[Verse 1] A stone for a pillow, the daylight withdrawn, Jacob lay down with the road stretching on. Home was behind him, his future unknown; Night covered Bethel, and he slept alone. [Dream Refrain] A ladder in the night, Its foot upon the ground, Its head among the heavens Where messengers moved down. Above it stood the promise, Unbroken, burning bright: The exile was not empty By the ladder in the night. [Verse 2] The land where he rested would pass to his seed, Dust would spread outward in number and deed. Families of earth would find blessing made known; God would go with him wherever he'd roam. He would be guarded and brought back again; The word would not leave him unfinished with men. [Awakening] Jacob rose trembling at morning's first ray: "Surely the Lord has been here in this place." The stone became pillar, the oil poured above; Fear named the gateway, and wonder named love. [Final Refrain] A ladder in the night, A promise on the road, Heaven had not left him To carry exile's load. The house of God stood open, The gate of heaven in sight; The wanderer rose altered By the ladder in the night.