The Animals – ‘The House Of The Rising Sun’

There’s a house in New Orleans…

I don’t know a single classic rock aficionado who doesn’t count ‘The House Of The Rising Sun’ by The Animals among their favorite tunes! This eerie, soulful song was released in 1964 during the height of the British invasion and it’s one that’s stood the test of time with use in movies and television since its release.

‘The House Of The Rising Sun’ is a real place! It was a brothel named after Madame Marianne LeSoleil Levant (which means “Rising Sun” in French).

Believe it or not, the melody is a traditional English ballad, but the song became popular as an African-American folk song. It was first recorded in the 1920s, followed by a number of other artists including Leadbelly, Josh White and later Nina Simone. It was Nina’s version The Animals first heard.

No one can claim rights to the song, meaning it can be recorded and sold royalty-free.

+ The House Of The Rising Sun 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 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

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