House of the Rising Sun
The Animals
The Animals (1964)
Traditional, arr. by Alan Price
Listen to the Song
At a glance
- Key
- A minor
- Time signature
- 4/4
- Main progression
- i–III–IV–VI–i–III–V–V
- Chords used
- Am · C · D · F · Em · G · E
- Form
- Intro-Verse-Verse-Verse-Verse-Bridge-Verse-Verse-Verse-Outro
- Difficulty
- 6/10
Summary
This 1964 chart-topper redefined the folk tradition through the lens of British blues, propelled by Eric Burdon's primal vocals and Hilton Valentine’s iconic arpeggiated guitar. It stands as a pivotal moment in music history, marking the transition from acoustic folk to the electrified rock era.
Chord Sheet
Song Structure
Strophic
Chords Used
Chord Diagrams
Sections
Musical Analysis
The harmonic brilliance of The Animals' arrangement lies in how it elevates a traditional folk song into a haunting rock masterpiece through clever modal mixture. While the song is anchored in A minor, the inclusion of a D major chord (a major IV) is a classic…
History
The origin of "House of the Rising Sun" is shrouded in mystery, with various theories suggesting it originated in the Appalachian region or was inspired by a 19th-century British folk song. It likely evolved through oral tradition, with different versions and…
“The Animals recorded their version in one take.”
📝 Lyrics
melancholic · haunting · cautionaryTheme
The inescapable cycle of ruin and moral decay
Surface
A narrator reflects on their downfall in a house of ill repute in New Orleans and warns others to avoid the same fate.
Deeper meaning
The song explores social determinism and the 'sins of the father,' suggesting that poverty and vice are generational traps that are difficult to escape once entered.
Symbols
Full musical analysis
The song utilizes a minor key, creating a somber and melancholic atmosphere. The chord progression is relatively simple but effective in conveying the song's emotional weight.
The song has a moderate tempo and a steady 4/4 time signature. The rhythm section provides a solid foundation for the melody and harmonies.
The melody is haunting and memorable, contributing to the song's overall emotional impact. Eric Burdon's vocal performance is powerful and expressive, conveying the song's themes of regret and despair.
The origin of "House of the Rising Sun" is shrouded in mystery, with various theories suggesting it originated in the Appalachian region or was inspired by a 19th-century British folk song. It likely evolved through oral tradition, with different versions and lyrical variations emerging over time. Alan Lomax recorded a version by Georgia Turner in 1937.
This 1964 chart-topper redefined the folk tradition through the lens of British blues, propelled by Eric Burdon's primal vocals and Hilton Valentine’s iconic arpeggiated guitar. It stands as a pivotal moment in music history, marking the transition from acoustic folk to the electrified rock era.
Some sections are still pending
6 of 12 sections are ready. Ask for the rest and this song moves up our analysis queue.
Song DNA
Genre
Folk Rock
Era
60s
Mood
Dark
Tempo
Mid-tempo
Key
Minor
Texture
Full Band
Sound
Guitar-driven
Feel
Shuffle
Explore More
Similar Songs
Explore related
Listen & Learn
Statistics
3.9M
Plays
686K
Listeners
100%
Popularity
4:29
Duration
4/4
Time
Credits
Written by
Produced by
From the album The Animals