I'm a storyteller. My daughter and I are searching for the origins of a story-song that we heard sung on the Northern Exposure tv show several years ago, sung by the character of Shelly. The song was based on a very common folktale: about a person (the Lady) who takes pit on a cold, dying snake and is then bitten by the ungrateful snake, because that's the snake's nature. Here's the first verse:

On her way to work one morning, on the path beside the lake,
A tender-hearted woman saw a poor half-frozen snake.
Its pretty-colored skin had been all frosted with the dew.
"Poor thing," she cried, "I'll take you in and I'll take care of you."

The chorus:
Take me in, tender woman. Take me in, for heaven's sake.
Take me in, tender woman, sighed the snake.

We don't know if this is based on an old folksong, a recent piece of music by an independent songwriter, or something specifically composed for the tv show. I would really appreciate any information you can give me. If you want to message me direct, my e-mail is storyhat@aol.com. Thanks!