Extra Life was a band led by New York… Read Full Bio ↴Brooklyn, New York 2006 - 2012
Extra Life was a band led by New York-based guitarist/vocalist Charlie Looker (member of Seaven Teares, OCRILIM, Psalm Zero, ex-Zs and ex-DIRTY PROJECTORS). While the music retains some of the heady instrumental abstraction of his work in Zs, Extra Life moves into a far more melodic song-based realm. The compositions are epic, complex and aggressive, yet with a lush, personal, dramatic spirit; dark, heavy avant chamber pop with a cold gothic beauty echoing that of medieval plainsong. In addition to Looker's voice and guitar, the band included Tony Gedrich (bass, member of ARCHAEOPTERYX), Ian Antonio (drums 2007-08, member of Zs), Nick Podgurski (drums 2008-12), Travis Laplante (keyboard, tenor saxophone, member of LITTLE WOMEN) and Caley Monahan-Ward (violin).
The Ladder
Extra Life Lyrics
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Then I fed you strong, I fed you strong
Corrupt child naked at your computer
I washed your hair, showed you right from wrong
I remember when you couldn't cook your own dinner
Then I fed you strong, I fed you strong
Corrupt child naked at your computer
Now your neck bends up toward Heaven
And you dare pull your own breath
Go suck in, second-hand, a grown man's noble pleasures
I'm your one ticket to this beautiful, beautiful world
Pay up, pay up, pay up the ladder
Your every joy is rented from your new father
I made you kid, I laid you kid and I'll lay you to waste
I gave you your woman and now I want my taste
I will always chew for you and spit the truth into your dumb waiting jaws
Stammer me your loneliness and I'll recommend you for love
I will always tell them what you meant to say and put in a good word
I will always hold your nervous sperm
I will always hold everything of yours
There's a life for you, ugly at my side
There's a life for you, a life for you, a stained hand-me-down
Pay up, pay up, pay up the ladder
Your every joy is rented from your new father
I made you kid, I laid you kid and I'll lay you to waste
I gave you your woman and now I want my taste
Now your neck bends up toward Heaven
And you dare pull your own breath
Go suck in, second-hand, a grown man's noble pleasures
I'm your one ticket to this beautiful, beautiful world
Pay up, pay up, pay up the ladder
Your every joy is rented from your new father
I made you kid, I laid you kid and I'll lay you to waste
I gave you your woman and now I want my taste
I gave you your woman and now I want my taste
The lyrics of Extra Life's The Ladder depict a deeply unsettling dynamic between two individuals. The first verse refers to a time when the singer had a position of power over the other person, who lacked the ability to care for themselves. The singer took care of them, teaching them right from wrong and feeding them. As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the singer feels entitled to the other person's life and experiences. They believe that they are responsible for everything the other person has achieved since they "made" them, and demand that the other person repay them for their efforts. The singer is manipulative and possessive, going so far as to claim ownership over the other person's partner.
The final lines of the song - "Now your neck bends up toward Heaven / And you dare pull your own breath / Go suck in, second-hand, a grown man's noble pleasures / I'm your one ticket to this beautiful, beautiful world" - suggest that the other person has grown beyond the singer's control and may be trying to distance themselves. However, the singer insists that they are the only way for the other person to experience the beauty of life.
Overall, The Ladder is a powerful commentary on abusive and controlling relationships. The singer's actions and language are deeply concerning, and the song serves as a warning about the dangers of allowing someone to have such an extreme level of control over your life.
Line by Line Meaning
I remember when you couldn't cook your own dinner
I recall that you were once incapable of cooking your meals
Then I fed you strong, I fed you strong
That is when I supported you through thick and thin
Corrupt child naked at your computer
You once seized ethics and opted to obey what is wrong
I washed your hair, showed you right from wrong
I cleaned you up and instilled moral values to guide you
Now your neck bends up toward Heaven
You look up to God seeking for guidance or prosperity
And you dare pull your own breath
You need to put in a lot of effort to achieve your goals
Go suck in, second-hand, a grown man's noble pleasures
Do not waste time trying to adopt someone else's life or success
I'm your one ticket to this beautiful, beautiful world
I am the one who introduced you to the world and all it has to offer
Pay up, pay up, pay up the ladder
You must pay for everything you have achieved
Your every joy is rented from your new father
All the happiness you enjoy comes from the efforts of others
I made you kid, I laid you kid and I'll lay you to waste
I birthed you to this world, raised you, and will also be your downfall
I gave you your woman and now I want my taste
I introduced you to your lover, and now I seek something in return
I will always chew for you and spit the truth into your dumb waiting jaws
I'll always speak the truth to you, even if it displeases you
Stammer me your loneliness and I'll recommend you for love
Tell me how lonely you are, and I'll search for someone who can love you
I will always tell them what you meant to say and put in a good word
I'll represent you well and clarify any misunderstandings
I will always hold your nervous sperm
I'll shelter your insecurities and protect you from the consequences
I will always hold everything of yours
I'll always be available to support you when you need me
There's a life for you, ugly at my side
I have something for you, but it may not be perfect
A life for you, a life for you, a stained hand-me-down
I have something to offer, but it may not be the best quality
Contributed by Ethan P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
G Morgan
Charlie's voice sounds like Weird Al's voice.
Lee Waller
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