Eric Burdon was a force of nature. He set the tone for a generation. Try the live version of "Spill the wine", when he was with the band War. Absolute killer track.

It's one of those songs that you can play over and over because it almost does something to your body with it's simple minor beat and profound lyrics for many of us.

The House Of The Rising Sun was a brothel. Great classic tune!

MUST HEAR Classics,, The Animals "Sky Pilot",, "Please Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood",, "It's My Life" & "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place"

"Almost like a funeral". Yes, their walking around is symbolic of a traditional New Orleans funeral march.

Love this analysis - I'd never thought of the line about one foot on the platform and the other on the train as conveying so much meaning before, but now I see that you're absolutely right about it. Very deep lyric. The song was originally about prostitution, and was sung from the woman's point of view. By switching the gender, the Animals made the meaning a lot more ambiguous and turned the song into a universal anthem of despair that can be interpreted a lot of different ways. Musically, this was a game-changer for rock when it came out in 1964. Never had a band sounded so ominous, a keys part sounded so neoclassical, or a lead singer sounded so powerful.

There was a brothel in New Orleans owned by Madame Marianne LeSoleil Levant. Hence the name of this song.

I believe "House of the Rising Sun" is in reference to or a metaphor for a Prison located just outside New Orleans. The prisoners that were sentenced to hard labor back in the day were forced to wear a heavy iron ball attached by a chain to the ankles that left them mobile but unable to escape with any speed. It is the origin of that old trope of calling one's wife "That ole ball and chain" meaning it was like being in prison doing hard labor. Often shown in cartoons by men breaking rocks in quarries in black-and-white striped prison garb. Stay safe and be well young man. Love your reactions.

When the band broke up the bass player became the manager for Jimi Hendrix and made him a star

I love Eric Burdon's voice you'd never expect him to sound the way he does. lol While the Animals were not in the same league as the "Stones" and the "Beatles" after 1965 in terms of success, cultural impact, songwriting, or longevity, the "Animals" were the better and more authentic during that period. The "Animals" remain one of the most beloved bands even today. Here's another one of their live performances "The Animals - We Gotta Get Out Of This Place (1965)" I enjoyed your reaction, thanks for sharing👍🎶

One of the best Soul voices .. EVER. #masterpiece

It's about a young man's life gone wrong. Some say The Rising Sun is the name of a brothel, hence the "sin". He could be going back to "wear that ball & chain" meaning he is going to prison. There are a few ideas about the meaning. The Animals were a fantastic band back in my youth. They have many great songs to listen to. This was the first song we learned to play on our guitars.

Good song to do a reaction to. Eric Burdon - what a voice. Alan Price - amazing keyboards. Chas Chandler - bass went on to manage Jimi Hendrix. The guys really do a great job on this chestnut. Eric was sometimes referred to as the little guy with the big voice. These guys really did some wonderful work and, surprise(!), they even did a little music that could be called psychedelic. That would be Sky Pilot and San Francisco Nights. I think you nailed the meaning. The House of the Rising Sun was supposedly a gambling house/brothel that could bring a man down.

You're exactly right about that 4th verse, that really captures the whole pain and really the drama of the song. He knows that he shouldn't be doing it but it's a moment of defeat in this young man's life, where he realizes he's going to go do it anyway and wear that ball and chain, be a slave to that lifestyle. Also, I think the lyrics are wrong slightly when it says that all a gambler needs is a suitcase and a drunk and the only time that he's satisfied is when he's all drunk. Pretty sure that is supposed to be, the only time that he's satisfied is when he's ON A drunk. Also, he wasn't writing that to his own mother, he was writing that to mothers in general. This is a sentiment that showed up in a number of songs and along with this one, another one that's absolutely killer that I know you would love by Creedence Clearwater Revival is called, Every Mother's Son.

They are known by their signature song and transatlantic number-one hit single "The House of the Rising Sun" as well as by hits such as "We Gotta Get Out of This Place", "It's My Life", "Don't Bring Me Down", "I'm Crying", "See See Rider" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." The band balanced tough, rock-edged pop singles against rhythm-and-blues-oriented album material and were part of the British Invasion of the US.

