The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Jakob's got a ladder
Climbs up to the sun
Once you get to the top of it
You're going to be someone
Now I've got a ladder
And it climbs up to the sky
Once I get to the top of it
I'm gonna be good and high
Don't believe in ladders
Heaven ain't in the sky
But once you get to the top
Look out kid
Jakob keep climbing someday
You're gonna get to the top you see
You're living your life on Earth
In a state of rebirth
The work is done and time will tell
If you're living in Hell
This world is a heaven to me (chorus)
Sharon's got a rose
Redder than her lipstick
Says, "Brother can you spare a dime?"
And then I give it to her quick
Now I've got a rose
But the wine is dirty red
Drink enough for the both of us
In the morning I might be dead
Don't believe in roses
Heaven ain't in the sky
But once you get to the top
Look out kid
[Chorus]
Joseph's got a coat
Covers up the back seat
Takes a hit of his smoke
Then he says he can't see straight
No, No
I've got a vision
Colors too bold to call
Big enough for the both of us
Big enough for us all
Don't believe in visions
Zion ain't in the sky
But once you get to the top
Look out kid
[Chorus]
Climbs up to the sun
Once you get to the top of it
You're going to be someone
Now I've got a ladder
And it climbs up to the sky
Once I get to the top of it
I'm gonna be good and high
Don't believe in ladders
Heaven ain't in the sky
But once you get to the top
Look out kid
Jakob keep climbing someday
You're gonna get to the top you see
You're living your life on Earth
In a state of rebirth
The work is done and time will tell
If you're living in Hell
This world is a heaven to me (chorus)
Sharon's got a rose
Redder than her lipstick
Says, "Brother can you spare a dime?"
And then I give it to her quick
Now I've got a rose
But the wine is dirty red
Drink enough for the both of us
In the morning I might be dead
Don't believe in roses
Heaven ain't in the sky
But once you get to the top
Look out kid
[Chorus]
Joseph's got a coat
Covers up the back seat
Takes a hit of his smoke
Then he says he can't see straight
No, No
I've got a vision
Colors too bold to call
Big enough for the both of us
Big enough for us all
Don't believe in visions
Zion ain't in the sky
But once you get to the top
Look out kid
[Chorus]
Lyrics submitted by Shoot_Me
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