Song meaning of Crawlin’ King Snake by John Lee Hooker

The lyrics of "Crawlin' King Snake" by John Lee Hooker convey a sense of dominance, power, and possessiveness. The song portrays the narrator as a "crawlin' king snake" who rules over his domain and wants to possess everything that he desires, particularly his mate.

The repeated line, "I'm a crawlin' king snake baby, and I rules my den," suggests the narrator's sovereignty and control. He sees himself as the ultimate authority, the ruler of his territory. This can be interpreted metaphorically, representing a desire for power and dominance in relationships or even in life in general.

The narrator's possessiveness and jealousy are also evident when he states, "I don't want you hangin' round my mate, wanna use her for myself." This portrays a sense of ownership and a lack of regard for the feelings or independence of the other person. It exemplifies a possessive attitude, where the narrator sees his mate as merely an object to be controlled and utilized for his pleasure.

The references to crawling symbolize persistence and determination. The narrator will not rest until he obtains what he desires, emphasizing his relentless pursuit of power and control. The line, "You know you caught me crawlin' baby when the grass was very high," suggests that the narrator is willing to do whatever it takes, even in adverse circumstances, to fulfill his desires.

Overall, the interpretation of the lyrics in "Crawlin' King Snake" revolves around themes of dominance, possessiveness, and the pursuit of power in relationships. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of selfishness and the dehumanizing effects of viewing others as mere possessions.