I heard a version of this recorded in the 1930's; in that one a woman was singing and the House was a brothel.

The singer Eric Burdon was only 22 yrs old. They rented the studio for 1 half hr. They were able to film this in 1 take. This is pure talent.

The image of them walking around is supposed to evoke a funeral procession in New Orleans. He's not talking to his mother but to all mothers to watch over your kids and help them avoid the pitfalls he has succumbed to. Nice reaction.

This won’t be the last you hear of Eric Burdon!

A song they did that speaks to so many from the era of the Viet Nam war "Sky Pilot". Eric Burdons voice is like an angel rising up to Heaven...

The Animals are great! Awesome band and a phenomenal voice in Eric. Other songs by them to check out- It's my life We've gotta get outta this place Don't let me be misunderstood Sky Pilot When I was young See see rider San Franciscan Nights Monterey

Such a haunting tune.The cry of regret and warning captures the agony of addiction. You're observation on the lyric of one foot on the platform and one foot on the train points to the conflict inside someone who feels they are being pulled apart.

Might want to check out Janis Joplin singing :Ball and Chain" live at Monterey. It's an old Big Mama Thornton song, but Janis delivers. She was pretty much unknown before that performance.

Great reaction to a great song. The power of addictions . . . and Eric Burden, the singer, really drives home the pain and helplessness.

Their take on ike and tina turners river deep mountain high is frikkin epic 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Loving that you are stepping out from the zep/stones in to deeper 60s classics

The bass player Chas discovered Jimi Hendrix and brought him to London to record his first album. Eric Burdom became one of Jimi's best friends and later started the band WAR.(Spill the Wine, Cisco Kid)

Love your deep dives into the lyrics Brother Syed. This one is right up Your alley.

This was recorded by Bob Dylan (acoustically) on his first album, which is where The Animals discovered it. The song was originally sung by a woman, and Dylan sang it as such. The Animals switched it to a man, which doesn't make quite as much sense.

When I think of this song, I can't help but to think of 'White Rabbit' by Jefferson Airplane (would love for you to do that song next!). Not because they have some thing in common besides their intense emotionally haunting impact. Both raw with soulfulness.

Always liked the sound of The Animals. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood was another good tune from them. Another good band from the era is The Yardbirds.

Eric Burdon still has that Geordie accent to this day, and I think he's been living in California for longer than I've been alive! This tune is a classic. It goes back a long way, in terms of folk songs, but it is about a house of ill repute that actually existed. "The House Of The Rising Sun" was named after its occupant Madame Marianne LeSoleil Levant (which means "Rising Sun" in French) and was open for business from 1862 (occupation by Union troops) until 1874, when it was closed due to complaints by neighbors.

Another timeless 60's track is Whiter Shade of Pale.

It was huge hit back in the day and seeing as it was a traditional song there were no royalties for the songwriter unknown but there was for the arranger. Alan Price the keyboard player put himself down as the arranger and therefore got the songwriter royalties, the rest of the band were livid as they all played theiur own part in the songs arrangement. Price was ostricised by the rest of the band members and left soon afterwards. The old addage, 'there's always one' rings true for almost every band.

Animals' bassist Chas Chandler to see Hendrix at the Café Wha? in New York's Greenwich Village. Hendrix's performance on July 5, 1966, left Chandler awestruck. He immediately put into motion plans to bring Hendrix to London and help him become a superstar.

I love this song, thanks for reacting to it! That howling wail always gives me the chills. Bob Dylan had recorded an earlier version and its origins go back to the early 20th century, but this will always be the definitive version. Its very interesting to see a song that emerged organically from the fabric of society at a particular period and go through various permutations before becoming crystallized in a version known the world over. So much of the classic rock and roll you've been discovering, whether British or American, has deep roots in American folk music, which itself has its own roots in English and Irish folk music. Another band deeply rooted in American folk music, who would go on to become one of the biggest American rock bands of all time, and whom I've yet to see you listen to, is the Grateful Dead. What do you think, guys? Is Syed ready to go down the Grateful Dead rabbit hole? Where should we even start??

