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Leadbelly’s rendition of “House of the Rising Sun” showcases his incredible vocal range and distinctive guitar-playing style. His emotive delivery and deep understanding of the song’s narrative brought a new level of authenticity to the lyrics, making his version a standout amongst others. Eric Burdon and the Animals, who popularized the song worldwide when they recorded and released it in 1964, didn’t know. An interview with Eric Burdon revealed that he first heard the song in a club in Newcastle, England, where it was sung by the Northumbrian folk singer Johnny Handle. The Animals were on tour with Chuck Berry and chose it because they wanted something distinctive to sing.
Frijid Pink version
In the first verse, the narrator introduces themselves as the daughter of a mother who was a tailor and a father who was a gambler in New Orleans. This sets the scene for the narrator's own personal struggles and experiences. Beyond its presence in films and TV shows, “House of the Rising Sun” has become a staple in popular culture. Its use in commercials, video games, and even as a part of political campaigns attests to its widespread recognition and status as a cultural touchstone. Matt Marshall is the original publisher of American Blues Scene and owns Bluescentric.com the shop for Blues, Soul, and Rock n Roll -- authentic music t-shirts where every sale pays artist's estates directly.
Who originally wrote the song “House of the Rising Sun”?
There was something about the dark and haunting nature of the song that captivated me, even at a young age. Many believe that this points out to a brother in New Orleans, where the song was supposedly named after the occupant Madame Marianne LeSoleil Levant, which meant Rising Sun in French. Another popular theory goes that it was about a women’s prison in the city which had a gate that bore a rising sun motif (allegedly a reference to the “ball and chain” lyric in the song).
The Meaning Behind The Song: The House Of The Rising Sun
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It symbolizes the protagonist’s descent into a life of vice and self-destruction. The Rising Sun can also be seen as a warning, showcasing the consequences of one’s actions and the potential for redemption. Strikes tend to mean services on lines where members are participating are extremely affected or cancelled entirely, whereas overtime bans often lead to reduced services. Personally, this song holds a special place in my heart and reminds me of the importance of making the right decisions in life. It serves as a constant reminder that our choices have consequences and that we should always strive to stay true to ourselves. The song tells the story of a young man who goes down a dark path and ends up in a house of ill repute, known as the Rising Sun.
Slightly Different Lyrics
The song, in its mysterious refrain, becomes a mirror into which listeners of any era can gaze and find their reflections. The House then isn’t merely a physical location but a symbol of internal struggle and the potential for self-destruction that lies within all of us. According to Burdon, this was simply because there was insufficient room to name all five band members on the record label, and Alan Price's first name was first alphabetically. He was nonetheless now a believer and declared it a single at its full length, saying "We're in a microgroove world now, we will release it". In his 1941 songbook Our Singing Country, Lomax credits the song to Georgia Turner, using Martin's extra lyrics to "complete" the song.
But in The Animals’ case, it reads as if the title itself may rather refer to a gambling house. Old Time Music is proud to have such a passionate and talented team of writers who share their love for music with our readers. The timeless appeal of “House of the Rising Sun” lies in its universal themes of regret, entrapment, and the human struggle for redemption.

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The oldest published version of the lyrics is that printed by Robert Winslow Gordon in 1925, in a column titled "Old Songs That Men Have Sung" in Adventure magazine. The song was first collected in Appalachia in the 1930s, but probably has its roots in traditional English folk song. A founding member of the band War, Harold gives a first-person account of one of the most important periods in music history. Burdon then lets rip with all the emotion and anguish he can muster for that last verse as he pummels our senses. The song then tapers off to a gentle ending, with Alan Price again taking the lead.
Are there any known covers of the song besides Leadbelly’s version?
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More The Animals Lyrics
The combination of Jim Morrison’s powerful vocals, Ray Manzarek’s haunting organ, and the band’s signature psychedelic sound creates a mesmerizing experience for the listener. Whenever I hear The Animals’ version of The House of the Rising Sun, I am transported back in time to that small bedroom where I first discovered my love for music. The song’s raw emotion and powerful storytelling still resonate with me today, reminding me of the importance of making the right choices and staying true to myself. The song "House of the Rising Sun" is a popular American folk song that has been reinterpreted and covered by many artists over the years, including Oceans of Slumber.
One foot is on the platform and the other on on the train,I’m going back to New Orleans to wear that ball and chain. There is a house in New Orleans they call the Rising Sun,It’s been the ruin of many poor girl, and me, O God, for one. Today, we’re bringing you another entry in American Blues Scene’s exclusive “Brief History of a Song” series.
As with any great piece of art, “House of the Rising Sun” allows for multiple interpretations. Some suggest that the “Rising Sun” refers to a brothel or a gambling establishment, while others believe it symbolizes the destructive allure of addiction. The sense of entrapment and helplessness conveyed in the song resonates with those struggling to break free from their own demons. The Rising Sun in the song serves as a metaphorical representation of a place of corruption and moral decay.
The exact origin of the song is unknown, as it is considered a traditional folk ballad that has been passed down through generations. Its haunting melody, powerful vocals, and deeply relatable lyrics have made “The House Of The Rising Sun” a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences today. Its inclusion in numerous films, television shows, and even adaptations by various artists only solidifies its enduring legacy.
At the time, New Orleans businesses listed as coffee houses often also sold alcoholic beverages.
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