Beneath the Skin: A Tale of Forbidden Fascination | Snake Farm | Ray Wylie Hubbard

"Snake Farm" is a peculiar yet fascinating song by the talismanic Texan songwriter, Ray Wylie Hubbard. Known for his exceptional lyrical prowess, this acoustic jam dives into the oddly intriguing world of a Texas reptile house while blending elements of fear, love, and attraction.

"Snake Farm" is a metaphorical journey through the abstract world that Hubbard creates. The song revolves around a man who is in love with a woman named Ramona, who works at the snake farm. The underlying theme of the song exposes the thin line between repulsion and attraction that finds its essence in their relationship.

At the chorus of the song Hubbard famously sings, "Snake Farm, it just sounds nasty. Snake Farm, it pretty much is." The use of repetition in the chorus underlines the grotesque ambience. But, contrary to the distaste he claims to feel, the narrator is pulled back to the Snake Farm again and again.

It's essential to notice the aspects of fear and fascination that Hubbard explores in this song. While the snakes in the story serve as a symbol for fear—a common human phobia—there is also a bizarre charm associated with them, akin to the allure the narrator feels for Ramona. This dualistic emotion is reflective of the protagonist's in his relationship with Ramona. She is associated with something that is abhorred, and yet, the attraction is potent.

Furthermore, "Snake Farm" is not just about a man’s strange affection for a woman related to something repelling. It also points to a deeper social context of how we, as a society, perceive things that are unknown or generally feared by the majority. The protagonist of the song is continually returning to an aspect of life most people find sickening, in contrast to the average individual who tends to stick to conformity and comfort.

In the lines "Ramona, she's a felon, she's got a couple parole......she ain't gonna win no Mother of the Year award," Hubbard engenders his wry humor and solidifies Ramona’s character as an allegory of the proverbial forbidden fruit. The arousal the character shows for Ramona, even with her being a convict and leading a disreputable life, underscores the often irrational nature of attraction.

Hubbard's booming voice, along with his acoustic guitar, paints a picture that is both eerie and captivating. The song's relentless driving beat makes it almost hypnotic, as if the audience is under the spell of the Snake Farm. It is gritty, intense and sensual, much like the protagonist's feelings for Ramona.

In conclusion, "Snake Farm", through its unique narrative, illuminates the darker corners of love and fascination. Using the unlikely setup of a reptilian zoo, it shows how people can often be attracted to aspects that are typically seen as repugnant. Indeed, much like the protagonist is drawn to the snake farm and Ramona, the listener is captivated and entranced by Hubbard's grizzled storytelling. Whether you're a die-hard enthusiast of Texan country or a casual listener, this gripping soundtrack is a testimony to the raw and profound storytelling of Ray Wylie Hubbard.