House of the Rising Sun facts for kids
"The House of the Rising Sun" is a very old folk song. It is sometimes called "Rising Sun Blues". The song tells a story about someone who made difficult choices in New Orleans. Many versions of the song also warn a younger brother or sister to avoid the same path.
The most famous version of this song was recorded in 1964 by a British rock band called the Animals. Their recording became a number one hit song in the UK Singles Chart, the United States, and France. Because it was a traditional folk song played by an electric rock band, it is often called the "first folk rock hit."
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What is "The House of the Rising Sun"?
"The House of the Rising Sun" is a traditional American folk song. This means its exact origin is not fully known. It has been sung and changed by many different people over a long time. Folk songs often tell stories about everyday life, struggles, or important events. This song is a cautionary tale, meaning it warns listeners about making bad decisions.
The song's lyrics describe a difficult life in New Orleans. The singer talks about a place called "The House of the Rising Sun." This place is often seen as somewhere that led to trouble for the person singing. The song's message is a warning to others, especially younger family members, to make better choices and avoid a similar fate.
The Animals' Famous Version
In 1964, the British rock group the Animals recorded their own version of "The House of the Rising Sun." This recording became incredibly popular around the world. The band gave the old folk song a new, electric sound.
The Animals' version featured a powerful electric guitar solo and strong vocals. This new style helped the song reach a much wider audience. It showed how traditional music could be updated with modern rock instruments. Their recording helped to make "The House of the Rising Sun" one of the most recognizable folk songs ever.
Why is This Song Important?
"The House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals is important for several reasons. It helped to create a new type of music called folk rock. This style combines traditional folk songs with the sounds of rock and roll. Before this, many folk songs were played with acoustic instruments. The Animals showed that electric guitars and drums could also be used.
The song's success also proved that old folk songs could become huge hits. It inspired many other musicians to experiment with blending different music styles. This helped to shape the sound of popular music in the 1960s and beyond. The song remains a classic and is still enjoyed by many people today.
Images for kids
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1867 advertisement noting the "Rising Sun Coffee House" building for rent or lease
See also
In Spanish: The House of the Rising Sun para niños
