“Snake Life” by Allison Russell is a deeply reflective piece that weaves a narrative of personal transformation, resilience, and enlightenment.
Russell uses the symbolism of a snake shedding its skin as an analogy for personal change and rebirth. The recurring theme here serves to encapsulate the process of overcoming personal hardships to emerge as a renewed, stronger being. Her acknowledgment of past scars, not as signs of weakness, but as invaluable trophies resulted from battle, which carry a story of survival, resilience, and strength.
Moreover, the song captures the paradoxical relationship between past pain and the empowering effect it can often have on individuals. Russell suggests that past agonies rather than incapacitating her, fill her with power, likening it to the intensity of a thousand suns – an obvious metaphor for immense strength and potential energy.
The mention of travelling back in time and reaching out to one’s child self can be perceived as an effort to reconnect with lost innocence, the inherent wildness of childhood. By traversing both time and space (“the indigo sky past the red sea cliff”), the protagonist continues her journey of self-discovery and inner healing.
The phrase “indigo sky” and “red sea cliff” serves as vivid imagery that paints the message of limitless possibilities and unbounded exploration. The exploration goes beyond earthly limitations, reaching up towards “deathless stars” and the “breathless void,” further emphasizing a transformation from a bounded, earthly entity to an ethereal, infinite being.
The concluding lines tie the song together, highlighting the beauty of diversity (“Black is beautiful”) and the longing for a safer, more loving world for every child. This ending elevates the individual journey of growth and discovery to a universal scale, advocating for love, acceptance, and safety for all without discrimination.
Overall, “Snake Life” is a compelling tapestry woven with themes of resilience, rebirth, growth, aspiration, and a longing for universal love and acceptance. The lyrics connect deeply on a human level, reaching out to listeners, inspiring them to appreciate their struggles and imperfections while dreaming of and working towards a more inclusive and compassionate world.