The House of the Rising Sun
Echoes of Despair: Unveiling the Tale Behind the House of the Rising Sun
Lyrics
There is a house in New Orleans
Introduction to a house in New Orleans known as the Rising Sun.
They call the Rising Sun
Referring to the house as the Rising Sun.
And it's been the ruin of many a poor boy
Describing the house as the cause of destruction for many unfortunate individuals.
And God I know I'm one
Expressing personal acknowledgment of being affected by the house's negative influence.
My mother was a tailor
Revealing the singer's mother's occupation as a tailor.
She sewed my new blue jeans
Highlighting the mother's involvement in making the singer's new blue jeans.
My father was a gamblin' man
Indicating the father's identity as a gambling man in New Orleans.
Down in New Orleans
Reinforcing the father's connection to the city of New Orleans.
Now the only thing a gambler needs
Stating the essential possessions of a gambler being a suitcase and trunk.
Is a suitcase and trunk
Emphasizing the minimal requirements for a gambler's lifestyle.
And the only time he's satisfied
Highlighting that a gambler finds satisfaction only when intoxicated.
Is when he's all drunk
Emphasizing the connection between a gambler's satisfaction and being in a state of drunkenness.
Oh mother tell your children
Encouraging the mother to caution her children against emulating the singer's life choices.
Not to do what I have done
Advising against following the singer's path of living in sin and misery.
Spend your lives in sin and misery
Encouraging a better life to avoid a similar fate in the House of the Rising Sun.
In the House of the Rising Sun
Reiterating the destructive nature of the House of the Rising Sun.
Well, I got one foot on the platform
Expressing a transitional phase with one foot on the platform and the other on the train.
The other foot on the train
Indicating a physical movement back to New Orleans with the expectation of facing consequences.
I'm goin' back to New Orleans
Expressing the singer's intention to return to New Orleans despite potential hardships.
To wear that ball and chain
Mentioning the anticipation of wearing a metaphorical ball and chain, symbolizing burdens or consequences.
Well, there is a house in New Orleans
Reintroducing the house in New Orleans as the Rising Sun.
They call the Rising Sun
Reiterating the name of the house and its negative impact.
And it's been the ruin of many a poor boy
Restating the ruinous effects of the House of the Rising Sun on many individuals.
And God I know I'm one
Affirming personal identification as one of the victims affected by the House of the Rising Sun.
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