The House of the Rising Sun
The House of New Orleans: A Tale of Ruin and Redemption
Lyrics
There is a house in New Orleans
Introduction to a house in New Orleans, known as the Rising Sun.
They call the Risin' Sun
Reiteration of the name "Risin' Sun" for the house in New Orleans.
And it's been the ruin of many a poor boy.
Acknowledgment that the house has been the downfall of many impoverished individuals.
And God, I know I'm one.
Personal realization and admission that the speaker's life has been negatively affected by the house.
My mother was a tailor.
Introduction of the speaker's mother and her occupation as a tailor.
She sewed my new blue jeans.
Information about the mother sewing the speaker's new blue jeans.
My father was a gamblin' man
Introduction of the speaker's father as a gambling man in New Orleans.
Down in New Orleans.
Confirmation of the father's presence in New Orleans and involvement in gambling.
Now, the only thing a gambler needs
Generalization about the essential items a gambler needs: a suitcase and a trunk.
Is a suitcase and a trunk
Association of satisfaction for a gambler with having a suitcase and a trunk.
And the only time that he's satisfied
Indication that a gambler is only content when intoxicated or on a drinking spree.
Is when he's on a drunk
Expression of the conditions under which a gambler feels satisfied.
Oh, Mother, tell your children
Address to the speaker's mother, advising her children not to follow the speaker's path.
Not to do what I have done.
Personal reflection on past actions, urging others to avoid similar mistakes.
Spend your lives in sin and misery
Admonition to lead a virtuous life and avoid the negative consequences in the house of the rising sun.
In the house of the risin' sun.
Reiteration of the destructive nature of the Rising Sun and its impact on lives.
Well, I've got one foot on the platform.
Description of the speaker's physical position with one foot on the platform and the other on the train.
the other foot on the train.
Expression of the speaker's intention to return to New Orleans, facing a burdensome ball and chain.
I'm goin' back to New Orleans
Confirmation of the speaker's decision to go back to New Orleans.
To wear that ball and chain.
Anticipation of facing difficulties or consequences represented by the ball and chain.
Well, there is a house in New Orleans
Repetition of the introduction to the house in New Orleans called the Rising Sun.
They call the Risin' Sun
Reiteration of the name "Risin' Sun" for the house in New Orleans.
And it's been the ruin of many a poor boy.
Repeated acknowledgment that the house has been the ruin of many impoverished individuals.
And God, I know I'm one.
Reiteration of personal realization and admission that the speaker's life has been negatively affected by the house.
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