“House of the Rising Sun” is a timeless folk song that has resonated with audiences for generations. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics tell a cautionary tale of misfortune and regret in New Orleans. While the exact origins of the song remain shrouded in mystery, its enduring popularity is undeniable, with countless artists offering their interpretations. This article delves into the Song Lyrics House Of The Rising Sun, examining different versions and exploring the rich tapestry of meaning woven into this iconic piece of American musical heritage.
Traditional “House of the Rising Sun” Lyrics
This version represents the foundational lyrics, passed down through oral tradition and various early recordings. It sets the stage for the narrative and emotional core of the song.
There is a house in New Orleans
They call the Rising Sun
It’s been the ruin of many a poor girl
And me, O God, for oneIf I had listened what Mama said
I’d be at home today
Being so young and foolish, poor boy
Let a rambler lead me astrayGo tell my baby sister
Never do like I have done
To shun that house in New Orleans
They call the Rising SunMy mother, she’s a tailor
She sewed these new blue jeans
My sweetheart, he’s a drunkard, Lord
Drinks down in New OrleansThe only thing a drunkard needs
Is a suitcase and a trunk
The only time he’s satisfied
Is when he’s on a drunkFills his glasses to the brim
Passes them around
Only pleasure he gets out of life
Is hoboin’ from town to townOne foot is on the platform
And the other one on the train
I’m going back to New Orleans
To wear that ball and chainGoing back to New Orleans
My race is almost run
Going back to spend the rest of my days
Beneath that Rising Sun
Analysis of Traditional Lyrics: A Tale of Regret and Warning
The traditional lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life gone astray. The narrator, a “poor girl,” laments her ruin at the hands of the “House of the Rising Sun.” This house, located in New Orleans, is immediately established as a place of danger and temptation. The lyrics suggest a cautionary message, directed at a younger sister, urging her to avoid the same fate. The narrator’s mother is a tailor, contrasting with the “rambler” sweetheart who led her astray, and who is depicted as a drunkard. The imagery of the “ball and chain” and “race is almost run” conveys a sense of inescapable despair and the consequences of choices made. The “Rising Sun” itself becomes a symbol of this destructive place, a beacon that ultimately leads to darkness.
The Animals’ Iconic Rendition: Lyrics and Impact
The Animals’ 1964 rock and roll version catapulted “House of the Rising Sun” to international fame. Their rendition, with Eric Burdon’s powerful vocals and the driving organ riff, gave the song a new, edgier feel.
There is a house in New Orleans
They call the Rising Sun
And it’s been the ruin of many a poor boy
And God I know I’m oneMy mother was a tailor
She sewed my new blue jeans
My father was a gamblin’ man
Down in New OrleansNow the only thing a gambler needs
Is a suitcase and trunk
And the only time he’s satisfied
Is when he’s on a drunkOh mother tell your children
Not to do what I have done
Spend your lives in sin and misery
In the House of the Rising SunWell, I got one foot on the platform
The other foot on the train
I’m goin’ back to New Orleans
To wear that ball and chainWell, there is a house in New Orleans
They call the Rising Sun
And it’s been the ruin of many a poor boy
And God I know I’m one
The Animals’ Version: A Rock and Roll Transformation
The Animals’ version notably changes the narrator’s gender to a “poor boy,” which resonates with a different perspective while maintaining the core themes of ruin and regret. The father is introduced as a “gamblin’ man,” further emphasizing the environment of vice and misfortune associated with New Orleans. The line “Spend your lives in sin and misery” is a powerful addition, explicitly stating the consequence of succumbing to the temptations of the “House of the Rising Sun.” The Animals’ arrangement, with its electric instrumentation, transformed the folk ballad into a rock anthem, broadening its appeal and cementing its place in popular music history.
Bob Dylan’s Take on a Classic: Lyrics and Style
Bob Dylan, known for his folk revival contributions, also recorded a version of “House of the Rising Sun” early in his career. His rendition stays closer to the traditional folk style, emphasizing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
There is a house down in New Orleans
They call the rising sun
And it’s been the ruin of many a poor girl
And me, oh God, I’m oneMy mother was a tailor
She sowed these new blue jeans
My sweetheart was a gambler
Lord, down in New OrleansNow the only thing a gambler needs
Is a suitcase and a trunk
And the only time when he’s satisfied
Is when he’s on a drunkHe fills his glasses up to the brim
And he’ll pass the cards around
And the only pleasure he gets out of life
Is rambling from town to townOh tell my baby sister
Not to do what I have done
But shun that house in New Orleans
They call the rising sunWell with one foot on the platform
And the other foot on the train
I’m going back to New Orleans
To wear that ball and chainI’m going back to New Orleans
My race is almost run
I’m going back to end my life
Down in the rising sunThere is a house in New Orleans
They call the rising sun
And it’s been the ruin of many a poor girl
And me, oh God, I’m one
Bob Dylan’s Version: Folk Roots and Personal Touch
Dylan’s version, while sharing lyrical similarities with the traditional and Animals’ versions, carries his signature folk style. He retains the female narrator, focusing on the “poor girl” and her lament. The lyrics about the gambler sweetheart are slightly different, emphasizing his restless nature (“rambling from town to town”). Dylan’s rendition highlights the song’s folk origins, stripping it down to its narrative essence and emotional core. His interpretation underscores the song’s power as a folk ballad, capable of conveying profound sadness and warning through simple yet evocative language.
The Enduring Mystery and Appeal of “House of the Rising Sun”
The “House of the Rising Sun” continues to captivate listeners because of its enigmatic nature and universal themes. The exact identity of the “house” remains debated – is it a brothel, a gambling den, or simply a metaphor for a life of sin and misfortune? This ambiguity adds to the song’s mystique, allowing listeners to project their own interpretations onto its narrative. The themes of regret, addiction, and the allure of a destructive path are timeless and resonate across cultures and generations. Whether in its traditional form, The Animals’ rock adaptation, or Dylan’s folk rendition, “House of the Rising Sun” stands as a testament to the power of song lyrics to tell compelling stories and evoke deep emotions.
In conclusion, “House of the Rising Sun” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural artifact, a story passed down and reinterpreted through different voices and styles. Its lyrics, regardless of the version, offer a glimpse into a world of hardship and warn against the seductive nature of self-destruction. The enduring appeal of this song lies in its ability to tap into universal human experiences of regret, temptation, and the search for redemption, solidifying its place as a classic in the musical canon.
