Friday Sessions #39: ‘Now the only thing a gambler needs is a suitcase and a trunk’ – ‘House Of The Rising Sun’, The Animals

If you’re planning to get away this weekend (or maybe you are starting your summer holiday,) don’t forget to put your suitcase in the trunk. This classic track, ‘House Of The Rising Sun,’ always reminds me of travelling long distances. Apparently it was first known in the 1930’s, but originated as an English folk song and could possibly be traced back to an earlier date. Many artists have recorded this track, and although I much prefer the Bob Dylan version, The Animals have to win the prize for the most fantastic video,… (check out their perfectly coordinated walking circuits, as they stare directly into the camera.)

Today’s lyric: ‘Now the only thing a gambler needs is a suitcase and a trunk.’

I guess you already know that when comparing British and American English, we can find many differences; spelling, grammar and certainly vocabulary. So, when you are watching your next American film you will notice that the back of a car (where you would put your suitcase when travelling,) is called the ‘trunk,’ but in British English it is known as the ‘boot’ of the car. The good news is that most words are understood across cultures, although they might not be ordinarily used.

However, … the word ‘trunk’ does have other meanings such as:
– A large, heavy box-type container used for storage or travel
– Part of an elephant .. (but I’ll let you look that one up for yourself…!)

So, what’s your favourite version of this track?

Lyrics:

There is a house in New Orleans
They call the Rising Sun
And it’s been the ruin of many a poor boy
And God, I know I’m one

My mother was a tailor
She sewed my new blue jeans
My father was a gamblin’ 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 got one foot on the platform
The other foot on the train
I’m goin’ 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 of many a poor boy
And God, I know I’m one

The Animals / House Of The Rising Sun

Bob Dylan / House Of The Rising Sun
(Note: there is a variation in lyrics)