About the song
“The House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for generations. Released in 1964 as part of their self-titled debut album, this haunting ballad tells the tale of a life gone awry in the notorious district of New Orleans. With its melancholic melody and poignant lyrics, the song takes listeners on a journey through the struggles of a young man drawn into a world of vice and despair.
Written by folk artist Georgia Turner and later popularized by Bob Dylan, The Animals’ rendition of “The House of the Rising Sun” soared to the top of the charts, reaching number one on both the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100. Its raw emotion and powerful vocals, delivered by lead singer Eric Burdon, resonated deeply with audiences around the world, cementing its status as a rock anthem of the 1960s.
The distinctive opening riff, played on the electric guitar by Hilton Valentine, immediately sets the tone for the song’s brooding atmosphere, while Alan Price’s haunting organ accompaniment adds an eerie quality to the arrangement. Combined with Burdon’s soulful vocals, the result is a haunting masterpiece that continues to captivate listeners more than half a century after its release.
“The House of the Rising Sun” remains one of The Animals’ most enduring hits, securing its place in music history as a quintessential example of the British Invasion sound. Its influence can be heard in countless covers and reinterpretations by artists across genres, testament to its enduring power and cultural significance.
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Lyrics
There is a house way down 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
Mother was a tailor, yeah, yeah
Sewed my Levi jeans
My father was a gamblin’ man, yeah, yeah
Down, way down in New Orleans
Now the only thing a gamblin’ man ever needs
Is a suitcase, Lord, and a trunk
And the only time a fool like him is satisfied
Is when he’s all stone cold drunk