House Of The Rising Sun
David Allan Coe · Other Songs - David Allan Coe
There is a house in New Orleans
They call the Rising Sun,
And it's been the ruin for many a poor boy,
And God, I know I'm one.
My mother was a tailor,
Sewed my new blue jeans.
My father was a gambling' man
Down in New Orleans.
Now, the only thing a gambler needs
Is a suitcase and a trunk,
And the only time he'll be satisfied
Is when he's all drunk.
Oh, Mother, tell your children
Not to do what I have done,
Spend your lives in sin and misery
In the house of the Rising Sun.
Well, I've got one foot on the platform,
The other foot on the train.
I'm going back to New Orleans
To wear that ball and chain.
Well, there is a house in New Orleans
They call the Rising Sun,
And it's been the ruin for many a poor boy,
And God, I know I'm one.
They call the Rising Sun,
And it's been the ruin for many a poor boy,
And God, I know I'm one.
My mother was a tailor,
Sewed my new blue jeans.
My father was a gambling' man
Down in New Orleans.
Now, the only thing a gambler needs
Is a suitcase and a trunk,
And the only time he'll be satisfied
Is when he's all drunk.
Oh, Mother, tell your children
Not to do what I have done,
Spend your lives in sin and misery
In the house of the Rising Sun.
Well, I've got one foot on the platform,
The other foot on the train.
I'm going back to New Orleans
To wear that ball and chain.
Well, there is a house in New Orleans
They call the Rising Sun,
And it's been the ruin for many a poor boy,
And God, I know I'm one.
House Of The Rising Sun - David Allan Coe
David Allan Coe's 1968 recording of 'House Of The Rising Sun' stands as a definitive song in American folk and country rock history. Originally a traditional ballad, Coe's arrangement injected a gritty, blues-infused energy that redefined the song's public perception. The track became an anthem for the outlaw country movement, characterized by its raw vocal delivery and acoustic-driven instrumentation. While the lyrics reference the dangers of a specific neighborhood, the song transcended its origins to become a cultural touchstone associated with Coe's signature style and the broader folk revival era. Its enduring popularity ensures its place in the canon of classic country and folk music.