Songs That Changed the World--The Most Important Songs of the Rock Era: "The House of the Rising Sun" by the Animals

To be fair, this song had been done before but you'd never know it from this performance as the Animals made it their own.  Looking back 47 years later, it is still unbelievable the talent that this group of young men had (they were all in their early twenties at the time of this song.)  Eric Burdon's piercing voice is amazing and Alan Price plays one of the best keyboard solos of the Rock Era.  If this doesn't cause every man to look at lifestyle changes, it's only because they're ignorant of the message.

 

"The House of the Rising Sun"

by the Animals

 

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

My mother was a tailor
She sewed my new bluejeans
My father was a gamblin' man
Down in New Orleans

Now the only thing a gambler needs
Is a suitcase and trunk
And the only time he's satisfied
Is when he's on a 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