Spiders & Snakes

Jim Stafford

About Spiders & Snakes

"Spiders & Snakes" is a 1974 hit song recorded by Jim Stafford and written by Stafford and David Bellamy. It was the second of four U. S. Top 40 singles released from his eponymous debut album and also the highest-charting. The lyrics in the verses are spoken, while only the chorus is sung. "Spiders and Snakes" was one of the top hits of 1974, spending one week at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100. In Canada, the song reached number one. The song spent five and a half months on the US charts, sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA on March 8, 1974.  


Year:
1990
141 
#1

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I remember when Mary Lou said
'You want to walk me home from school'
And I said, 'Yes, I do'
She said, 'I don't have to go right home
And I'm the kind that likes to be alone
As long as you would'
I said, 'Me, too'

And so we took a stroll
Wound up down by the swimmin' hole
And she said, 'Do what you want to do'
I got silly and I found a frog
In the water by a hollow log
And I shook it at her
And I said 'This frog's for you'
She said

[Chorus]
'I don't like spiders and snakes
And that ain't what it takes to love me
You fool, you fool
I don't like spiders and snakes
And that ain't what it takes to love me
Like I want to be loved by you'

Well, I think of that girl from time to time
I call her up when I got a dime
I say, "Hello, baby'
She says, 'Ain't you cool'
I say, 'Do you remember when?
And would you like to get together again?'
She says, 'I'll see you after school'

I was shy and so for a while
Most of my love was touch and smile
'Til she said, 'Come on over here'
I was nervous as you might guess
Still looking for somethin' to slip down her dress
And she said, 'Let's make it perfectly clear'
She said

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Jim Stafford

James Wayne "Jim" Stafford (born January 16, 1944, Eloise, Florida) is an American comedian, musician, and singer-songwriter. While prominent in the 1970s for his records "Spiders and Snakes", "Swamp Witch", and "My Girl Bill", Stafford has headlined at his own theater in Branson, Missouri since 1990. Stafford is self-taught on guitar, fiddle, piano, banjo, organ and harmonica. more »

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Written by: DAVID BELLAMY, JIM STAFFORD

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Artist Background
"Spiders & Snakes" was performed by singer-songwriter, comedian, and musician Jim Stafford. Born in 1944 in Florida, Stafford started his music career in the late 60s.
Song Release
The song "Spiders & Snakes" was released in October 1973 as a single.
Chart Performance
"Spiders & Snakes" reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States in March 1974. It remained in the chart for 20 weeks.
Songwriter Co-Credit
"Spiders & Snakes" was co-written by Stafford and notable country songwriter David Bellamy, who later formed the Bellamy Brothers.
Album
The song also appeared on Jim Stafford's self-titled debut album which was released in 1974.
Genre
The song is commonly regarded as a humor-filled novelty song and falls within the genres of country, pop, and folk rock.
Song Theme
"Spiders & Snakes" tells a narrative story in its lyrics, which centers around a boy's encounters with a girl who likes spiders and snakes, and his reactions to those creatures.
Sales
The song sold over one million copies and was certified gold by the RIAA.
Song Reception
Despite its humorous approach and the non-traditional topic of the song, it became an unexpected hit, receiving positive reception from both fans and critics.
Impact
"Spiders & Snakes" kick-started Stafford’s career, leading him to become a well-recognized figure in the folk-pop scene during the 70s. His later hits included "My Girl Bill" and "Wildwood Weed."
Award Nomination
The song was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Comedy Recording in 1975.
Audio Format
The song was initially released in Vinyl, and later on CD and Digital formats.
Modern Interpretations
While often taken at face value as a silly novelty tune, some have interpreted "Spiders & Snakes" as a metaphor for overcoming one's fears.
Impact on Culture
Over the years, the song has been featured in numerous TV shows and films, solidifying its place in pop culture.
Famous Cover
American stand-up comedian and singer Weird Al Yankovic famously performed a cover of "Spiders & Snakes".

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    Spiders & Snakes

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1974

    Billboard #3


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