Jim Stafford co-wrote and recorded a really stupid song called “Spiders and Snakes” way back in the 20th century. I don’t like the song. But I agree with his lyrics.
“I don’t like spiders and snakes.”
Yeah, that’s a big ten four (that’s CB language for I totally agree) good buddy. I definitely do NOT like those species. And, yes, I will kill them just for being around. Harsh? Hardly.
Do you know what those dastardly little devils will do to you if given a chance? Well, trust me, it ain’t something cuddly wuddly.
So, you might wonder why I’d even bring up spiders and snakes if I hate ’em so much. And normally I wouldn’t. But I saw a blurb about one spider, in particular, that I thought was interesting. It’s a species of black tarantula. And it can be found near Sacramento, California and surrounding areas.
OK. So what? Right?
But do you remember what else happens to be in the Sacramento, California area? Just in case you’re not familiar with that part of the country, I’ll tell you. Folsom Prison. And does that ring a bell for you? If not, I’ll just tell you that’s the prison made famous by Johnny Cash in his song, “Folsom Prison Blues.”
And, in case you don’t know, Mr. Cash was known as “the man in black.”
You’re probably starting to connect some dots right about now. Hmm, the man in black. And a black tarantula. Is there a connection?
Bingo, bango, bongo! Yes, there IS a connection!
Turns out, the blurb I read said that “species of black tarantula that lives near Folsom Prison, California, was named after Johnny Cash.”
The official species name is Aphonopelma johnnycashi. That’s Latinese in case you didn’t know.
Anyway…
Imagine having a spider species named after you. The man in black might have liked it. But I’d have to take a hard pass on that. Give me birds any day. You can keep your spiders and snakes.
The blurb also included a video that used a song Johnny Cash sang called, “God’s Gonna Cut You Down.”
And it’s a song I believe points to everyone who mocks God, rebels against Him, or just chooses not to believe He exists. Check out the lyrics. There’s some truth in ’em:
God’s Gonna Cut You Down
You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later, God’ll cut you down
Sooner or later, God’ll cut you down
Go tell that long-tongue liar
Go and tell that midnight rider
Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back-biter
Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down
And tell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down
Well, my goodness gracious, let me tell you the news
My head’s been wet with the midnight dew
I’ve been down on bended knee, talkin’ to the man from Galilee
He spoke to me in the voice so sweet
I thought I heard the shuffle of angels’ feet
He called my name and my heart stood still
When he said, “John, go do My will!” (chorus)
(Repeat 1st verse)
Well, you may throw your rock, and hide your hand
Workin’ in the dark against your fellow man
But as sure as God made black and white
What’s done in the dark will be brought to the light
~ public domain
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