Love the sounds and look of the old days!

[@wierpkevin]

All time favorite, love classic Al Wilson. Perfect !

[@vm-snss4910]

Great song by great singer.

[@VILJL]

"The Snake" is a song and single released by American singer Al Wilson in 1968, and written by civil-rights activist Oscar Brown in 1963. The lyrics tell a story inspired by Aesop's fable of The Farmer and the Viper. Released in 1968 in the United States on Johnny Rivers' Soul City Records it made the Top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968

[@pamelajordan2890]

Thanks 👍

[@johnroy2567]

This funky number should've ssslithered ssstraight into the number 1 ssslot in ssdixty8....it had no.1 potential then & still has today

[@legendarymcdinis3391]

Good knowledge!

[@whereisyourhumanity7557]

what a great voice. what a great song.

[@cheryldestras9148]

Al Wilson was a great singer...I met and volunteered at an after school program with his brother in law years ago in San Bernardino...Lol I thought I was so cool for that 😂😂😂

[@markwinters5408]

This is the song I learnt to dance to Motown...fantastic memories man...what a tune 2022

[@Greyareas27]

Yes great song, but what's Motown got to do with it?

[@Pipsterz]

WOW... FAB!!! ♥ Al Wilson ever since hearing 'Show 'n Tell'. Vintage Gold.

[@prettylouvlog7036]

the snake..thank you for sharing sir

[@DavCaz1964]

RIP Legend, what a singer and gone far too soon, but what a back catalogue boys and girls, bless you B.D.

[@mrjoshjones1]

This overlooked brother shined on this great composition and performance, later in life toured in the 70's after (Show and Tell) recording with Marvin Gaye. He should have achieved much bigger things as an artist who could vocally hold his own with anyone. RIP.

[@SkammLykelee]

But he did not write this. Oscar Brown Jr. did. My favorite song Al did was, "Show and Tell".

[@bennyadler5882]

Cool.

[@whereisyourhumanity7557]

He has a wonderful vocal instrument. I had tickets to see him but it was the worst blizzard in 50 yrs that night. I cried!

[@sylviasylph]

A CLASSIC!! Just heard this recited AND also heard it played on the radio! Al Wilson - - such a treasure and so-o-o-o smooooooth and HOT!

[@SkammLykelee]

Not by Al. It's by Oscar Brown Jr.

[@DickieboyBradders]

Now there’s s life lesson for ya ...and what a voice that man has 😲🎤🎶🐍

[@jjgrey1488]

Add Al Wilson to the list of terrific singers who have not gotten their due...he certainly deserves it...

[@wendymarsh3428]

Love this track ...so cool .

[@pageribe9412]

Absolutely GREAT song & performance!

[@diggerjuly]

Just heard this on the radio...... had to look it up and play in again....... GOOD STUFF!!!!

[@melodysanger103]

Remembering Songwriter Oscar Brown Jr. (October 10, 1926 - May 29, 2005) [10/10/2019]

[@boab4008]

Brilliant Record. That’s what you call a TV performance. Top Class Then Top Class Now.

[@steveedge7258]

The original, the best (be very aware to everyone of any suspicion of early signs of any varied signs of the snake, have been a victim of this myself. Be careful and alert) Great tune performed and sung very well. Greatest respect Mr Al Wilson.

[@Greyareas27]

Actually Al Wilson's version is itself a cover. The song's writer, Oscar Brown Jr' was the first to record it.

[@cattheminion]

I don't remember hearing this song before. What a great performance.

[@alvarojr.339]

Amazing singer! This song is so good! And the rhythm guitar is from one of my idols, Johnny Rivers...

[@kristinapinder1627]

Wigan casino ! such amazing memories of Northern soul . Polished souls for the sllliiiipppp... long skirts and attitude.., coool

[@stevenw192]

What a tune.old school's the best.

[@bobgare9494]

My new favorite song! Thanks Donald. Europe already bit by The Snake!

