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The Rabies Metaphor: Unpacking Tyler Childers' Wildest Lyrics On "Bitin' List"

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The country music world is still buzzing about the raw, unhinged energy of Tyler Childers’ latest track, "Bitin' List." Released on his highly-anticipated album *Snipe Hunter*, the song has quickly become a fan favorite for its high-speed honky-tonk beat and its shockingly hilarious, yet deeply personal, lyrical threat. As of this current date, December 21, 2025, this track is a perfect example of how the Kentucky maverick continues to push the boundaries of neotraditional country music, combining Appalachian storytelling with a distinctive, punk-rock attitude.

The core of the song revolves around one unforgettable, bizarrely brilliant metaphor: a promise to put an adversary "high on my bitin' list" if the singer ever contracts rabies. This bold, playful, and unapologetically direct insult is a masterclass in original songwriting, setting "Bitin' List" apart as one of the most distinctive tracks in the entire Tyler Childers repertoire and on the *Snipe Hunter* tracklist.

Timothy Tyler Childers: Biography and Complete Discography

Timothy Tyler Childers is an American country music singer and songwriter whose work is deeply rooted in the traditions of neotraditional country, bluegrass, folk, and honky-tonk. Born on June 21, 1991, in Lawrence County, Kentucky, his music often explores themes of rural life, addiction, and personal redemption, making him a central figure in the modern Americana movement.

He is expertly backed by his band, The Food Stamps, a group of seasoned musicians who provide the gritty, dynamic sound that defines his live performances and studio albums. The current members of The Food Stamps include:

  • Craig Burletic: Bass Guitar
  • Rodney Elkins: Drums
  • James Barker: Pedal Steel Guitar
  • Jesse Wells ("The Professor"): Other Guitars, Fiddle
  • CJ Cain: Guitar

Key Studio Albums and EPs:

  • Bottles and Bibles (2011)
  • Purgatory (2017) – His breakthrough album, produced by Sturgill Simpson.
  • Country Squire (2019)
  • Long Violent History (2020)
  • Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven? (2022)
  • Rustin' in the Rain (2023)
  • Snipe Hunter (2025) – The home of "Bitin' List."

The Full Context: "Bitin' List" on the *Snipe Hunter* Album

"Bitin' List" is the fifth track on the 2025 album *Snipe Hunter*, a project that further solidifies Childers' reputation for eclectic, boundary-pushing music. The album, which also features fan-favorite tracks like "Nose on the Grindstone" and "Oneida," showcases a looser, more playful side of Childers' lyricism compared to the profound social commentary of *Long Violent History* or the spiritual exploration of *Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven?*.

The song is a high-speed blast of honky-tonk, driven by The Food Stamps’ tight, energetic performance. The track is short, sharp, and unapologetically bold, serving as a welcome change of pace on a record that explores everything from regional stories ("Oneida," "Poachers") to classic country themes ("Eatin' Big Time"). It's a testament to Childers' versatility that a song about a rabies-induced revenge list fits seamlessly alongside more introspective tracks.

Dissecting the "Bitin' List" Lyrics: A Diss Track with a Backwoods Banger Beat

At its heart, "Bitin' List" is a simple, direct confrontation. The opening lines immediately establish the song's intent, leaving no room for misinterpretation. It’s a classic country-folk tradition of calling out a personal grievance, but delivered with a unique, modern venom that only Childers can muster. The genius of the song lies in how it escalates a simple dislike into an absurd, yet terrifying, threat.

The song is a pure, visceral expression of contempt, but it’s the chorus that has captured the most attention and cemented the song's status as a viral hit. The lyrics are a perfect blend of Appalachian grit and dark humor, making it read like a "diss list set to a backwoods banger."

Key Lyrical Breakdown and Meaning

The song's structure is straightforward, building to the unforgettable punchline. The verses are a direct declaration of animosity, emphasizing that the singer dislikes "Not a thing about the way you is."

The Pre-Chorus: The Rabies Setup

The song transitions from simple dislike to the extreme metaphor in the pre-chorus, setting the stage for the ultimate insult:

  • "And if there ever come a time I got rabies,"
  • "I'd wanna kiss my wife, I'd wanna hug my baby,"
  • "My time's so small, the list ain't many."

This section is crucial. By listing the precious few things he *would* do—kiss his wife and hug his baby—he establishes the severity of his limited time. This stark contrast makes the following line, where the adversary is placed on the "bitin' list," even more devastating. It implies that of all the things he *could* do with his last moments, biting this specific person is a priority.

The Chorus: The Ultimate Insult

The chorus delivers the final, unforgettable blow:

"To put it plain, I just don't like you," "Not a thing about the way you is," "And if there ever come a time I got rabies," "Yeah, you're high on the list of folks I’d bite."

The "Bitin' List" is essentially a metaphorical "hit list" or "enemies list." The rabies metaphor takes the common phrase "I'd bite you" and elevates it with a dark, rural-gothic twist. It’s an unoriginal insult made completely original by the context of a deadly disease. It counters the softer image some fans have of the "All Yourn'" singer, reminding listeners of his capacity for sharp, sinister, and often hilarious songwriting.

Topical Authority: The Childers Sound and Legacy

Childers' ability to craft a song like "Bitin' List" is a direct result of his diverse musical foundation. While he is often categorized as a country artist, his sound incorporates the raw authenticity of folk, the complex instrumentation of bluegrass, and the driving rhythm of honky-tonk. His influences are wide-ranging, extending beyond the Appalachian mountains to include artists like Allen Touissant, whose psychedelic soul music has inspired Childers' more experimental leanings.

The band, The Food Stamps, are instrumental in bringing this energy to life. Their tight musicianship, particularly the prominent pedal steel from James Barker and the driving rhythm section of Craig Burletic and Rodney Elkins, transforms the song from a simple lyric into a full-blown, high-speed experience. The result is a song that is sonically tight and unapologetically bold, demonstrating that even in a moment of playful lyrical looseness, Childers and his band are at the top of their game.

For fans exploring his discography after *Snipe Hunter*, tracks like "Nose on the Grindstone" and the deep cuts from *Purgatory* offer a deeper dive into the themes of working-class struggle and redemption that define his work. "Bitin' List," however, is a needed moment of levity and pure, infectious energy, proving that Tyler Childers remains one of the most compelling and unpredictable voices in music today.

tyler childers bitin' list lyrics
tyler childers bitin' list lyrics

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