Shoots And Ladders

KoRn's song "Shoots And Ladders" delves into the unsettling undercurrents of childhood nursery rhymes. The band, known for their nu-metal style that often explores themes of pain, trauma, and societal issues, uses this track to highlight the hidden darkness within seemingly innocent verses. The lyrics juxtapose familiar nursery rhymes with a sinister tone, suggesting that these childhood staples carry deeper, more disturbing meanings than they appear to on the surface.

The song opens with the well-known rhyme "Ring around the rosies," which is often linked to the Black Plague, hinting at death and disease. This sets the stage for the exploration of how these rhymes, spoonfed to children, contain elements of violence and darkness. The repetition of lines like "Hidden violence revealed" and "Darkness that seems real" underscores the idea that these rhymes are not as innocent as they seem. By revisiting these verses from a mature perspective, KoRn exposes the eerie and sometimes morbid origins of these childhood chants.

Throughout the song, the band references various nursery rhymes, such as "London Bridge is falling down" and "Mary had a little lamb," blending them with their heavy, aggressive musical style. This contrast amplifies the unsettling nature of the lyrics, making listeners question the content they were exposed to as children. The song serves as a critique of how society often overlooks the darker aspects of cultural traditions, especially those aimed at children. By bringing these hidden elements to light, KoRn challenges listeners to reconsider the seemingly benign aspects of their upbringing and recognize the potential impact of these early influences on their perception of the world.