This was on my Dad's mixtape as i grew up - a very deep memory and also the first song i learned on guitar.

The House could be a Brothel too. Five Finger Death Punch also do Justice to this song. Great Reaction Bro 👍👍

Eric Burdon was mistaken early on as a black singer. His powerful vocals were the most easily recognisable through the mid 60s and 70s. He has had several incarnations. This group until Alan Price (keys) left to go solo, and Chas Chandler (bass) to manage Jimi Hendrix. Hits include 'We gotta get out of this place', 'Don't let me be misunderstood' and 'It's my life' Next came a combo which included a violin playing bass guitarist which was probably most popular in USA. Hits include 'When I was Young', 'Sky Pilot', 'White Houses' and 'San Franciscan Nights' Then with War, a funk/jazz/blues group, 'Spill the Wine' and interesting versions of 'Tobacco Road' (Nashville Teens), 'Paint it Black' (Stones) and 'Nights in White Satin' (Moody Blues). I last heard of Eric in 2012s CD ''Til Your River Runs Dry'. The voice is not as strong but the content is still interesting. Eric will be 82 now and possibly still touring.

In verse 4 he sings what the House of the Rising Sun is. the House of the Rising Sun is a old fashion prison, that inmates are chained on a chain with a iron ball so that you not can escape easily. The normal prison clothing in the past was jeans and a t-shirt, so that is the reference of his mother for sewing new blue jeans.

Good video, good song! Thumbs up for a listen to CANNED HEAT - ON THE ROAD AGAIN!

Others have mentioned this song is about a brothel in New Orleans and was originally written from the viewpoint of a female caught in the web of prostitution. Dolly Parton sang the female version - IMO not that great. Someday, I hope another female vocalist would cover this song. Very old song - some versions found as early as the 1800's. There were actually at least three Houses of the Rising Sun. One in the late 1700's, one in the mid 1800's and one in the late 1800's. The most infamous brothel was owned by the madame who assumed the name "Marianne LeSoleil Levant". Other brothels (by other names) would have a signage representing a rising sun - signifying that opium was available also for consumption. In about 2010, archeologists found evidence of the location of one of the Houses' of the Rising Sun. Very interesting historical song with all the decadence and other-worldly atmosphere of New Orleans.

The earliest known recording of this song dates from, if I recall correctly, the 1930s and it was recorded by a historian who traveled Appalachia recording traditional folk songs so that they would be preserved for future generations. The singer in that recording is a woman. The lyrics differ a little, and when told from a female perspective, the song seems to tell a somewhat different but equally tragic story, though still one that is open to interpretation. That the Animals so successfully reimagined this as a rock blues song told from a male perspective is a tribute to their talent and imagination. That lead singer is Eric Burdon, who did a bunch of great songs with the Animals and spent some time later on as the lead singer for a group called War. Eric Burdon and War did a song called "Spill the Wine" that you really should check out.

I believe the house is a house of I'll repute, as they were called in that era. Basically a Whorehouse, where a person can get lost in the debauchery and waste much of his life, like an addiction. I met Eric Burdon in 1996, my boss at the time had adopted Eric's granddaughter and when we sat down for lunch I wanted to ask about the subject of this song. But my boss immediately tore into Eric about being a lousy grandfather and how he needed to get his act together. It was so uncomfortable, here I was star struck and my boss is chewing him out like an unruly child.

This song was actually on Bob Dylan's first album, the chord changes of the song he infamously stole from his buddy Dave Van Ronk. But it was the Animals version that struck gold.

This band had a long list of hit songs. All without becoming too pop oriented. We Gotta Get Out of This Place was popular in Vietnam among the western military(American...

A staple for starter garage bands in the '60's and '70's

It's remarkable to think that Eric Burdon was just 23 years old here. His voice sounds ancient.

