Duration: 1:32

Here's an early recording of an old cautionary tale named here as Rising Sun Blues. The theme was later elaborated on and made famous by The Animals "House Of The Rising Sun". You'd find the early songs sung by men and women with the men seemingly talking of a gambler and the women warning of that house of ruin. This version by Georgia Taylor was recorded by Alan Lomax at her home in Kentucky in the early 40's. This song appears on the cd "Popular Song Book" released by Rounder Records. A very interesting compilation of influential early recordings. Here's the lyrics: There is a house in New Orleans they call the Rising Sun. It's been the ruin of many a poor girl and me, O God, for one. Go tell my baby sister never do like I have done To shun that house in New Orleans they call the Rising Sun. My mother she's a tailor, she sewed these new blue jeans. My sweetheart, he's a drunkard, Lord, Lord, drinks down in New Orleans. The only thing a that drunkard needs is a suitcase or a trunk. The only time he's satisfied is when he's on a drunk. One foot is on the platform and the other one on the train. I'm going back to New Orleans to wear that ball and chain.