The House Of The Rising Sun
Eric Burdon of the Animals Lyrics

There is a house in New Orleans
The residence referred to is in New Orleans

They call the 'Rising Sun'
The house has been dubbed the 'Rising Sun'

And it's been the ruin of many a young poor boy
The abode has caused the downfall of numerous destitute boys

And, God, I know I'm one
The singer claims to be among those who have been affected negatively by the 'Rising Sun'

My mother was a tailor
The singer's mother was proficient at sewing clothes

Sewed my new blue jeans
She made the singer a pair of new blue jeans

My father was a gamblin' man
The singer's father was a gambler

Down in New Orleans
He engaged in this activity in New Orleans

Now the only thing he ever needs
The only things the father ever requires are

Is a suitcase and a trunk
a suitcase and a trunk

And the only time he's satisfied
He is only content

Is when he's on a drunk
when he is drunk

Oh, Mother tell your children
The singer implores his mother

Not to do what I have done
to refrain from repeating his mistakes

Spend your lives in sin and misery
Living in sin and anguish

In the House of the Rising Sun
In the 'Rising Sun' residence

With one foot on the platform
As he stands with one foot on the train platform

And the other foot on the train
while the other remains on the train

I know he's back to New Orleans
The singer is cognizant he will return to New Orleans

To wear that ball and chain
He anticipates experiencing hardships or imprisonment

Well there is a house in New Orleans
Once more, the song alludes to a home in New Orleans

They call the 'Rising Sun'
And again labels it as the 'Rising Sun'

And its been the ruin of many a young poor boy
It has caused the destruction of impoverished youths

And God, I know I'm one
The singer reiterates that he is one of the young men whose lives have been destroyed by the 'Rising Sun'