“Wild as an acre of snakes” is said to be a Texas phrase (according to the Texas Monthly). Texas musician Stephen Bruton wrote a song called “Acre of Snakes.” The phrase has also been used in Oklahoma.
Texas Monthly
622 wise and witty ways to talk Texan.
Compiled by ANNE DINGUS
From the December 1994 issue of Texas Monthly
Immoral, Wild
(...)
Wilder than an acre of snakes.
New West Records
B I O G R A P H Y
STEPHEN BRUTON
Stephen Bruton – Spirit World – Release Date: February 26, 2002
(...)
Spirit World shows off Bruton’s broad scope as a songwriter, from the gently insistent yearning of “Teach Me How to Stay” – which would sound right at home on any of Bonnie’s albums – to the vintage rock and roll crunch of “Acre of Snakes.”
The latter song takes its title from an old Texas saying; “Crazy as an acre of snakes.” It was written after a spooky encounter with a female fan at an Austin gig Bruton played with Bob Schneider’s band
26 December 1965, Ada (OK) Evening News, pg. 13:
...wild as an acre of snakes…
16 January 1966, Ada (OK) Evening News, pg. 2:
And it’s wilder than an acre of snakes down there.
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
Recent entries:
•“I read old books because I would rather learn from those who built civilization than those who tore it down” (4/18)
•“I study old buildings because I would rather learn from those who built civilization than those who tore it down” (4/18)
•“Due to personal reasons, I’m still going to be fluffy this summer” (4/18)
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More new entries...
Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
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