About the Song
“The House of the Rising Sun” is a mysterious, centuries-old folk song with origins that remain debated to this day. Its haunting melody and enigmatic lyrics have led to various interpretations, but the two most popular theories are:
- A brothel in New Orleans: Some believe the song refers to a brothel named after Madame Marianne LeSoleil Levant (“ Rising Sun” in French). This establishment was reportedly located at 826-830 St. Louis Street and operated during the Civil War era until its closure in 1874.
- A women’s prison: Others suggest the song references the Orleans Parish women’s prison in New Orleans, whose entrance featured artwork of a rising sun. This theory aligns with the “ball and chain” imagery in the lyrics.
Originally, “House of the Rising Sun” was a traditional English ballad that evolved into a popular African-American folk song, recorded by artists such as Lead Belly, Woody Guthrie, and Nina Simone. Simone’s version particularly inspired The Animals, who turned it into a worldwide hit in 1964.
The Animals’ Version
The Animals discovered the song while touring England with Chuck Berry in 1964. Lead singer Eric Burdon believed the song was destined for him, describing it as the perfect blend of raw emotion and storytelling. Their rendition, a fusion of rock and folk, resonated deeply with audiences.
The band recorded the track in one take during a stop on their tour. Their producer, Mickie Most, had the boldness to release the full-length song, defying industry norms that preferred shorter singles. The decision paid off—the song topped charts across the globe, reaching #1 in the UK in July 1964 and in the U.S. by September.
The Animals’ drummer, John Steel, recalled the session:
“We played a few bars for balance, and then recorded it in mono with no overdubs. The engineer worried it was too long, but Mickie insisted, ‘We’re in a microgroove world now.’ A few weeks later, it was #1 all over the world. When we knocked The Beatles off the top in America, they sent us a telegram that read, ‘Congratulations from The Beatles (a group).’”
Legacy
This haunting ballad, immortalized by The Animals, continues to captivate listeners, blending timeless storytelling with raw, evocative performance.
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
