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.
If Credit's What Matters I'll Take Credit
Hot Snakes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Up against it
Got no pull
No pull with you
Mine, mine alone
Yeah I earned it
Gonna spread it around
Time
Time for placement
Gonna do it right
I know what matters
Yeah I'll take it
Right now!
Right!
I'll take credit
The lyrics of "If Credit's What Matters I'll Take Credit" by Hot Snakes are a bold declaration of assertiveness and independence. The singer acknowledges the figurative wall that they are up against, and the fact that they have no pull or clout with the person or people on the other side. However, they are not deterred by this, and instead focus on what they do have: something that is "mine, mine alone." This suggests that the singer has worked hard to achieve something that is uniquely theirs, and they are proud of that accomplishment. Furthermore, they are not content to keep it to themselves, but rather intend to "spread it around."
As the song continues, the singer emphasizes the importance of timing and correct posture and placement, indicating that they are not just interested in flashy showmanship, but also in doing things right. They know what matters to them, and they will take credit for it. The song culminates in a triumphant declaration of the same: "I'll take credit." Overall, the lyrics of the song convey a sense of power and self-assuredness, a refusal to be held back by external forces, and a commitment to taking credit for one's own accomplishments, regardless of who else may be involved or who may be watching.
Line by Line Meaning
Wall
Feeling trapped or stuck in a particular situation
Up against it
Facing significant challenges or opposition
Got no pull
Lack influence or control over a situation
No pull with you
Inability to influence or change someone else's actions
Mine, mine alone
Taking responsibility for one's own actions and outcomes
Yeah I earned it
Feeling deserving of recognition or reward for hard work or effort
Gonna spread it around
Intending to share success or good fortune with others
Time
A sense of urgency or need to take action
Time for posture
A time to adopt a confident or assertive stance
Time for placement
Opportunity to position oneself or take advantage of a situation
Gonna do it right
Having a clear strategy or plan for success
I know what matters
Awareness of what is important or valuable in a given situation
Yeah I'll take it
Confidently taking ownership or credit for success
Right now!
Urgency or immediacy to act or take advantage of a situation
Right!
Determination and confidence in one's abilities or tactics
Contributed by Joshua B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Geoff Woade
Wall, up against it
Got no pull
No pull with you
Mine, mine alone
I think I've earned it
Gonna do it right
Time, time for posture
Time for placement
Gonna spread it around
I know what matters
Yeah, I'll take it
Right now
I'll take, I'll take
Yeah, I'll take it
I'll take credit
Haunted Stereo
I saw this live in Austin at the original Emo's when they toured for this album, first song was this and it was glorious when the bass hit but the club sound guy lowered the volume almost immediately.
Haunted Stereo
@S K I wish I knew a band like Jehu existed in the 90s, I didn't find out about either until the early 2000s.
S K
Dude that’s rad. Saw them in LA. They covered “red/green” and I got super into the Big Boys after that. Got to see Jehu once back in the early 90s at the Ibeam in SF ! Better days
afauxican_american
Hot take: Hot snakes is gooodddd
Eduardo Solís Hernández
Hot :)
johnnyscifi
Im assuming that because this has been rereleased via subpop that swami records went belly up..?
Drauglir/DonzoAKA
nah it's still around, the new Meat Wave album was just released on Swami. peace!
Mood hoover
yew boy