Rush

Lyrics

[Instrumental Intro 00:00-00:47]

[Verse]
The clouds prepare for battle
In the dark and brooding silence
Bruised and sullen storm clouds
Have the light of day obscured
Looming low and ominous
In twilight premature
Thunder heads are rumbling
In a distant overture

[Instrumental Break 01:20-04:19]

[Bridge]
All at once, the clouds are parted
Light streams down in bright unbroken beams

[Instrumental Break 04:30-06:51]

[Outro]
Follow men's eyes as they look to the skies
The shifting shafts of shining weave the fabric of their dreams

If you're a fan of progressive rock, then you must have heard of Rush. The Canadian band has been around since the 70s, and they've released numerous albums that have cemented their place in rock history. One of their most popular albums is "Permanent Waves," which features the third track "Jacob's Ladder."

What makes "Jacob's Ladder" an interesting song is its structure. At over 7 minutes long, it's mostly instrumental, with very few lyrics. The song was written by drummer Neil Peart and is thought to be a dramatization of a stormy day before the sun breaks through and shines its rays of light onto Earth. But as with most Rush songs, there are numerous interpretations of the song's meaning, some with religious or philosophical connotations.

About Jacob’s Ladder

As mentioned, "Jacob's Ladder" is a song that's mostly instrumental, with only a few lines of lyrics. The song starts with a driving guitar riff by Alex Lifeson, which is soon joined by Geddy Lee's bass. The drums come in soon after, and the song gradually builds up to a climax before dropping down to a slower section.

The song's first lyric, "The clouds prepare for battle," sets the scene for the listener. It's easy to imagine a storm brewing on the horizon before the band kicks into gear. The song's title comes from the biblical story of Jacob's Ladder, where Jacob dreams of a ladder that reaches up to heaven. This imagery is reflected in the song's structure, with its gradual build-up and sudden drops.

One of the standout moments in the song is the guitar solo by Alex Lifeson, which comes in around the four-minute mark. The solo starts with a slow, eerie section before building up to a frenzied crescendo. It's an excellent showcase of Lifeson's technical abilities and gives the song a much-needed burst of energy.

The song's lyrics are sparse, but they're impactful. Neil Peart's drumming is a standout, with its complex rhythms and thunderous fills. Geddy Lee's bass playing is also excellent, providing a solid foundation for the rest of the band. The song's structure is typical of Rush's progressive rock style, with its changes in tempo and time signatures.

"Jacob's Ladder" is an excellent example of what makes Rush such a unique band. They're known for their complex, ambitious songs, and "Jacob's Ladder" is no exception. The song's mix of instrumentals and lyrics create a cinematic listening experience that takes the listener on a journey from the stormy opening to the triumphant finale.

The song has been covered by numerous bands over the years, including Dream Theater and Huey Lewis and the News. It's a testament to the song's lasting appeal and the influence that Rush has had on rock music.

Wrapping Up

"Jacob's Ladder" is a song that's as perplexing as it is engaging. It's a showcase of Rush's technical abilities as musicians, with its complex rhythms, time signatures, and instrumental sections. The lyrics are sparse but effective, and the song's structure creates a cinematic listening experience.

If you're a fan of Rush or progressive rock in general, then "Jacob's Ladder" is a must-listen. It's a song that showcases everything that makes Rush such a unique band, and it's one of the standout tracks on an already impressive album. So, turn up the volume and immerse yourself in the stormy world of "Jacob's Ladder."

• Release Date: January 14, 1980
• Artist: Rush