Rising Sun
S.F.A Lyrics
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There is a house in New Orleans they call the rising sun
and its been the ruin of many a poor girl, and God I know I'm one
Well if I had listened to what my mother said, I'd had been at home today
but I was young and foolish of God, let a rambler lead me astray
but shun that house in New Orleans they call the rising sun
Well I'm going back to New Orleans, my race is almost run
I'm going back to spend my days beneath that rising sun
There is a house in New Orleans they call the rising sun
and its been the ruin of many a poor girl, and me oh God I'm one
S.F.A's version of the traditional song, "House of the Rising Sun," tells the tragic story of a young woman who fell victim to the unrelenting temptations of the infamous New Orleans brothel. The song is written in a somber, melancholic tone that is fitting for the tragic narrative it portrays. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, conveying the profound disappointment and regret that the singer feels as she looks back on her life and reflects on the mistakes she has made.
As the song begins, the singer introduces the infamous "house in New Orleans they call the rising sun," which has been the ruin of many young girls like herself. She laments the fact that she too has fallen victim to its charms and acknowledges the role that her own poor choices have played in her downfall. The second verse reveals that the singer had a choice to make: heed her mother's warnings and stay home, or follow her heart and chase adventure. Ultimately, folly won out, and she allowed a "rambler" to lead her astray.
In the final verse, the singer's journey comes full circle as she decides to return to New Orleans, even as her "race is almost run." It is a poignant moment that underscores the depth of her regret and the inevitability of her fate. The "rising sun" that once seemed so alluring now serves as a painful reminder of her past mistakes.
Overall, S.F.A's version of "House of the Rising Sun" is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of temptation and poor decision-making.
Line by Line Meaning
There is a house in New Orleans they call the rising sun
In New Orleans, there exists a notorious establishment referred to as the 'Rising Sun'.
and its been the ruin of many a poor girl, and God I know I'm one
Numerous girls who have visited the 'Rising Sun' have had their lives spiraled out of control, and unfortunately, I'm one of them.
Well if I had listened to what my mother said, I'd had been at home today
Perhaps if I had obeyed my mother's advice, I wouldn't be in this situation today.
but I was young and foolish of God, let a rambler lead me astray
Being young and ignorant, I made the mistake of following the guidance of someone who led me down the wrong path.
Well go tell my baby sister, not to do what I have done
I urge my younger sister to avoid making the same mistakes that I have made, and steer clear of the 'Rising Sun' in New Orleans.
but shun that house in New Orleans they call the rising sun
I implore her to stay away from that infamous establishment known as the 'Rising Sun' in New Orleans.
Well I'm going back to New Orleans, my race is almost run
At this point, my life is almost over, and I plan to return to New Orleans one last time.
I'm going back to spend my days beneath that rising sun
Despite the negative consequences that the 'Rising Sun' brought into my life, I have chosen to spend what remains of my days there.
and its been the ruin of many a poor girl, and me oh God I'm one
Like countless others, my life was utterly destroyed by this notorious place, and unfortunately, I'm one of the affected ones.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BOBBY KIMBALL, DAVID F FRANK PAICH, MICHAEL J PORCARO, PUBLIC DOMAIN, SIMON PETER PHILLIPS, STEVEN LEE LUKATHER
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