Well yes. It was the intent of the album art. Though you yourself have not stated what these connotations are, as everything has 'connotations' inherent in them.

In my opinion, rephrasing brings clarity to connotations:

Carrot and stick, from birth to death.

I could have stated it more directly, yet in this instance, I have chosen not to.

^{Ĥ̅͛ǝ̮̺͕̲̰llo} ʍoɹlp' ^I,m Qnǝsʇᴉouɐqlǝ.̬̘̟ͅ