Same Song, Different Lyrics (and Meaning): The House of the Rising Sun
The ruin of many a poor girl and boy.
"A change of style is a change of meaning." - Wallace Stevens
As with my previous article regarding Girls Just Want To Have Fun, The House of the Rising Sun is another iconic song with a narrative that changes depending on the lyrics of the version listened to. While both tell similar tales of woe and regret concerning the titular New Orleans brothel, the original version, performed by artists such as Joan Baez and Bob Dylan, is sung from the perspective of a sex worker employed there, while the updated version, arranged and performed by the Animals, is sung from the perspective of a client who frequents the establishment. So, I thought it would be interesting to compare the lyrical and tonal differences between both versions of The House of the Rising Sun, alternating between the sex worker's and the client's laments. Maestro, if you please...
Sex Worker: There is a house down in New Orleans, they call the Rising Sun. And it's been the ruin of many a poor girl. And me, oh God, I'm one. If I had listened to what my mother said, I'd have been at home today. But I was young and foolish, oh God, let a rambler lead me astray.
Client: 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.
Sex Worker: My mother was a tailor; she sewed these new blue jeans. My sweetheart was a gambler, Lord, down in New Orleans.
Client: My mother was a tailor; she sewed my new blue jeans. My father was a gamblin' man, down in New Orleans.
Sex Worker: 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 drunk. He fills his glasses up to the brim and he'll pass the cards around. And the only pleasure he gets out of life is ramblin' from town to town.
Client: 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 trump.
Sex Worker: Oh, tell my baby sister not to do what I have done. But shun that house in New Orleans, they call the Rising Sun.
Client: 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.
Sex Worker: Well, it's one foot on the platform and the other foot on the train. I'm goin' back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain.
Client: 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.
Sex Worker: I'm goin' back to New Orleans; my race is almost run. I'm goin' back to end my life, down in the Rising Sun. There is a house in New Orleans, they call the Rising Sun. And it's been the ruin of many a poor girl. And me, oh God, I'm one.
Client: 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.
From a narrative perspective, I feel the sex worker's experience is the more gut-wrenching, given her line of work, risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, and all the unsavoury characters she undoubtedly encounters on the job. However, both versions of The House of the Rising Sun are great, and I love the Animals' arrangement. Do you have any thoughts on this post? If so, feel free to reach out by leaving a comment, dropping me a line, or signing my guestbook to share your opinions on this or any other topic. Also, feel free to press the "like" button if you enjoyed this post, as "likes" help me gauge audience interest in the content I post. After all, I don't want to bore anyone, ha-ha. Until next time, love, peace, and chicken grease!
Posted in "Random Encounters" on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.