AL WILSON - THE SNAKE (RARE VIDEO FOOTAGE)

AL WILSON - THE SNAKE (RARE VIDEO FOOTAGE) FROM THE SCENE SHOW OKLAHOMA CITY HOSTED BY RONNIE KAYE YEAR 1974. RECORD LABEL: SOUL CITY 767 YEAR 1968. COMPOSED BY: OSCAR BROWN JR. PRODUCED BY: JOHNNY RIVERS & MARC GORDAN.

[@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.

[@2Happee]

@wannabe, I heard it on TV in the 60’s performed LlVE by Tom Jones on the This is Tom Jones weekly show… back when Shindig was popular on TV and shows like Hee~Haw. Remember those days?

[@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.

[@ShimonBenChaim]

I've used just that same simile

[@tagtv]

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

[@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!!!

[@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)…

[@user-su7wn4dm7q]

2025

[@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

[@DouglasGarrett-b5h]

Still listening to this awesome tune at age 70+

[@2Happee]

Me2. At 79

[@tanyawebber8867]

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

[@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".

[@2Happee]

Buck548….. indeed they do!

[@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!

[@stevenw192]

What a tune.old school's the best.

[@johnking3877]

This was massive in the northern soul era keep the faith

[@NorryJones-kg1se]

Nice 👍 dance?;?! X

[@oldneo4309]

Timeless song

[@misstowerflower_rapture_watch]

Thanks for uploading this!

[@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.

[@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.

[@vm-snss4910]

Great song by great singer.

[@wendymarsh3428]

Love this track ...so cool .

[@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!

[@happyface2373]

Just finished watching Trump in Philadelphia 2024 had to listen to the song again

[@2Happee]

@happyface2373….Love,Love,Love our Trump!!!

[@pageribe9412]

Absolutely GREAT song & performance!

[@DavCaz1964]

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

[@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

[@123reletive123]

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

[@danking8379]

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

[@ILMJXXX]

+Dan King Thankyou.

[@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☺️

[@davidreynolds4684]

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

[@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.

[@fredicagoillanoise1309]

Yep during Al Wilson's Soul City Records era.... Fun fact : Willie Hutch was once signed to Soul City as well.

[@theagunton3811]

A beautiful song x

[@daisypinkgrateful]

I was watching ESCAPE FROM DANNEMORA on Netflix and when this song came on, I had 2 send this video to my best friend in regard to a situation she's in! Maybe she'll listen more in this way alot better...

[@whereisyourhumanity7557]

what a great voice. what a great song.

[@mudhens4ever]

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

[@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!

[@johnking3877]

Northern soul Rules

[@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!

[@jjgrey1488]

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

[@susancorvalan6765]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@boab4008]

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

[@kevbamford8104]

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

[@john111257]

yep says it all

[@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 😂😂😂

[@MrKingGator]

Awesome

[@kristinapinder1627]

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

[@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.

[@craiggorman9392]

Absolutely Outstanding And Fantastic And Timeless Soul Music. 👍

[@prettylouvlog7036]

the snake..thank you for sharing sir

[@wierpkevin]

All time favorite, love classic Al Wilson. Perfect !

[@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!

[@ShimonBenChaim]

Both versions are superb and this is the year of the Snake

[@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.

[@TB-ym2fe]

SSSSSSuperb 👌

[@mtracy244]

👍

[@DickieboyBradders]

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

[@Hutzjohn]

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

[@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.

[@alisinclair6521]

Triple denim and platforms, Al still looks the business!

[@cherlymcconner5607]

A totally classic😊

[@cattheminion]

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

[@melodysanger103]

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

[@Pipsterz]

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

[@kareljanssens5606]

Great ❤

[@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.

[@lesleycooke649]

Superb as ever

[@diggerjuly]

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

[@edenhart3731]

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

[@joannefalkinder393]

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

[@stevestheboy1]

a perfect 10 for this song and singer luvvit

[@loisdickson4637]

Awesome singer! Delightful song!!!!

[@wynonabieneman7985]

Many Snakes out there Beware 😉 Love This Song 💕

[@willagranger633]

Good evening🌙 So true.🌺🏵🌾

[@alvarojr.339]

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

[@shelbyembry4367]

Such a great song

[@michaelclements4643]

That's denim at its best

[@averypetty2465]

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

[@horseman4now]

@@averypetty2465 And dress Left.

[@stevemcmellion334]

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

[@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.

[@harrisonball5597]

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

[@Sally-lm1fd]

Hi Al I just love you song you sing very good

[@Montery12]

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

[@carmenladyrodriguez1920]

Hermosa, la versión de Jhonny Rivers es la que conocía.

[@junilikemorevillena3992]

Thumbs up host full support

[@brendaarnold3907]

Great song! 🎶🎵

[@moirataylor5503]

Love this song, it's absolutely awesome 👌 👏

[@777gotkog2]

Great Song ,Voice & Message

[@tanacullins9920]

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

[@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.

[@raymondwoo2176]

this a TNT version the nusanes of sincerity comes thru. listen to it with just ears.

[@jamesheath7596]

God bless all wilson.

[@marvol699]

Legend of Soul

[@quieterrps]

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

[@ILMJXXX]

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

[@5000BC]

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

[@Montery12]

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

[@maymackay5603]

Absolutely brilliant ,xx

[@angelamary9493]

The Song says it all ..look at theall the European Countries now ...

[@lendrury2771]

Al was ultra cool Great voice

[@eveadams4669]

Love that song

[@rachelcummings2705]

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

[@ILMJXXX]

+Rachel Cummings Thankyou x

[@leslinsm]

Just so cool

[@cliffschannel8036]

My God……Ronnie Kaye…..been a radio DJ since…….forever…still DJing KOMA OKLAHOMA CITY, OK NOON SHOW

[@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.