“Jacob’s Ladder” is a song by Huey Lewis & The News, released in January 1987 with “The Heart of Rock & Roll”(Live) on the B-side as the third single from their fourth album Fore!. The song was written by Bruce Hornsby and his brother John Hornsby, and it became one of the band’s biggest hits.
“Jacob’s Ladder” is a rock song with a straightforward, mid-tempo beat. It has a roots-rock feel, blending elements of rock and blues with a driving rhythm and a strong, soulful vocal performance by Huey Lewis. The song features prominent guitars, harmonicas, and a classic rock sound that matches the band’s signature style.
The lyrics of “Jacob’s Ladder” use biblical imagery, particularly referencing the concept of climbing “Jacob’s ladder” as a metaphor for striving toward something better in life.
The music video for “Jacob’s Ladder was filmed during the live concert at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena on December 31, 1986.
“Jacob’s Ladder” was a major commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, becoming the band’s third No. 1 single. The song maintained the band’s popularity during the mid-1980s and became one of their defining hits.
While not as instantly recognizable as some of their other hits, “Jacob’s Ladder” is a significant song in Huey Lewis & The News’ catalog, particularly for its thought-provoking lyrics and more roots-oriented sound. The song’s themes of independence and self-reliance resonated with many listeners, and its success helped solidify the band’s reputation as one of the top rock acts of the 1980s.