Guy is known for his showmanship; for example, he plays with drumsticks and walks into the audience whilst playing, the latter being a gimmick he picked up from a local blues guitarist at an early age (joining or leaping into the audience has also long been common in both American popular and gospel music, as in the earlier work of Big Jay McNeely or the Dixie Hummingbirds).
Guy grew up in Louisiana where he learned to play guitar. In the early 1950s he began performing with bands in Baton Rouge. Soon after moving to Chicago in 1957, Guy fell under the influence of "Mighty" Muddy Waters. In 1958 he won a record contract with Artistic Records after beating the West Side guitarists Magic Sam and Otis Rush in a "Head Cutting Contest" at the Blue Flame Club. Soon afterwards he recorded for the Cobra label.
In the early 1960s, Guy was a session guitarist for Chess Records. He recorded on Junior Wells sessions for Delmark Records under the pseudonym Friendly Chap in 1965 and 1966. His career took off during a blues revival period in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and was sparked by Eric Clapton's request that Guy be part of the '24 nights' all-star blues guitar lineup at London's Royal Albert Hall and Guy's subsequent signing with Silvertone Records.
Crawlin
Buddy Guy Lyrics
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You know I'm a crawlin' king snake, baby, and I rules my den
I don't want you hangin' around my mate; wanna use her for myself
You know you caught me crawlin', baby, when the, when the grass was very high
I'm just gonna keep on crawlin' now, baby, until the day I die
Because I'm a crawlin' king snake, baby, and I rules my den
Don't want you hangin' around my mate; wanna use her for myself
You know I'm gon' crawl up to your window, baby
Wanna crawl up to your door; you got anything I want, baby?
Wanna crawl up on your floor
Because I'm a crawlin' king snake, baby, and I rules my den
You know you caught me crawlin', baby, when the, when the grass was very high
I'm just gonna keep on crawlin' now, baby, until the day I die
Because I'm a crawlin' king snake, baby, and I rules my den
In "Crawlin' Kingsnake," Buddy Guy sings about his reputation as a dominant and territorial lover, comparing himself to a snake that crawls and rules his den. He warns a potential lover not to interfere with his mates, as he wants them all for himself. He also talks about how he was caught crawling through high grass, suggesting that he is sneaky and secretive in his affairs.
The metaphor of the king snake is significant in this song. The king snake is a predatory snake that is known for its aggressive behavior and dominance over other snakes. It kills and eats other snakes, including venomous ones, and is immune to their venom. Like the king snake, the singer in this song is dominant and powerful. He wants to control and dominate his lovers and sees them as possessions to be used for his own pleasure.
The lyrics also suggest a sense of danger and risk-taking. The singer crawls up to the lover's window, door, and floor, indicating that he is willing to take risks and possibly even break the law to get what he wants. He sees himself not as a victim of circumstances but as someone who takes control of his own fate. He crawls and rules his den, refusing to be tamed or controlled by others.
Line by Line Meaning
You know I'm a crawlin' king snake, baby, and I rules my den
I am a person who is very confident and powerful, and I am in control of my territory and everything in it. I don't want anyone getting in my way or interfering with what I have.
I don't want you hangin' around my mate; wanna use her for myself
I don't want you spending time with my partner and trying to get close to them. I want to keep them all for myself and do not want any competition.
You know you caught me crawlin', baby, when the, when the grass was very high
You caught me when I was vulnerable and not expecting to be seen. I was trying to keep a low profile and stay hidden.
I'm just gonna keep on crawlin' now, baby, until the day I die
I will continue to do what I do, no matter what happens, until the end of my life. I will never give up or back down.
You know I'm gon' crawl up to your window, baby
I will do anything to get what I want, even if it means sneaking up and spying on you without your awareness or permission.
Wanna crawl up to your door; you got anything I want, baby?
I want to approach you and see if you can give me what I desire. I am not afraid to ask for what I want and will do whatever it takes to get it.
Wanna crawl up on your floor
I want to get as close to you as I possibly can, even if that means crawling on your floor like a snake. I am not shy or hesitant in my pursuits.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOSEPH LEE WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind