In 1985, Kristofferson joined fellow country artists Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash in forming the country music supergroup The Highwaymen, and formed a key creative force in the outlaw country music movement that eschewed the Nashville music machine in favor of independent songwriting and producing. In 2004, Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As an actor, he is known for his roles in Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), Blume in Love (1973), Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974), A Star Is Born (1976) (which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor), Convoy (1978), Heaven's Gate (1980) and Blade (1998).
Kristofferson has said that he would like the first three lines of Leonard Cohen's "Bird on the Wire" on his tombstone:
Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
Snakebit
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Baby, the time has turned the tide
I didn't need no ball and chain
I got the numbers on my side
I... didn't want to love you
I... swear to God it's true
I... don't like dreaming of you, anymore.
I... ain't got all the answers
I...'m scared to death of you.
I... don't like takin chances, anymore.
But I... damn my soul, I do.
why'see, I got hit so hard, I thought I was dyin'
Then I fell so far, I thought I could fly
Darling from the start, if somebody's lying,
Double-cross your heart, and don't even try.
Because i... sure don't want to need ya
I...'d hate to count on you
I...'m tired of going crazy, anymore
But i... but damn my soul, I do.
Don't give me no more goddamn pain
Baby, the time has turned the tide
I didn't need no ball and chain
I got the numbers on my side.
In Kris Kristofferson's song Snakebit, the singer is expressing his reluctance to love someone, who has caused him a great deal of pain. He resents the fact that he has fallen for someone who he didn't want to love from the start. He acknowledges that he is scared of the person and doesn't want to take any chances with them. However, despite his reservations, he still finds himself drawn to them. His emotions are a result of a prior emotional investment that went sour, leaving him feeling snakebit, or cursed. The singer has had enough of the heartache, but he can't deny his feelings for the person, and he hates himself for it.
The song is a remarkable display of vulnerability and anguish. Kristofferson's lyrics convey the complexities of love, and the feeling of being trapped in a relationship. The singer is tormented by his inability to control his emotions, and he is hesitant to invest himself in something that may cause him further pain. The song's final lines serve as a conclusion to the singer's emotional journey. He has the upper hand now, with the numbers on his side, and he is unwilling to let anyone take that away from him.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't give me no more goddamn pain
I'm tired of all the pain and suffering, please spare me from any more.
Baby, the time has turned the tide
Things have changed and situations are different now.
I didn't need no ball and chain
I don't want to be tied down by anything or anyone.
I got the numbers on my side
I have the odds in my favor and things are going my way.
I... didn't want to love you
I didn't plan on falling in love with you.
I... swear to God it's true
I am being honest about my feelings.
I... don't like dreaming of you, anymore.
I am tired of fantasizing about you.
But i... but damn my soul, I do.
Despite not wanting to, I can't help but think about you.
I... ain't got all the answers
I am not all-knowing, and there are things I don't understand.
I...'m scared to death of you.
You scare me, and I am afraid of getting hurt.
I... don't like takin chances, anymore.
I am tired of taking risks.
But I... damn my soul, I do.
Despite my fear, I still take chances because of my feelings for you.
why'see, I got hit so hard, I thought I was dyin'
Something bad happened to me, and it felt like it was the end.
Then I fell so far, I thought I could fly
I experienced intense emotions, both good and bad.
Darling from the start, if somebody's lying,
It's important to be truthful from the beginning.
Double-cross your heart, and don't even try.
Don't attempt to deceive me.
Because i... sure don't want to need ya
I don't want to rely on you.
I...'d hate to count on you
Depending on you would be unpleasant for me.
I...'m tired of going crazy, anymore
I am exhausted from feeling anxious and overwhelmed.
But i... but damn my soul, I do.
Despite my reluctance, I still have feelings for you.
Don't give me no more goddamn pain
I don't want anymore hurt or suffering.
Baby, the time has turned the tide
Things have changed and are not the same as before.
I didn't need no ball and chain
I don't want anything tying me down or restricting me.
I got the numbers on my side
I have luck or an advantage in my favor.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kris Kristofferson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind