About the song
## The House of the Rising Sun: A Timeless Ballad of Regret
**The Animals’** rendition of **“The House of the Rising Sun”** is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences across generations. Released in 1964, the song is a poignant exploration of regret, loss, and the consequences of a life lived astray.
The song’s origins can be traced back to the early 19th century, when it first appeared as a traditional New Orleans folk song. The lyrics tell the tale of a young man who has fallen victim to the temptations of the city’s sinful underbelly. He recounts his experiences of gambling, drinking, and debauchery, which have ultimately led to his downfall.
The Animals’ version of the song is a masterclass in vocal performance. Eric Burdon’s soulful and emotive vocals convey a deep sense of longing and remorse. His voice, filled with the weight of the world, captures the despair and anguish of the protagonist. The band’s instrumentation, featuring driving guitars, a steady bassline, and a pounding drumbeat, provides a powerful and energetic backdrop to Burdon’s vocals.
One of the song’s most striking features is its haunting melody. The repetitive refrain of “Oh, mother, tell your children not to do what I have done” serves as a constant reminder of the protagonist’s mistakes. The music’s melancholic tone perfectly complements the lyrics’ themes of regret and sorrow.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes and its timeless appeal. The lyrics’ exploration of the human condition, with its warnings about the dangers of excess and the importance of making the right choices, continues to resonate with audiences today. “The House of the Rising Sun” is a powerful and moving piece of music that has earned its place in the annals of rock and roll history.
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Lyrics
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 trump
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
Well, 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 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