Their collaboration with legendary songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller gave them a unique sound that was very humorous most of the time. Their first huge hit came with "Young Blood" and "Searchin'." They also had success with hits such as "Yakety Yak," "Charlie Brown," and "Little Egypt."
Gardner was still touring with The Coasters as late as 2005, although he is the only surviving original member. Gardner is now semi-retired and has handed the reins over to his son Carl Jr.
In 1987, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, thus becoming the first group to be inducted (the other inductees at the time were solo acts). In 2000, they were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame. In 2004, "Young Blood" was #414 on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Songs Of All Time. "Young Blood" and "Yakety Yak" were part of The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll. The band's song "Down In Mexico" appears on the new film, Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof.
The Snake & the Bookworm
The Coasters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He follows every step she takes
He tracks her down on the way to school
He comes on strong and she plays cool
She wants to get her homework done
He wants to go out and have some fun
She′s trying to pass geography
She′s got a test she don't want to fail
He's pulling on her ponytail
She′s thinking about her education
He′s thinking about his recreation
Snake caught a bookworm one fine day
And he wouldn't let her get away
He caught his arms around her waist
And her sweet lips he tried to taste
She said I hear the school bell chime
He said baby just one more time.
"The Snake & the Bookworm" by The Coasters is a song about a young girl who is being pursued by a boy at school. The boy watches her every move and tracks her down on the way to school. He wants to go out and have fun, while she is focused on her studies and passing her geography test. The boy is more interested in studying her anatomy than his own education. The girl is trying to stay focused on her education, while the boy is distracted by his desire for recreation.
Line by Line Meaning
He watches every move she makes
He closely observes her every action
He follows every step she takes
He keeps a close eye on wherever she goes
He tracks her down on the way to school
He investigates her route to school
He comes on strong and she plays cool
He is aggressive in his approach while she remains calm and collected
She wants to get her homework done
She is focused on completing her schoolwork
He wants to go out and have some fun
He desires to have fun and enjoy himself
She′s trying to pass geography
She is studying geography to succeed in school
He's studying her anatomy
He is observing her physical features and appearance
She′s got a test she don't want to fail
She is anxious to pass her test
He's pulling on her ponytail
He is teasing her or playing with her hair
She′s thinking about her education
Her focus is on her academic growth
He′s thinking about his recreation
His mind is on having fun and leisure activities
Snake caught a bookworm one fine day
A man with ill intentions noticed a studious woman
And he wouldn't let her get away
He refused to let her leave his sight or escape his attention
He caught his arms around her waist
He physically held onto her and restrained her movements
And her sweet lips he tried to taste
He made an unwanted advance by attempting to kiss her
She said I hear the school bell chime
She reminded him that it was time for her to attend class
He said baby just one more time
He tried to persuade her to stay with him for a little longer, despite her obligations
Contributed by Isaac H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Jynxxxycat
I remember this fella from grade school! Never knew there was a song about him.
@michaelfalkenstein2544
Beautiful
@SGobuck
I have Charlie brown, along came Jones and poison ivy on this label.
You think they're worth anything?