The first time I heard the song Human by The Killers (yeah, terrible band name, but great song), I associated it with Duke Devlin from the Japanese anime Yu-Gi-Oh! This persisted to the point of it becoming the image song for my story Close Your Eyes, Clear Your Heart, with each chapter being named for a line of the song. That story, which was being written for five years, eventually got on a roll and included Snakes among the main cast members. (It makes sense in context.)
I also realized that the song could just as easily fit my concept of Snakes as it can Duke. The second verse I particularly associate with Snakes, but the whole song really works.
Verse 1:
I did my best to notice
When the call came down the line
Up to the platform of surrender
I was brought, but I was kind
And sometimes I get nervous
When I see an open door
Close your eyes, clear your heart,
Cut the cord
This would be Snakes thinking on his past, when he tried to be a nice person no matter what was done to him for it. Maybe also when he "cuts the cord" binding him to the orphanage and lies about his age to enlist in the Confederate Army.
Chorus:
Are we human, or are we dancer?
My sign is vital, my hands are cold
And I'm on my knees, looking for the answer
Are we human, or are we dancer?
A bit more abstract; Snakes pondering on the meaning of life and people and why his life has turned out as it has. He's alive, but cold inside and not happy.
Verse 2:
Pay my respects to grace and virtue,
Send my condolences to good
Give my regards to soul and romance;
They always did the best they could
And so long to devotion,
You taught me everything I know
Wave goodbye
Wish me well
You've gotta let me go
A very hurt Snakes sneeringly abandons all the virtues he grew up with, or he thinks he does, anyway.
Bridge:
Will your system be alright
When you dream of home tonight?
There is no message we're receiving
Let me know, is your heart still beating?
Abstract again. Snakes thinking on whether he's really happier going down a dark path. Perhaps also thinking a bit on his death and his miraculous restoration to life.