About The Song
The Animals, a British Invasion band popular in the 1960s, released a music video for their hit single “House of the Rising Sun” in 1964.The song “House of the Rising Sun” is a traditional folk song also called “Rising Sun Blues.” It tells the story of a person’s life turning bad in New Orleans and urges listeners to avoid the same fate. Many versions of the song also include a warning to siblings, parents, and children.
The Animals’ version of this song became groundbreaking and legendary, and it hit number one in the UK pop single charts on July 3, 1964, which is now 60 years ago. The song, with its strong rhythm and memorable lyrics, remains a popular classic and continues to be celebrated today.
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 all drunk
[Organ Solo]
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