Table Of Content
- The ancient tune that changed modern music forever
- Q: Who wrote the original version of House of the Rising Sun?
- The Meaning Behind The Song: House of the Rising Sun by Tim Hardin
- Top 10 Toto Songs (1978 –
- Eric Burdon: A Voice That Rose Like the Sun
- Can “House of the Rising Sun” be considered a timeless classic?
- History and Origins
He recorded his cover of House of the Rising Sun on his debut album in 1962. Nina Simone released two versions of House of the Rising Sun. The first in 1962, on her live album, called Nina at the Village Gate.
The ancient tune that changed modern music forever
Blues, drugs and rock 'n' roll: Eric Burdon turns 75 - DW (English)
Blues, drugs and rock 'n' roll: Eric Burdon turns 75.
Posted: Wed, 11 May 2016 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The song revolves around the tale of a young man’s tragic descent into the depths of vice and debauchery in the infamous House of the Rising Sun, a place shrouded in myth and infamy. The lyrics depict a vivid picture of a ruinous establishment located in either New Orleans or St. Louis, both possessing a checkered past and notorious reputation. The protagonist’s harrowing journey through this den of iniquity represents a cautionary tale, warning against the perils of indulgence and immorality.
Q: Who wrote the original version of House of the Rising Sun?
In all actuality, the term “Rising Sun” was and continues to be (no doubt fueled, in part, by the song’s staying power and popularity, bringing it full-circle,) a common phrase. Often times the establishment is a brothel, or a gambling parlor, bar, or prison. Many of the earlier singers likely never visited New Orleans, certainly 16 year old Georgia Turner did not, and the house of the Rising Sun could just as easily be a alliteration which means any generic place of ill repute.
The Meaning Behind The Song: House of the Rising Sun by Tim Hardin
His career, spanning over five decades, is a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal. From the psychedelic sounds of “San Franciscan Nights” to the funk-infused “Spill the Wine” with War, Burdon’s voice remained a constant – a beacon of authenticity in an ever-changing musical landscape. Like so many folk songs, the House of the Rising Sun‘s true “origins,” along with exactly where — or even what the Rising Sun was have been washed away by time. Georgia was merely 16 when she recorded the song, but was largely mum on where she had learned it. Lomax included the song in the popular Library of Congress album Our Singing Country in 1941.
From Leadbelly’s raw rendition to the countless covers and interpretations by other talented artists, this legendary song continues to enchant and inspire listeners around the world. Old Time Music is proud to have such a passionate and talented team of writers who share their love for music with our readers. We hope you enjoy the articles and insights they bring to our platform. Thus, if you descended into a basement at the time, then you’d find a slew of people probably playing ‘House of the Rising Sun’ at one time or another.
How the Animals Claimed 'House of the Rising Sun' as Their Own - kicks1055.com
How the Animals Claimed 'House of the Rising Sun' as Their Own.
Posted: Sat, 13 Jul 2019 07:00:00 GMT [source]
He’s a visual artist, writer, and social activist with over 40 albums under his belt. Here’s a little more history and our picks for the top five covers. Released as the first single from Appetite for Destruction, “Welcome to the Jungle” stiffed at first — it took the massive crossover success of “Sweet Child o’ Mine” to ready radio for GN’R at their most unvarnished. The song’s inspiration, according to Axl Rose, was a hitchhiking trip that landed him in the Bronx, where a stranger approached him and said, “You know were you are?
A Brief History of the “House of the Rising Sun”
Lomax has also said that “Rising Sun” was the name of a bawdy house, or whore house, in two other traditional English songs. Some notable performances include The Animals’ classic version, which reached number one on the UK singles chart, and Bob Dylan’s rendition in his album “Bob Dylan,” which features a harmonica solo. Bob Dylan was part of the same folk scene of the New York early 60s as Dave Van Ronk, Woody Guthrie, and Joan Baez.

While some believe the song to be about a brothel in New Orleans, others argue that it speaks to the allure and destructive nature of addiction. Regardless of its exact meaning, the song’s universal themes of regret, redemption, and the consequences of one’s actions resonate with listeners of all generations. Many have sung “House of the Rising Sun” before Eric Burdon took it on with the Animals, and many will sing it in the future. Its psychological insight and philosophical meaning are all too relevant for this song to be anything but timeless.
History and Origins

The origins of “House of the Rising Sun” remain elusive, with no clear evidence of a definitive author. The song’s roots can be traced back to traditional English folk ballads, such as “The Unfortunate Rake” and “The House of the Rising Sun,” which were brought to America by British settlers. – Besides Tim Hardin’s and The Animals’ versions, Bob Dylan’s performance of the song during live concerts is highly regarded. A song is written, and, if it’s special enough, it hangs around waiting for an artist to claim it, putting their indelible stamp on it so that all other versions are henceforth compared to that one unforgettable take. Nobody is sure who wrote “House of the Rising Sun.” But we do know that the Animals, powered by the blustery vocals of Eric Burdon, claimed it.
The lyrics convey a sense of hopelessness and inevitability, making it a powerful anthem for those who have experienced the consequences of their actions. The emotional depth and vulnerability captured in the song’s lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless expression of human struggle. “The House Of The Rising Sun” has been the subject of much interpretation and discussion over the years.
The holy mother of all diss tracks, “You’re So Vain” contains one of the most enduring musical mysteries of all time. Just who is so vain that he probably thinks the song is about him? Simon previously revealed that actor Warren Beatty inspired the second verse of the song (“Oh, you had me several years ago/When I was still naive”), but speculation abounds regarding the other man (or men) behind the ire. Either way, the track — boasting omnipresent Seventies arranger Paul Buckmaster’s orchestration and Mick Jagger’s background vocals — is pure soft-rock fire. “House of the Rising Sun” resonates strongly with blues and folk music due to its lyrical themes and melancholic melodies.
When he soars up an octave, all the pain and anguish come pouring out. 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, they sing in the chorus. When counterculture finally entered full swing, it seemed folk had done everything it could to this old, dilapidated track.
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