"Up on the Ladder" by Radiohead seems to be a critique of those in power who have let down their followers. The speaker begins with a lighthearted greeting to his mother, but quickly delves into his feelings of being trapped and wasting time. The lyrics become more accusatory as the song progresses, with the chorus accusing someone of letting their people down. The ladder metaphor is used to represent the climb to success, with the speaker feeling stuck and tied to a stake. The outro calls out for the unnamed individual in power, trying to call out their name, but feeling like they are all the same. The frustration and anger expressed in this song suggest a feeling of disillusionment and disappointment with those in power who have not lived up to their promises.