Hilton Valentine on lead guitar, RIP, very under rated guitarist.

You're "right on," Syed, with your "cautionary tale" description of "HotRS." The lyrics bear you out. That 4th verse is so full of foreboding and surrender: "to wear that ball and chain." How soul-piercing can you get?!

Love this song, and loved your fantastic reaction and analysis of it. My son and I have a small local band in Louisiana, and when we get together to jam, this is definitely one of my all time favorites to do. Thanks for sharing this legendary song! Peace! ✌

when i was young this was requested so much, it was played every hour 😂

The lyrics of Amazing Grace are really stunning sang to this tune.

This song always makes me think of the movie Casino. The song fits that scene at the of the movie, when everything starts falling apart, so we’ll.

This was a hit in 1964 -- before so-called 'folk rock". it was the first British #1 after "The Beatles".

The Animals, Them (Van Morrison) and Zombies were forerunners of Brit Garage/Punk. The tall bass player Chaz Chandler discovered Jimi Hendrix.

My music is from the 60s and I find it so interesting to hear your reactions, which, show a deep understanding and appreciation. A very fresh perspective. Thanx.

I feel like you had more insight into this song than almost any other reactor I have seen so far. I hadn't thought about the symbolism of the driving beat and intensity, but I think you are right that it reflects the mania of addiction. I have always understood the lyrics to describe addiction and the difficulty in escaping it.

The Animals almost certainly learnt this song off Dylan's debut album; and I've heard he went electric partly in response. It was originally a woman's song. I've seen a very old photo of a female jail in New Orleans with a rising sun carved in the lintel of the stone doorway.

Thank you for giving best reaction to 'House of the Rising Sun'

I remember - 1964 - I was 15, and went back to school after hearing this, and we all were talking about it. And, so long! Tracks were 2+ minutes in those days, and this was over 4. Always loved it.

yes love his voice, Spill the wine, Please don’t let me be misunderstood is one of my favourites more please

Along with Stevie Marriot Eric Burdon had one of the best blue eyed soul voices ever.

“Spill the wine” is a banger

We Gotta Get Out of This Place, first US TV appearance. It's in black and white and the host does a little skit before. It's a tremendous version of the song.

Thanks dude and thumbs up.

David Von Ronk gave an interpretation of the song which Dylan used (stole without permission, btw) on his first album or second and this version was the model for The Animals version

Burdon said in an interview he changed the lyrics to a man singing since he was singing the song. The song originally was a woman telling about life in a brothel/gambling house and dates back to the 19th Century.

Many don't catch that they deliberately walked around the stage, it was to symbolize a funeral march in New Orleans. Also done in 1 take as they had a show to get to.

wow. i'd never seen this video or any imagery of the band before, but i've heard a bit of their music before... i really did not expect the lead singer to look so young or so straight-laced. mind blown! how did that voice come out of him?

I think was sometimes sung as a woman's lament, with the Rising Sun being a bordello. This song goes way the hell back. Good job - Eric Burdon went on to bring us tons of great music.

Eric burdon vocal.chas Chandler bass.alan price keyboard.john steel drums Hilton valentine guitar.alan left the band in 1966. Check out winds of change album from 1968

This music is of Leadbelly. great composer in circa 1935 .

Animals were part of the fist wave of the British Invasion. Great band with lot's of great song's for you to explore.

If I'm not mistaken, the House of the Rising Sun was originally a brothel. Have no idea if that's what this is about, but that's what I remember hearing. But I think you're spot on with the interpretation. He knows where this lifestyle leads him by watching his Father, and he's trying to break the cycle, but it's just too powerful.

This song was done in one take...They didn't have enough money for studio time for a second one. Check out Down in Monterey ..about the first Monterey International Pop Festival that predated Woodstock.

Listen to We Gotta Get Out Of This Place. It became the anthem of the American soldiers in Vietnam.

I was a little kid when this vid was made, but watching it, I can still feel the excitement. What is cooler than a mid- 20th century Brit musician singing his heart out?!

