What is the House of the Rising Sun?

Summary

This video explores the enduring mystery and cultural impact of 'The House of the Rising Sun,' a song with a history as rich and complex as its many interpretations. From its Appalachian origins to its global fame, the song has been a canvas for artists to paint their own narratives of vice and redemption. The Animals' electrifying rendition in 1964 brought the song to new heights, influencing even Bob Dylan's decision to go electric. The video delves into the song's various meanings, from a New Orleans brothel to a metaphor for temptation, suggesting that the 'House' is a universal symbol of the dark allure that draws us back to our own undoing.

Takeaways

• 🎶 The Animals' rendition of 'House of the Rising Sun' was a pivotal moment, capturing the audience's attention by choosing a different approach instead of trying to out-rock Chuck Berry.
• 🏠 The song 'House of the Rising Sun' has a rich history and has been interpreted in various genres, from metal to reggae, becoming one of the most performed songs in music history.
• 🤔 The true meaning behind 'House of the Rising Sun' is a subject of debate, with theories suggesting it could represent a brothel, gambling den, prison, or pub.
• 📚 The song's origins are believed to be from rural Appalachian hills, with its earliest written version dating back to 1925 and titled simply 'Rising Sun'.
• 🎵 Traveling musicians and medicine shows played a crucial role in spreading the song, often modifying it to fit local tastes, making it difficult to trace an original version.
• 🎼 Clarence Tom Ashley's recording is one of the oldest surviving versions, reflecting his own life as a male rambler.
• 🇬🇧 Some music historians trace the song back to an English archetype known as 'The Unfortunate Rake', dating to the 16th century.
• 🌐 Alan Lomax, an ethnomusicologist, helped bring 'House of the Rising Sun' into American popular culture through his field recordings.
• 🎵 Different versions of the song have been influenced by various artists, including Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Lead Belly, each adding their unique style.
• 🔥 The Animals' version of 'House of the Rising Sun' became a transatlantic hit, reaching the top of the UK and US charts in 1964.
• 🔄 The song's popularity has endured, with hundreds of artists covering it over the past 50 years, each putting their own spin on the timeless piece.

Q & A

What was the opportunity that the band 'The Animals' got in May 1964?

In May 1964, the band 'The Animals' got the opportunity to open for the original rock star Chuck Berry.

What was Eric Burdon's approach when opening for Chuck Berry?

Eric Burdon, the frontman of 'The Animals', decided not to try to out-rock Chuck Berry. Instead, he took the stage under a single red spotlight and sang the iconic words of 'House of the Rising Sun'.

What is the significance of the song 'House of the Rising Sun' in music history?

The song 'House of the Rising Sun' has become one of the single most performed songs in music history, with renditions in every genre, making it a key piece of music mythology and a cornerstone of America's folk history.

What are the various interpretations of what 'House of the Rising Sun' might represent?

The 'House of the Rising Sun' has been interpreted as a brothel, a gambling den, a prison, a pub, or an abstract metaphor. It has also been suggested to reference real historical places.

Where is the song 'House of the Rising Sun' believed to have originated from?

The song likely originated from the rural Appalachian hills, in the days before radio, where music communities were largely insular and songs spread through traveling musicians and medicine shows.

What is the earliest written version of 'House of the Rising Sun' known as?

The earliest written version of 'House of the Rising Sun' from 1925 was simply titled 'Rising Sun'.

Who recorded the oldest version of 'House of the Rising Sun' that still survives to this day?

A traveling musician named Clarence Tom Ashley recorded the oldest version of 'House of the Rising Sun' that still survives to this day.

What is the connection between 'House of the Rising Sun' and English ballads?

Some music historians have traced the origin of 'House of the Rising Sun' back to an archetype of English ballad known as 'The Unfortunate Rake', which dates back to the middle of the 16th century.

How did Alan Lomax contribute to the popularization of 'House of the Rising Sun'?

Alan Lomax, an ethnomusicologist, made hundreds of field recordings of folk music, including a version of 'House of the Rising Sun' by Georgia Turner. His recordings helped the song enter the zeitgeist of American music.

What was the impact of Bob Dylan's version of 'House of the Rising Sun'?

Bob Dylan's version of 'House of the Rising Sun' helped shape the song as it is recognized today, featuring a novel chord progression borrowed from Dave Van Ronk. It also influenced the Animals' version, which became a transatlantic hit.

How did the Animals' version of 'House of the Rising Sun' differ from previous renditions?

The Animals' version electrified the chords from the Van Ronk arrangement, changed the time signature to 6/8 to lend more urgency, and their lyrics, while similar to Dylan's, were delivered with a perspective that resonated with their audience.