[@tracischeelk29]

@C caymer Is that the best you have? Debate the facts. Only idiots counter against something they have not investigated with "crazy". The evidence is VAST on both counts. It will prove so and already is. Stay dumb.

[@SkammLykelee]

Clearly the snake was Trump himself.

[@DUCKDUCKGOISMUCHBETTER]

​@@SkammLykeleeClearly President-In-Exile Donald J Trump lives in your cavernous empty Leftist head rent free.

[@joannefalkinder393]

Oh this is brilliant. The song ace. The performance cool. The denim (say no more).

[@TB-ym2fe]

SSSSSSuperb 👌

[@mtracy244]

👍

[@edenhart3731]

This song came to mind to me this morning. I had no idea this was in a trump rally video. Wow!

[@belleamitoujours4827]

back in the 70s i saw him at Front Row, Mayfield Hts Ohio, it was a nice place every seat was great, he did Show and Tell, another great song. He was awesome.

[@TheBoomerPlace]

I’m so old that his outfit looks current. Great song.

[@2Happee]

Jerry ... L🙃L I can relate.

[@DUCKDUCKGOISMUCHBETTER]

It is current. Except to people who have no idea of good taste.

[@Hutzjohn]

Hey Gallop4me it's still GREAT in 2023 also. Always liked this song.

[@quieterrps]

So cool! He really sells it. Have a great weekend! :-)

[@ILMJXXX]

+quieterrps Thankyou Craig...have a great weekend yourself :-)

[@harrisonball5597]

First record I ever bought and still got it now. What a superb Song

[@oldneo4309]

Timeless song

[@Di_Moriarti]

Al Wilson - an amazing song Today, you are recited by another great artist.

[@mattosullivan9687]

Yep but do not forget Kenny Stabler as well

[@mrmjb1960]

Johnny Rivers who signed him to his Soul City label had debuted this on his 1966 album And I Know You Wanna Dance.

[@5000BC]

thank you so much for sharing this classic footage of the great artist Al Wilson

[@MrKingGator]

Awesome

[@loisdickson4637]

Awesome singer! Delightful song!!!!

[@misstowerflower_rapture_watch]

Thanks for uploading this!

[@alisinclair6521]

Triple denim and platforms, Al still looks the business!

[@moirataylor5503]

Love this song, it's absolutely awesome 👌 👏

[@stevemcmellion334]

...there's always a good song to hear in this end of 2020...

[@Montery12]

Cooool Mr. Wilson; like the style, dressing, and mainly the cap.

[@yvonnewatkinson840]

Brilliant song. Sang with real meaning. Wow Brilliant.

[@Gurci28]

The Snake was written by civil rights activist, Oscar Brown in 1963 and released as a single in 1968 by Al Wilson. Interestingly the lyrics were inspired by one of Aesop’s Fable’s and is based on the story of the Farmer and the Viper; which in this case is portrayed by a ‘tender-hearted’ woman who takes in a dying snake and nurses it back to health, only to her detriment when the serpent turns on her! 0:31[The Listening Post Blog]

[@Gurci28]

The moral of “The Farmer and the Snake” short story is that “we must think carefully before taking any action.” A toxic person will always cause harm even if we help them in their critical condition. 0:41[FirstCry]

[@Gurci28]

Trump recited lyrics to "The Snake" at rallies throughout his first campaign for president. 1:11[Business Insider]

[@Gurci28]

The president’s favored poem, “The Snake,” isn’t about immigrants. It’s about him. 1:12 [The New York Times]

[@Gurci28]

"Envy, the meanest of vices, creeps on the ground like a serpent." 2:02 Ovid

[@wynonabieneman7985]

Many Snakes out there Beware 😉 Love This Song 💕

[@willagranger633]

Good evening🌙 So true.🌺🏵🌾

[@raybritton2923]

Thank you very much for posting this video. It’s brilliant to have a live video as well as the song.