This song is a good picking hand exercise, also left hand for chord changes.

The British bands first heard American folk music from Lonnie Donegan Who invented a music style called Skiffle, a mix of folk and jazz, which made the guitar popular in England. The Beatles and Animals mixed folk and rock into a new rock synthesis that sweeped Britain and then the US. Where as the Rolling Stone mixed Chicago blues and rock along with bands like the Yardbirds. This lead to the transformation of American rock and roll in the 60s and 70s

Interesting that you thought that there was a funereal feel to the song. The way that Eric, Hilton, and Chas do that very slow walk in unison, and the bow at the end, evoke the congregation at a New Orleans funeral.

Solid gold.

One of the first recordings made of this traditional song is sung by a young woman in Appalachia (Georgia Turner), and most versions tell the story from a woman's perspective...what type of house is one of sin and misery, and you would warn your Mother to keep her other children away? Beginning in the 1940's (basically) the song became a folk standard and was covered by "everyone", Leadbelly, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan Joan Baez, and on and on. And each generation had a definitive version. From what I understand, the Animals did their recording in one take in 1964 (supplanting Bob Dylan's version) and it has remained the definitive version ever since. BUT, it's worth your time to go back and listen to the older versions, including the Georgia Turner version in the Library of Congress...Dylan's version is a banger btw🙂

It's well worth checking out Eric Burdon's War, and then War after he left too. Classics like Cisco Kid would, I imagine, be right up your street.

Another one by The Animals is the song Don't Let me be Misunderstood. Aside from the Big 3 bands you have covered The Beatles, the Stones and the Who there were also the Animals and The Kinks coming up with good work in the 60s

I think that the one verse - "I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train: - means that he is at the train station and about to leave on a journey that he can't avoid and that this is his last moment of freedom. "I'm going back to New Orleans to wear that ball and chain". A ball and chain was used on prisoners to prevent them from escaping. This seems to mean he is going to prison and that the House of the Rising Sun is the name of the prison.

The bass player was Jimmy Hendrix mannager

React to the animals Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood, we got to get out of this place, inside looking out and also Eric Burdon and War Spill the Wine

I always thought this song came out in the 80's or even the early 90's. When I found out it was released in the early 60s I shook and didn't believe it. I seriously thought maybe this was a remake and the original was from the 1960s. But nope, it really came out that long ago.

Hey man I’m really loving your reactions! With your focus landing on the lyrical side of things, I’d love to see you react to some modern indie country. Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, and Colter Wall are all incredible songwriters and musicians that produce a variety of sounds within and sometimes outside of the country genre from murder ballads to drug abuse blues to cowboy campfire songs to lyrically modern rock invoking Pink Floyd.

Chas Chandler, the huge bass player “discovered” Hendrix in a club in Greenwich Village Think that’s right, something along those lines Alan Price, keyboardist went on to form his own band and so did Eric Burdon, lead singer Great great band, good reaction as always

Carry On / Questions (CSN&Y) reaction. Yes. Let's make *that* happen

Never ever heard it called rising Sun blues. First song I learned on guitar, 1969. I could be wrong ha ha.

If you want to hear one of the most fantastic female voices ever please treat yourself and listen to the version by the lomg forgotten group "THE WEAVERS" i kid you not ronnie Gilberts voice will leave you in awe !

Last time I was in New Orleans this place was still open. Maybe at one time you could gamble there, but it is known as a house of prostitution with drinks.

You should check out: we've got to get out of this place, and sky pilot. This band was a part of my youth.you need to listen with you eyes closed. We didn't have video back then.

Zlzp Price , keys. Left the band coz of fear of flyinb. Eric Burdon , vocalss, had a hit with War. `Spil l The Wine` .

I think this was the first of their many hits, as early as -64. They became part of the psychedelic movement in the late sixties - you should check some songs from that era. Love your reactions btw

Check out the "guitar" version of this song from 1970 by Frijid Pink, my fav!

So great song that even my piano cover sounds good! 😉

Funeral comment is intriging. I saw the members walking. Funeral procession.