No Doubt Lyrics Analysis #1: Snakes

It seems the closest No Doubt has ever got to politics are the vague references in the lyrics to Snakes.  Tony Kanal is listed as first writer, which probably means it was he most interested in sharing the gripe (Gwen Stefani is the second writer).

The song is most commonly believed to refer to a corporation. Are No Doubt referring to Interscope as an evil and unethical record company? It would makes sense giving the timing: No Doubt were irritated at Interscope for not providing studio time to record a follow-up to their self-titled debut. Consequently, Snakes was originally released under the independent Sea Creature label on The Beacon Street Collection album. It sounds like the band felt they were powerless when Interscope were being unreasonable:

Pawns in someone’s gameplay
Shoot shoot shoot obey

The idea of signing up to Interscope would have been alluring to the unsigned band:

Open the basket
Listen to the flute play

However, it was only after they committed that they realised they were locked into a world of cut-throat business lies and frustrations. Clearly snake charming is deceiving:

Subscription to the spreading of lies
Soldier catches a glimpse of his demise
Deep down inside even he knows
Snakes come in many shapes and sizes
snakes have no hands to be tied

I’m sure No Doubt continue to have gripes about Interscope (I know fans do too), but at least the band members have a bit more bargaining power these days!

Forked tongues spread the poison with another toxic sting
So much pain their serpentine inhibitions bring

Sounds pleasant, huh?