Donald Trump Uses '60s R&B Hit to Highlight Concerns About Illegal Immigration

Former President Donald Trump once again stirred controversy during a rally in Conroe, Texas, by reciting the lyrics of the 1968 soul hit "The Snake" to emphasize his stance against illegal immigration. Trump referred to the song as a poem and asked the crowd if they wanted to hear it, which was met with enthusiastic applause.

"The Snake," originally sung by Al Wilson, tells the story of a compassionate woman who takes in a half-frozen snake and cares for it. She wraps the snake in a cozy silk cover and provides it with honey and milk. However, when the woman returns, the snake bites her instead of showing gratitude. When she questions why the snake bit her, it replies that she knew it was a snake before she took it in.

Drawing a parallel to immigration, Trump stated, "And that's what's happening to the United States of America with immigration. I think it's pretty accurate, do you agree?" This was not the first time Trump had recited the song during his presidential campaign, using the snake as a metaphor for immigrants.

In 2016, Al Wilson's daughter, Alene Wilson-Harris, expressed uncertainty about her father's perspective on Trump's use of the song. While she acknowledged her father's appreciation for his music being recognized, she also acknowledged that there were aspects of Trump's platform that her father might not have agreed with.

"The Snake" was written by Oscar Brown Jr., an African-American activist and musician. Maggie Brown, Oscar Brown Jr.'s daughter, revealed to PBS that she was relieved when Trump cited the song to Wilson. She expressed her dislike for Trump using her father's words to create a platform but also pointed out that Trump was quoting a former Black nationalist and former communist party member, which she believed would surprise Republicans.

The use of "The Snake" by Trump at his rallies has sparked debate and controversy.

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Critics argue that the song's intended message was not about immigration but rather a cautionary tale about trusting dangerous individuals. However, Trump has consistently used it to highlight his concerns about illegal immigration and the potential risks associated with welcoming unknown individuals into the country.

As the immigration debate continues to be a contentious issue in the United States, Trump's recitation of "The Snake" serves as a reminder of his strong stance on border security and the need for stricter immigration policies.