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.
Paid in Cigarettes
Hot Snakes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pay the president in Govt. Bonds
Compensate him with filter tips
Allocated to the White House lawn
Walking 'round Mt. Pleasant
Collecting on IOU's
Ain't coming back empty handed
He's worth every bit he's due
The lyrics to Hot Snakes's song Paid in Cigarettes depict a corrupt political system where the president is paid not in money, but in cigarettes or government bonds. The notion of paying the president with cigarettes serves as a metaphor for the addictive nature of power and the ability to control people's addictive habits through manipulation. The line "Compensate him with filter tips, allocated to the White House lawn" specifically highlights the absurdity of such a concept by suggesting that the president is rewarded with something as trivial and unhealthy as cigarette filters.
The second verse of the song "Walking 'round Mt. Pleasant, collecting on IOU's, ain't coming back empty-handed, he's worth every bit he's due" implies that the president is owed favors or debts by those he governs, and that he is unapologetic in collecting what he is owed. The overall message of the lyrics is that power corrupts and those in positions of authority are often willing to compromise their values and the wellbeing of others for personal gain.
Line by Line Meaning
Pay the president in cigarettes
Instead of paying the president with money, people are suggesting that he could be paid with cigarettes
Pay the president in Govt. Bonds
Another alternative to paying the president with money; paying him with government bonds
Compensate him with filter tips
Suggesting that the president has a smoking habit, and filter tips would be an ideal compensation for him
Allocated to the White House lawn
The filter tips given to the president would end up littering the White House lawn
Walking 'round Mt. Pleasant
The president is leisurely strolling around Mount Pleasant
Collecting on IOU's
The president is collecting on outstanding debts owed to him
Ain't coming back empty handed
The president is successful in collecting the debts and is returning with something in hand
He's worth every bit he's due
The president deserves to be compensated for his work and efforts
Contributed by David V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@matthewjames206
One of my favorites. Rest peacefully, Rick Froberg š
@thomashendonandcompany
This band is a gold mine. My uncle showed me drive like jehu and then I found this and we were like š®
@antravionmartin1263
3rd Soundtrack Playlist brought me here in August 2002
@scottrashleigh5220
I went to see them in Sydney with a friend. From the moment they hit the first note they were unbelievably powerful, tight and awesome. We were mesmerised. Both of our wives got tired of the fact that unknowingly both us just kept saying Hot Snakes, Hot Snakes for days after the gig.
@user-lp7iu7ff1l
3rd AE FLN Soundtrack Playlist brought me here in September 2002
@turbojugend202
With the cost of cigarettes these days, I'm lucky if I'm making half a pack an hour :(
@christopherhlad3397
Yep
@paulwilburn5948
Nice sound.
@zerocero5850
Great stripped down rock ānā roll. Awesome rhytm and piss to spare. A true fave.
@cubin2010
Cheguei aqui pelo Piero