House of the Rising Sun
by The Animals
What is “House of the Rising Sun” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
The song 'House of the Rising Sun' by The Animals tells a somber tale of life's regrettable decisions and a desperate yearning for redemption, shadowed by the backdrop of a once notorious New Orleans establishment.
So… what’s this song really about?
Set against the brooding atmosphere of a house in New Orleans known as 'The Rising Sun', the song is a melancholic reflection on the path of vice that leads to ruin. It explores themes of loss, fate, and the hope for salvation through its poignant narrative, conveyed by a protagonist who contemplates the cyclic nature of his misfortune and despair. This ballad not only captures the personal agony and entrapment felt by the narrator but also serves as a timeless lamentation on the human condition, highlighting the perennial struggle against our darker inclinations and the environments that foster them. Through vivid imagery and soulful melody, it evokes a deep sense of empathy and forewarning, reminding listeners of the consequences that follow when life's darker choices are made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is 'The Rising Sun' referred to in the song?
The 'Rising Sun' was historically a nickname for several establishments in New Orleans, often thought to have been a hotel or a brothel where many people fell into financial or moral ruin.
Q: Is 'House of the Rising Sun' based on a true story?
While the song draws on themes that suggest autobiographical elements, it is more a traditional folk ballad passed down and reshaped over years, and not confirmed to be based on a specific true story.
Lyrics to “House of the Rising Sun”
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[Verse 4]
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
[Chorus]
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