Originally comprising vocalist, bassist and songwriter Duff McKagan (formerly of Guns N' Roses), guitarist Michael Barragan (formerly of Plexi), guitarist Dez Cadena (formerly of Black Flag) and drummer Taz Bentley (formerly of The Reverend Horton Heat), the band released Episode 1999: Live in 1999.
In 2000, McKagan began recording Dark Days, which was released in 2001, with drummer Geoff Reading (formerly of New American Shame and Green Apple Quick Step) and Dave Dederer (formerly of The Presidents of the United States of America) with additional guitar parts added by touring guitarist Mike Squires (formerly of Nevada Bachelors and Harvey Danger). For the tour, bassist Jeff Rouse (formerly of Alien Crime Syndicate) was added to the group. During the tour, both Squires and Rouse left to rejoin Alien Crime Syndicate with gutiarist Dave Kushner, formerly of Wasted Youth and Electric Love Hogs, and bassist George Stuart Dahlquist, formerly of Asva and Burning Witch, replacing them.
With both McKagan and Kushner going on to form Velvet Revolver with McKagan's former Guns N' Roses bandmates, Slash and Matt Sorum, and then former Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland in 2002, Loaded were put on semi-hiatus with the band playing a few shows each year with former members Rouse and Squires returning to the group.
Loaded regrouped in 2008, with the lineup still consisting of McKagan, Squires, Rouse and Reading. The band released extended play Wasted Heart in September in support of their UK/European tour. The follow up to Dark Days, Sick, was released on April 7, 2009 and charted at number 43 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers Chart. A tour of the US and Europe as well as South America followed along with stints supporting Black Stone Cherry and Mötley Crüe.
In September 2009, drummer Reading announced his departure from the group with Isaac Carpenter, formerly of Loudermilk, Gosling and The Exies, announced as his replacement. The group are currently working on new material for their next release.
She's An Anchor
Duff McKagan's Loaded Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Guess we saw the signs too late,
Now the wind is gone, you're drifting all alone
Lift my anchor from your sea,
That vast tranquility,
I was overcome and blinded by the years
Fading, hating, you'll never stop this heart from bleeding
Set my sights on foreign shores,
Woke up there wanting more,
Never saw myself as one to float away
Placing blame and, hiding all the things that shame them,
Fading, hating, you'll never stop this heart from bleeding
You only need me when you're drunk and dirty,
You only use me when you feel alone,
You did my drugs and then you take my money,
I'm leaving, you're on your own
Yeah yeah, you're on your own now, yeah yeah, you're all alone yeah,
Yeah yeah, you're on your own now, yeah yeah, you're all alone yeah,
Placing blame and, hiding all the things that shame them,
Fading, hating, you'll never stop this heart from bleeding
Placing blame and, hiding all the things that shame them,
Fading, hating, you'll never stop this heart from bleeding
The lyrics of Duff McKagan's Loaded's song "She's An Anchor" describe a relationship that has gone sour, with hints of codependency, manipulation, and emotional pain. The singer seems to have realized too late the depth of his partner's sadness and disillusionment, and instead of helping her find her way, he admits to having been blinded by his own emotional issues and addiction. The metaphor of the anchor is poignant, as it evokes feelings of heaviness, stuckness, and the need for release.
The chorus seems to reveal even more about the dynamic between the two characters. The lines "You only need me when you're drunk and dirty / You only use me when you feel alone / You did my drugs and then you take my money / I'm leaving, you're on your own" suggest that the singer feels used and abused, almost like a drug or a crutch that his partner turns to in moments of weakness. The decision to leave seems final and resolved, even though the pain of separation is still evident.
Overall, "She's An Anchor" is a melancholic and honest portrayal of a failing relationship, with a sense of resignation and acceptance that sometimes feels like the only way out.
Line by Line Meaning
Saw the tears run down your face,
I saw that you were crying, but I didn't realize the true extent of your pain until it was too late.
Guess we saw the signs too late,
We should have recognized the signs that you were struggling, but we didn't pay attention until it was too late.
Now the wind is gone, you're drifting all alone
Now that the source of your stability and comfort is gone, you feel lost and isolated.
Lift my anchor from your sea,
I am releasing you from the emotional burden that I have placed upon you.
That vast tranquility,
The sense of peace and calm that you need to find within yourself.
I was overcome and blinded by the years
I was so consumed by my own issues and experiences that I failed to see how much you were struggling.
Placing blame and, hiding all the things that shame them,
People often deflect blame and conceal their own flaws and insecurities to avoid criticism or shame.
Fading, hating, you'll never stop this heart from bleeding
Despite the pain and turmoil that I am experiencing, I can't escape my own emotions and desires.
Set my sights on foreign shores,
I am seeking new experiences and opportunities in unfamiliar places.
Woke up there wanting more,
In this new environment, I am eager to explore new possibilities and overcome old limitations.
Never saw myself as one to float away
I always saw myself as grounded and secure, but I am now realizing my own vulnerability and desperation.
You only need me when you're drunk and dirty,
You only seek my companionship and support when you are at your lowest and most vulnerable.
You only use me when you feel alone,
You only rely on me in times of emotional distress or isolation, and don't value my presence otherwise.
You did my drugs and then you take my money,
You took advantage of my generosity and resources, and exploited my own struggles with addiction.
I'm leaving, you're on your own
I am ending this toxic and damaging relationship, and leaving you to confront your own issues and struggles on your own.
Yeah yeah, you're on your own now, yeah yeah, you're all alone yeah,
I am emphasizing my sense of finality and closure in this decision, and expressing my confidence that you can overcome your own challenges without relying on me.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DUFF ROSE MCKAGAN, ISAAC HEATH CARPENTER, JEFFREY JOHN ROUSE, MICHAEL JAMES SQUIRES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind