
House of the Rising Sun, recorded by The Animals in 1964, is one of the most iconic and haunting songs in the history of rock and roll. While the song’s origins date back to traditional folk music, The Animals’ electrifying version, with its powerful, blues-infused arrangement, brought it to a wider audience and helped establish the band as one of the leading acts of the British Invasion.
The song tells the story of a person reflecting on a life ruined by poor choices, often linked to gambling, addiction, or other destructive behavior. The narrator laments their fall from grace and the impact of their actions, vowing that others should avoid making the same mistakes. The title, House of the Rising Sun, refers to a place in New Orleans, often interpreted as a brothel or gambling den, where the narrator’s life went off course.
The Animals’ version of House of the Rising Sun is driven by the powerful voice of lead singer Eric Burdon, whose deep, soulful delivery adds an element of raw emotion and regret to the song. Burdon’s vocal performance is both haunting and cathartic, perfectly suited to the dark, reflective nature of the lyrics. His voice contrasts with the somber but gripping instrumentation, which features a signature electric organ played by Alan Price. The organ’s swirling, moody tones contribute to the song’s sense of melancholy and foreboding, creating a feeling of impending doom.
Musically, the arrangement of House of the Rising Sun blends folk, blues, and rock elements. The band’s version is more electrified and rock-oriented compared to earlier folk renditions, with the iconic descending chord progression on the guitar and organ providing a steady, hypnotic backdrop. The rhythm section—bass and drums—keeps the song grounded with a solid yet restrained beat, allowing the emotional power of the vocals and the haunting melody to take center stage. The song builds in intensity as it progresses, giving it a sense of rising tension before reaching its climactic ending.

The Animals’ House of the Rising Sun was a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It became one of the band’s most enduring songs and is widely considered one of the greatest rock songs of the 1960s. The combination of its timeless folk origins, intense emotional delivery, and atmospheric production set it apart from other songs of the era and ensured its lasting legacy.
The song’s popularity has led to numerous covers by artists in various genres, but The Animals’ version remains the definitive rendition. House of the Rising Sun stands as a landmark in rock music, showcasing the transformative power of folk music in the hands of a rock band and highlighting the ability of music to evoke deep emotional responses from listeners. Its somber tone, evocative storytelling, and striking vocal performance continue to make it a timeless classic.
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 oneMy mother was a tailor
She sewed my new blue jeans
My father was a gamblin’ man
Down in New OrleansNow 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 SunWell, 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 chainWell, 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
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