House of the Rising Sun
House of the Rising Sun|House of the Rising Sun
Also known as: The House of the Rising Sun · Rising Sun Blues
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There is a house in New OrleansThey call the Rising SunAnd it's been the ruin of many a poor boyAnd God, I know I'm one
My mother was a tailorShe sewed my new blue jeansMy father was a gamblin' manDown in New Orleans
Now the only thing a gambler needsIs a suitcase and a trunkAnd the only time he's satisfiedIs when he's on a drunk
Oh, mother, tell your childrenNot to do what I have doneSpend your lives in sin and miseryIn the House of the Rising Sun
With one foot on the platformAnd the other on the trainI'm goin' back to New OrleansTo wear that ball and chain
Well, there is a house in New OrleansThey call the Rising SunAnd it's been the ruin of many a poor boyAnd God, I know I'm one
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 My mother was a tailor She sewed my new blue jeans My father was a gamblin' man Down in New Orleans Now the only thing a gambler needs Is a suitcase and a trunk And the only time he's satisfied Is when he's on a drunk Oh, mother, tell your children Not to do what I have done Spend your lives in sin and misery In the House of the Rising Sun With one foot on the platform And the other on the train I'm goin' back to New Orleans To wear that ball and chain Well, 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
As the original lyrics are in English, the 'translation' provided is identical to the original text, preserving all stanza breaks and linguistic nuances.
The "House of the Rising Sun" is one of the most iconic and enduring American folk songs, shrouded in mystery regarding its exact origins. While its precise authorship and date of composition remain unknown, it is believed to have emerged from the oral traditions of the American South, particularly associated with New Orleans, in the 19th century. The song's narrative, typically told from the perspective of someone whose life has been ruined by a place or lifestyle in New Orleans, often implies a brothel, a gambling house, or a prison. Early versions were collected and recorded in the early 20th century, notably by folklorists like Alan Lomax, who documented a version sung by Clarence Ashley and Gwen Foster in 1933, and later by Lead Belly in 1944, solidifying its place in the American folk canon. Culturally, "House of the Rising Sun" serves as a poignant cautionary tale, reflecting themes of hardship, vice, and regret. It speaks to the struggles of the working class, the allure and dangers of urban life, and the consequences of poor choices. Its enduring appeal lies in its universal themes of human frailty and the search for redemption, resonating with listeners across generations. The song has been a staple in the repertoire of folk musicians, blues artists, and rock bands, often performed in intimate settings, coffeehouses, and major concert halls, becoming a symbol of American musical storytelling. Historically, the song has been performed in various styles, from unaccompanied vocals to arrangements featuring acoustic guitar, banjo, and harmonica in its early folk and blues iterations. The folk revival of the 1960s brought renewed attention to the song, with notable versions by Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. However, it was The Animals' electric rock arrangement in 1964 that propelled "House of the Rising Sun" to global fame, topping charts worldwide and introducing the traditional folk song to a new generation through a powerful, blues-rock interpretation. This version, with Eric Burdon's distinctive vocals and Alan Price's iconic organ riff, became a defining track of the British Invasion. Today, "House of the Rising Sun" remains a powerful and frequently covered song, demonstrating its timeless quality and adaptability across genres. It continues to be a cornerstone of American musical heritage, taught to aspiring musicians and studied by musicologists. Its preservation is ensured through countless recordings, live performances, and its inclusion in popular culture, serving as a reminder of the rich oral traditions that shaped American music. The song's ability to evoke a sense of place, a specific emotional state, and a universal human experience ensures its continued relevance and appreciation.
Historical Background
Originating in the 19th-century American South, likely New Orleans, the song evolved through oral tradition among working-class communities. It gained prominence during the early 20th-century folk and blues recording era and achieved global fame with The Animals' rock rendition in 1964, becoming a staple of the folk revival and British Invasion.
Cultural Significance
An enduring symbol of American folk music, "House of the Rising Sun" captures universal themes of struggle and regret. Its widespread popularity, especially after The Animals' version, cemented its place in popular culture, influencing countless musicians and serving as a gateway for many to explore traditional folk and blues music.
Usage & Performance Context
Often performed solo or with small ensembles; sung in folk clubs, blues venues, concerts, and informal gatherings. It is a narrative ballad, not typically associated with specific seasonal or ritual usage, but rather with storytelling and emotional expression.
What is the meaning behind 'House of the Rising Sun'?
The song is a cautionary tale, often interpreted as being sung by someone whose life has been ruined by a place called the 'House of the Rising Sun.' This 'house' is commonly understood to be a brothel, a gambling den, or a prison in New Orleans, symbolizing a life of vice, hardship, and regret.
Who originally wrote 'House of the Rising Sun'?
The original authorship of 'House of the Rising Sun' is unknown. It is a traditional folk song that evolved through oral tradition over many decades, likely originating in the 19th century. Many artists have recorded and copyrighted their specific arrangements, but the core song is public domain.
When did 'House of the Rising Sun' become famous?
While recorded by various folk and blues artists in the early 20th century (like Lead Belly and Woody Guthrie), it achieved global fame and became a massive hit in 1964 with the electric rock arrangement by the British band The Animals.
What instruments are typically used in 'House of the Rising Sun'?
In its traditional folk and blues forms, the song was often performed with acoustic guitar, banjo, or harmonica. The Animals' famous version introduced electric guitar, bass, drums, and a prominent organ riff, setting a new standard for its instrumentation.
Is 'House of the Rising Sun' a true story?
While the song's narrative is fictional, it draws heavily on the social realities and folklore of 19th-century New Orleans, reflecting common themes of poverty, vice, and the struggles faced by individuals in urban environments. The 'House of the Rising Sun' itself may not refer to a single specific building but rather a symbolic place.
Region
Language
English (Latin)
Themes
Contributor
Anonymous
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