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Eric Burdon’s Haunting Vocals: The Magic of ‘House Of The Rising Sun’

Introduction

The Animals, an iconic British rock band, brought the world a timeless classic in 1964 with their rendition of “House Of The Rising Sun.” This haunting and soulful ballad has left an indelible mark on the music industry and continues to captivate listeners of all generations.The Animals: The British Invasion That Wasn't : NPR

Did You Know?

  • The song “House Of The Rising Sun” is a traditional folk ballad, and its origins can be traced back to the 16th century. It has been recorded by numerous artists over the years.
  • The Animals’ rendition is one of the most famous versions of the song. Their powerful arrangement, led by Eric Burdon’s soulful vocals, set it apart.
  • The song’s lyrics tell the story of a gambler’s life gone awry in New Orleans, making it a poignant tale of hardship and redemption.
  • “House Of The Rising Sun” was a groundbreaking track for its time, combining elements of rock, blues, and folk music.
  • The Animals’ rendition reached the top of the charts in the UK and the US, solidifying their status as music legends.

The Animals' Eric Burdon on being one of the first punks

Video

Lyrics: House Of The Rising Sun

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 Sun

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

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

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On August 16, 1977, Graceland was preparing for another departure. Elvis Presley was expected to leave Memphis that evening for the beginning of another tour. His luggage was being prepared, musicians and staff were expecting the familiar routine to begin again, and there was every reason to believe another Elvis concert was only days away. Instead, that afternoon, an ambulance rushed through the gates. Elvis had been found unresponsive in his upstairs bathroom. The place where his life ended would eventually become the subject of endless jokes and sensational headlines. But stripped of all that noise, the reality was painfully ordinary: a 42-year-old man with serious health problems had suffered a medical emergency in the privacy of his own home.

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