Climb the Ladder
of Montreal Lyrics


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When I'm caught in a net and I haven't a clue
All I've got to do is climb the ladder to you
Climb the ladder

When there are ghosts in my coat
And everything is askew
All I've got to do is climb the ladder to you
Climb the ladder to you

All of these faces are crowding around me
With mouths open wide to devour
But they have no impact, no I do not cower
Knowing I'm safe in your tower

When my pencil tip's broken and my brain is too
All I've got to do is climb the ladder to you
Climb the ladder

When I feel like an oar in a sunken canoe
All I've got to do is climb the ladder to you
Climb the ladder to you

All of these faces are crowding around me
Like grey paint caked on a flower




But they have no impact, no value, no power
Knowing I'm safe in your tower

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Climb the Ladder" by of Montreal seem to be about seeking refuge from the chaos and confusion of life in someone else. The ladder in the song seems to signify a way of escape from whatever troubles the singer is facing. The first verse mentions being caught in a net and having no clues, but climbing the ladder to the person they are addressing will solve the problem. The second verse mentions ghosts in the coat and things being askew, but the solution is the same. The third and fourth verses use metaphors of a broken pencil and a sunken canoe, respectively, to describe feeling trapped and helpless, but once again, the answer is to climb the ladder.


The chorus - "All of these faces are crowding around me/With mouths open wide to devour/But they have no impact, no I do not cower/Knowing I'm safe in your tower" - continues with the idea that the world is full of threats, but this person is a safe haven. The use of the word "tower" further emphasizes the idea of safety, as towers are structures meant to protect and defend.


Overall, the song seems to be a reminder that no matter how overwhelming life can be, there is always someone to turn to for safety and comfort. The ladder represents a way out of whatever troubles the singer is facing.


Line by Line Meaning

When I'm caught in a net and I haven't a clue
When I feel trapped and lost


All I've got to do is climb the ladder to you
Turning to someone they trust for guidance


Climb the ladder
Repeating the key solution


When there are ghosts in my coat
When they are plagued by haunting thoughts


And everything is askew
And everything is out of place


All I've got to do is climb the ladder to you
Returning to the person they trust to ground themselves


Climb the ladder to you
Repeating the key solution


All of these faces are crowding around me
Feeling overwhelmed by others


With mouths open wide to devour
With others wanting to consume their energy or attention


But they have no impact, no I do not cower
Acknowledging their ability to stand their ground


Knowing I'm safe in your tower
Feeling secure with their trusted confidant


When my pencil tip's broken and my brain is too
When they are experiencing creative or mental blocks


All I've got to do is climb the ladder to you
Relying on their trusted friend for inspiration and support


Climb the ladder
Repeating the key solution


When I feel like an oar in a sunken canoe
Feeling helpless in a difficult situation


All I've got to do is climb the ladder to you
Seeking comfort and support from their trusted confidant


Climb the ladder to you
Repeating the key solution


All of these faces are crowding around me
Feeling overwhelmed by others


Like grey paint caked on a flower
Like something that is detracting from their beauty or purpose


But they have no impact, no value, no power
Feeling unaffected by others' negative impact


Knowing I'm safe in your tower
Finding safety and security in their trusted confidant




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KEVIN BARNES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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