[@rachelcummings2705]

oh my gaaaawd, you kept that one quiet? CLASSIC and I luv it XX

[@ILMJXXX]

+Rachel Cummings Thankyou x

[@trevoryeo1066]

The story behind this song is based on Aesop's fables "The farmer and the viper".....the moral is there's a distinction between good and evil and you can't change what was evil in the first place

[@m.f.richardson1602]

Aesop's is my Bible

[@oldneo4309]

Well said - kindness gets abused by those predisposed to evil.

[@OldiesAl]

Great to see video of Al 'singing' The Snake sadly he was miming to his original recording

[@scottieboyuk]

He's packin' a snake down his dude suit? Top tune always loved this")

[@777gotkog2]

Great Song ,Voice & Message

[@billyboy3437]

First heard this song in a chalet on a rockabilly weekender gig of all places cos that's my vibe . Everyone was getting down to it and after listening for a while so was i....Great track.

[@tanacullins9920]

Mr. Wilson was an incredible handsome man! And a talented singer, a real entertainer ❤️❤️❤️

[@shelbyembry4367]

Such a great song

[@julesbailey6770]

This the latest of the KZbin recommended videos and now I see the synchronicity of what’s about to happen 😱

[@brendaarnold3907]

Great song! 🎶🎵

[@dubiluj]

Such a primo song, and the BEATS are absolutely fantastic

[@cherlymcconner5607]

A totally classic😊

[@moogdome2562]

Thank you so much for sharing. Love this song, so cleverly written. Al Wilson a true legend.

[@SkammLykelee]

Al didn't write it. Oscar Brown Jr. did this in 1963.

[@mosogotam]

Venus.....one of my favorites!!! Great print too! Thank you so very much!!!

[@ILMJXXX]

+mosogotam Thankyou kindly as always for the comments John...I hadn't realised there were several shows back then with the same name? 'The Scene'...I have a video of Carol Anderson - Sad Girl...but that one is The Scene detroit (Nat Morris)...as much as I would like to upload that one...I can't as saw other uploaders with his videos from the show getting an instant strike?

[@amandasamuels6274]

Just heard a snippet of this song on All4s The Curse. Took me instantly back to the 60s when I first heard it and to here. Fabulous song and brilliant performance. Love the lyrics.

[@leh3827]

Course you know this was a lip sinquing performance... But neat footage

[@maymackay5603]

Absolutely brilliant ,xx

[@stevestheboy1]

a perfect 10 for this song and singer luvvit

[@yuuser]

THAN YOU!!!!!! I needed this.

[@ChimeraAZ]

This is great! I love Johnny Rivers's version too though! I heard it first.

[@Montery12]

Al always had pride in his dressing. You always saw him come out on TV looking his best.

[@kathyhayward2228]

Thank you for sharing this. I'm just a Johnny Rivers fan

[@trinetwiggs5412]

me and my daughter (11) love this song for the song xx

[@paultaylor701]

“Curvature of silk” is one of the best lyrics of all time.

[@bojones2744]

YES

[@Steevee14]

You misheard the lyric! It's COMFORTER (not "curvature") of silk!

[@backatcha9740]

Actually, he's saying "COVERTURE," which doesn't sound anything like COMFORTER. The Google search lyrics have the word curvature, but as is often the case with lyrics search results (because people who don't know what they're talking about are often the ones posting the lyrics), it is inaccurate.

[@DUCKDUCKGOISMUCHBETTER]

"Coverture" means (among other definitions) a covering or shelter. It is probably the original longer version of the modern word "cover". Although I couldn't find the connection in the few minutes I looked for it.

[@DUCKDUCKGOISMUCHBETTER]

​@@Steevee14It is "coverture" of silk. A covering made of silk.

[@nobbyc42]

Great video thanks never seen this

[@junilikemorevillena3992]

Thumbs up host full support

[@jamesmcmillan9579]

Superb!

[@johnking3877]

Northern soul Rules