There is a house in New Orleans They call the Risin' 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 that he's satisfied Is when he's all a-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 risin' sun. Well, I've got one foot on the platform. And the other's 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 Risin' Sun And it's been the ruin of many a poor boy. And God, I know I'm one.