Hot Snakes was an American post-hardcore band led by Rick Froberg and John … Read Full Bio ↴Hot Snakes was an American post-hardcore band led by Rick Froberg and John Reis, formed in 1999 in San Diego, United States. Reis and Froberg had previously performed together in Pitchfork and Drive Like Jehu, after which Reis had found international success with Rocket from the Crypt. Hot Snakes disbanded in 2005 but reunited in 2011.

Although they share musical similarities with members' previous outfits, Hot Snakes have a sound that is much more primal than that of Pitchfork, Drive Like Jehu or even Rocket from the Crypt. Reis and Froberg were also heavily influenced by bands such as The Wipers, Suicide, and Michael Yonkers Band, and these influences gave Hot Snakes a distinctive sound that has been described by one critic as "hardcore garage punk." The band's recordings and merchandise were conducted in a DIY manner, with Froberg providing all of the artwork and Reis releasing the material via his Swami Records label.

Eric Gerald Froberg died in San Diego on June 30, 2023, at the age of 55, from an undiagnosed heart condition.

Gar Forgets His Insulin
Hot Snakes Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Dry your tears
We did everything we could
It's all done now
Struck down in his prime

Gar WoodDry your tears
We did everything we could
It's all done now

Struck down in his prime

Gar Wood
Gar Wood
Gar Wood
Gar wouldn't listen

He's in an airlock
He's in an iron lung
He's on a gurney
He was warned
He's in a drawer
He's in a bag
He's on a Lazy Susan
He's on the slab

Gar Wood
Gar Wood
Gar wouldn't listen

He's in an airlock
He's in an iron lung
He's on a gurney
He was warned
He's in a drawer
He's in a bag

He's on a Lazy Susan
He's on the slab

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Hot Snakes's song "Gar Forgets His Insulin" tell a story of a person named Gar who has neglected to take his insulin and has thus fallen ill. Despite the efforts of those around him to help, they ultimately cannot save him and Gar passes away. The repeated refrain of "Gar wouldn't listen" emphasizes the importance of taking care of one's health and listening to medical advice.

The imagery in the song is vivid and somewhat graphic, as it describes Gar's various states throughout his illness and ultimately his death. From being in an airlock and iron lung to being on a slab, the lyrics paint a picture of a tragic end to Gar's life due to his negligence.

Overall, "Gar Forgets His Insulin" serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of taking care of one's health and following medical advice. It also highlights the devastating consequences that can occur when one does not take their health seriously.

Line by Line Meaning

Dry your tears
Stop crying

We did everything we could
We tried our best to help

It's all done now
It's over

Struck down in his prime
He died young

Gar Wood
The person who died

Gar wouldn't listen
He didn't take advice or warnings seriously

He's in an airlock
His body is enclosed in a small space

He's in an iron lung
He's in a machine that helps him breathe

He's on a gurney
His body is on a stretcher

He was warned
He was told of the risks and dangers

He's in a drawer
His body is kept in a morgue drawer