The week of September 12, 1964, was smack in the middle of a three-week run at #1 for one of the greatest folk rock songs of all time: The Animals’ ‘The House of the Rising Sun.’
This was just the second single for the young English band, and it would be their only #1 hit in both the U.S. and their native UK.
The song’s origin dates back so far nobody is really sure when it was written, though it bears similarities to folk songs from the 1600s. But The Animals’ version owes the most to Bob Dylan’s recording.
Dylan’s version, which I featured on the blog waaay back at Song of the Day #39, is a highlight of his 1962 self-titled debut. His arrangement was borrowed from folk stalwart Dave Van Ronk.
The Animals tweaked that arrangement into a pop hit, fleshing it out with an electric guitar and organ. Lead singer Eric Burdon delivered one of the great rock vocals, and they delivered an instant masterpiece.
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
[Verse 1]
My mother was a tailor
She sewed my new blue jeans
My father was a gamblin’ man
Down in New Orleans
[Verse 2]
Now the only thing a gambler needs
Is a suitcase and a trunk
And the only time he’s satisfied
Is when he’s on a drug
[Verse 3]
Oh, mothers, tell your children
Not to do what I have done
Spend your lives in sin and misery
In the House of the Rising Sun
[Verse 4]
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
[Chorus]
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
Meet Me In Montauk 
I just read your #39 SOTD post from 2008. Boy, was Amy chatty back then! She clearly had the presidential election in the forefront of her mind. If only the worst consequence nowadays if our guy or gal didn’t win was having someone like McCain as president!
As to today’s song, some number of years ago, on a walking tour of the French Quarter, we saw the house that inspired the song and learned of its history. Here’s a link that recounts that history and has a picture of the famous House of the Rising Sun:
https://www.beck-technology.com/blog/story-behind-the-building-the-house-of-the-rising-sun
Enjoyed both the music and the article Dana shared today. Thanks