Shoots and Ladders (song)
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| “Shoots and Ladders” | |||||
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| Single by Korn from the album Korn |
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| Released | 1995 | ||||
| Format | 10", CD5" | ||||
| Recorded | 1994 | ||||
| Genre | Nu metal | ||||
| Length | 5:22 | ||||
| Label | Epic Records | ||||
| Producer | Ross Robinson | ||||
| Korn singles chronology | |||||
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"Shoots and Ladders" is a song written and recorded by American rock band Korn for their self-titled debut album. It was released as the album's second single in 1995.
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[edit] Music and structure
The title is a mockery of American children's game Chutes and Ladders (also known in the UK as Snakes and Ladders), with the song's lyrics mostly consisting of nursery rhymes. It is the first Korn song to feature bagpipes.
The song uses the following nursery rhymes in its lyrics:
- Ring Around the Rosie
- One, Two, Buckle My Shoe
- London Bridge is Falling Down
- Baa Baa Black Sheep
- This Old Man
- Mary Had a Little Lamb
[edit] Concept
"It was written because all these little kids sing these nursery rhymes and they don't know what they originally meant. Everyone is so happy when singing 'Ring Around the Rosie' but it is about the Black Plague. All of them have these evil stories behind them." – Jonathan Davis
[edit] Live performance
The song has been a concert staple since Korn started playing larger venues, although it has been absent for most of the band's tour dates in support of their recent untitled album. During some live performances, the song is followed by a short cover version of Metallica's "One". Other occasions included an instrumental excerpt of "Daddy" as an introduction, as well as various medleys of other Korn songs. A small excerpt of "The Blister Exists" by Slipknot was played within "Shoots and Ladders" at the 2007 Graspop Metal Meeting, most likely due to Korn's touring drummer at the time being Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison.
[edit] Music video
Like previous single, "Blind", the video for "Shoots and Ladders" shows clips of Korn performing in front of an energetic crowd. Korn is also seen performing in front of fake castle-like buildings. Munky can be seen with duct tape over his mouth coming out of a field of weeds and in the beginning, Jonathan can be seen tied up, hanging upside down. Other unknown people, who are believed to be friends of the band, appear in various clips as well. The video aired in October 1995.
[edit] Awards
The song was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1997 for Best Metal Performance. This would be Korn's first nomination in any Grammy category.
[edit] Track listing
- CD5" ESK 7116
- "Shoots and Ladders" (radio edit) – 3:39
- "Sean Olson" (radio edit) – 4:45
- 10" XPR3028
Side A:
- "Shoots and Ladders" (Hip Hop remix) – 4:21
- "Shoots and Ladders" (Hyper remix) – 2:28
Side B:
- "Shoots and Ladders" (Industrial remix) – 3:50
- "Shoots and Ladders" (Industrial instrumental) – 3:58
