HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS - JACOB’S LADDER

Released: January 1987

Charted:  US: #1 (1 week)

"Jacob's Ladder" is a song written by Bruce Hornsby and his brother John Hornsby in 1986, later recorded by Huey Lewis and the News. It topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for one week in 1987, becoming the band's third and final number-one hit. Originally intended for Bruce Hornsby's own album, he gave the song to Huey Lewis after being dissatisfied with his band's version. It was included on the band's September 1986 album "Fore!".

"Jacob's Ladder" depicts a scenario where a dancer is pursued by a fat man offering salvation. In the song's first verse, the narrator describes a burlesque girl in Birmingham, Alabama, as "just another fallen angel trying to make it through the night." The narrative contrasts her struggle with the presence of a "fat man selling salvation in his hand," attempting to convert her to Christianity. Later in the song, the narrator hears an evangelist soliciting money on the radio and reflects on how people, including himself, are simply striving to navigate life's challenges. The song subtly critiques religious evangelists who exploit the vulnerable for financial gain, and suggests that those who exploit others' vulnerabilities for profit are parasites, and rejects the notion of being saved by such individuals.

The title "Jacob's Ladder" draws its inspiration from a significant biblical reference found in the Book of Genesis. In this passage, Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, experiences a profound dream where he sees a ladder reaching up to Heaven. Angels are seen ascending and descending on the ladder, symbolizing a connection between Heaven and Earth. At the top of the ladder, Jacob perceives God, who reaffirms the covenant made with Abraham, promising Jacob and his descendants a prosperous future in the land that was pledged to them. In the context of the song this biblical imagery serves as a metaphorical backdrop. The song explores themes of spiritual journey, temptation, and the pursuit of salvation.

The music video features the band performing the song live during a concert at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena on December 31, 1986. Additionally, Bruce Hornsby recorded his own version of "Jacob's Ladder," which appeared on his second album, “Scenes From The Southside”, released in 1988. Hornsby has continued to perform this song regularly during his concerts.