Snake Oil

Foals' song 'Snake Oil' delves into themes of deception, desire, and the human tendency to fall for illusions. The term 'snake oil' historically refers to fraudulent health products sold by charlatans, promising miraculous cures but delivering nothing of value. In this song, the metaphor extends to emotional and psychological manipulation, where the 'snake oil' represents false promises and unattainable desires.

The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is being misled and manipulated, much like a customer duped by a snake oil salesman. The lines 'You sell snake oil to the butcher / The butcher's bill must always be paid' suggest that there are inevitable consequences to these deceptions. The repeated references to craving and wanting something unattainable highlight the frustration and longing experienced by the protagonist. The 'snake oil' under the tongue symbolizes a temporary, illusory sense of freedom or satisfaction, which ultimately leads to disappointment.

The song also touches on the power dynamics in relationships, where one person holds the key to the other's desires and uses it to control them. The spell that 'keeps me wired / Keeps me red, keeps me on fire' indicates a state of constant agitation and unfulfilled desire. The repeated lines 'In the day you leave me to want what I crave / No surprise, you leave me to want what I can't find' underscore the cyclical nature of this manipulation, where the protagonist is left perpetually yearning for something just out of reach. The imagery of driving past the old county line in search of what is 'mine' suggests a journey or quest for self-discovery and fulfillment, which remains elusive.

Foals' musical style, characterized by its blend of indie rock and dance-punk, complements the song's themes with a sense of urgency and tension. The driving rhythms and intense vocals mirror the emotional turmoil and restless energy of the lyrics, creating a powerful and immersive listening experience.