10/07/2026
Shoots and Ladders
Song by Korn
Released
1994
Genre
Nu metal
“Shoots & Ladders” is Korn’s third single. Its lyrics are mainly the recitation of several classic nursery rhymes with a chorus expressing concern about the dark origin and nature of them. Its title is a variation on the children’s board game Chutes And Ladders.
The physical promotional CD single sent to radio also includes the first release of “Sean Olson”, a bonus track not included on the band’s self-titled debut album.
“Shoots & Ladders” was nominated for a Grammy for ‘Best Metal Performance’ in 1996, their first of several nominations.
According to Rolling Stone, the band stopped performing this song in concert in 1997 until their 20th anniversary tour, where they played every song from their debut album each night, but fans have reported hearing it performed during that time as part of a medley.
It’s notable that “Shoots and Ladders” is the first song in the band’s discography featuring bagpipes, which are played by frontman Jonathan Davis.
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Ring around the rosies, pocket full of posies
Ashes, ashes, we all fall down
Ring around the rosies, pocket full of posies
Ashes, ashes, we all fall down
[Chorus]
Nursery rhymes are said, verses in my head
Into my childhood, they're spoon-fed
Hidden violence revealed darkness that seems real
Look at the pages that cause all this evil
[Verse 2]
One, two, buckle my shoe, three, four, shut the door
Five, six, pick up sticks, seven, eight, lay them straight
London Bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down
London Bridge is falling down, my fair lady
[Chorus]
Nursery rhymes are said, verses in my head
Into my childhood, they're spoon-fed
Hidden violence revealed darkness that seems real
Look at the pages that cause all this evil
[Bridge]
Nick nack paddy wack, give a dog a bone
This old man came rolling home
Nick nack paddy wack, give a dog a bone
This old man came rolling home
Nick nack paddy wack, give a dog a bone
This old man came rolling home
Nick nack paddy wack, give a dog a bone
This old man came rolling home
Nick nack paddy wack, give a dog a bone
This old man came rolling home
Nick nack paddy wack, give a dog a bone
This old man came
Mary had a little lamb whose fleece was white as snow and then
Mary had a little lamb whose fleece was white as snow and then
Mary had a little lamb whose fleece was white as snow and then
Mary had a little lamb whose fleece was white as snow and then
Mary had a little lamb
Mary had a little lamb whose fleece was white as snow (Baa, baa, black sheep, have you any wool?)
Mary had a little lamb whose fleece was white as snow (Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full)
Mary had a little lamb whose fleece was white as snow (Baa, baa, black sheep, have you any wool?)
Mary had a little lamb (Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full) (Hot cross buns)
[Verse 3]
Ring around the rosies, pocket full of posies
Ashes, ashes, we all fall down
Ring around the rosies, pocket full of posies
Ashes, ashes, we all fall down
[Chorus]
Nursery rhymes are said, verses in my head
Into my childhood, they're spoon-fed
Hidden violence revealed darkness that seems real
Look at the pages that cause all this evil
[Outro]
Nick nack paddy wack, give a dog a bone
Nick nack paddy wack, give a dog a bone
Nick nack paddy wack, give a dog a bone
Nick nack paddy wack, give a dog
