The House
Arlo Guthrie & Pete Seeger Lyrics

"The House of the Rising Sun" is a traditional folk song that has been covered by many artists over the years, but Arlo Guthrie and Pete Seeger's rendition brings a unique interpretation to the lyrics. The song tells the story of a young woman who finds herself caught up in the destructive and corrupting lifestyle of the infamous house in New Orleans known as the Rising Sun.

The house in New Orleans symbolizes a place of ruin and despair. It has caused the downfall of many individuals, including the singer of the song. The opening line introduces us to the central setting, where the singer acknowledges that they too have fallen victim to the destructive nature of this place.

The second paragraph reveals the regret and self-blame of the singer. They admit that if they had listened to their mother's advice, they would not have ended up in this predicament. Their youth and naive nature led them astray, as they allowed a gambler to lead them into the darkness of the Rising Sun house.

The third paragraph sheds light on the singer's background and the circumstances that contributed to their downfall. The singer's mother is a tailor, symbolizing someone who can mend and fix things. However, her ability to mend is contrasted with her daughter's unfortunate situation. The singer's sweetheart is portrayed as a drunkard who is always in search of pleasure in New Orleans. This paints a picture of a dysfunctional and troubled relationship that further adds to the singer's spiral into despair.

The fourth paragraph delves deeper into the life of the sweetheart, emphasizing his dependency on alcohol. His only enjoyment comes from indulging himself in excessive drinking, drifting from one place to another without a sense of stability or fulfillment. The lyrics suggest that a drunkard is never truly satisfied unless they are intoxicated.

In the fifth paragraph, the singer warns their sister to learn from their mistakes and to avoid the same path. They advise her to steer clear of the house of the Rising Sun, which has brought them so much pain and suffering.

The sixth and penultimate paragraph exposes the internal struggle of the singer. Their life is verging on its end, and they feel trapped. The image of "one foot on the platform, one foot on the train" symbolizes their internal conflict and ambivalence. The mention of wearing a ball and chain suggests that they feel imprisoned by their choices and the consequences they face.

The final paragraph signifies the nearing end of the singer's life. They admit that their race is almost run, implying that time is running out for them. Despite everything, they proclaim their decision to return to New Orleans and the House of the Rising Sun, accepting their fate and the chains that now bind them.

Overall, these lyrics convey a tale of regret, self-destruction, and the cyclical nature of life's struggles. The House of the Rising Sun serves as a metaphor for the allure of vice and the consequences that come with succumbing to its seductive power.