Al Wilson: "The Snake" live on "The Scene" (1974) #NorthernSoul Top 500 Number 4 Extremely rare video of Al Wilson performing this iconic Northern Soul anthem on the 'Scene Show,' Oklahoma, hosted by Ronnie Kaye (no, not that one!) "The Snake" is a song and single released by American singer Al Wilson in 1968, and written by civil-rights activist Oscar Brown in 1963. The lyrics tell a story inspired by Aesop's fable of The Farmer and the Viper. Released in 1968 in the United States on Johnny Riv