Lyrics
There is a house down in New Orleans they call the rising sun
Refers to a notorious place in New Orleans known as the "rising sun" that has a destructive influence.
And it's been the ruin of many a poor girl and me, oh God, I'm one
Expresses personal experience of the narrator, acknowledging the ruin caused by the house in New Orleans.
My mother was a tailor, she sewed these new blue jeans
Introduces the narrator's background, mentioning the mother's occupation as a tailor crafting blue jeans.
My sweetheart was a gambler, Lord, down in New Orleans
Reveals the sweetheart's association with gambling in New Orleans, suggesting a risky lifestyle.
Now the only thing a gambler needs is a suitcase and a trunk
Highlights the minimal material needs of a gambler, emphasizing a transient and unsettled lifestyle.
And the only time when he's satisfied is when he's on a drunk
Describes the gambler's satisfaction only during moments of intoxication, implying a lack of fulfillment otherwise.
He fills his glasses up to the brim and he'll pass the cards around
Depicts the routine of a gambler, focusing on indulgence in alcohol and card games.
And the only pleasure he gets out of life is rambling from town to town
Suggests that the gambler's sole enjoyment comes from traveling aimlessly from one place to another.
Oh tell my baby sister not to do what I have done
The narrator warns their sister against following the same path, regretting their choices.
But shun that house in New Orleans they call the rising sun
Reiterates the destructive nature of the house in New Orleans, advising to avoid it.
Well with one foot on the platform and the other foot on the train
Describes the narrator's departure from a stable situation, with one foot on the platform and the other on the train.
I'm going back to New Orleans to wear that ball and chain
Expresses the intention to return to New Orleans, anticipating the burden of a "ball and chain" symbolizing troubles.
I'm going back to New Orleans, my race is almost run
Acknowledges the nearing end of the narrator's journey or life, indicating a return to New Orleans.
I'm going back to end my life down in the rising sun
Reaffirms the decision to conclude life in the problematic environment of the rising sun in New Orleans.
There is a house in New Orleans they call the rising sun
Repeats the description of the destructive house in New Orleans, underlining its negative impact.
And it's been the ruin of many a poor girl and me, oh God, I'm one
Echoes the sentiment expressed in line 2, emphasizing personal association with ruin due to the rising sun.
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