The Animals – House Of The Rising Sun – Verse 1
House Of The Rising Sun < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Am, C, D, F, Am, C, E, E, Am, C, D, F, Am, E, Am, C, D, F, Am, E, Am, E
Chord Progression Analysis
– A minor (i)
– C major (III)
– D major (IV)
– F major (VI)
– A minor (i)
– C major (III)
– E major (V)
– E major (V)
– A minor (i)
– C major (III)
– D major (IV)
– F major (VI)
– A minor (i)
– E major (V)
– A minor (i)
– C major (III)
– D major (IV)
– F major (VI)
– A minor (i)
– E major (V)
– A minor (i)
– E major (V)Borrowed Chords:
`F major (VI)`Similar Chord Progressions
1. Bob Dylan – “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”
Chord Progression:
C (I),
G (V),
Am (vi),
C (I),
G (V),
F (IV),
C (I),
G (V)2. Leonard Cohen – “Hallelujah”
Chord Progression:
C (I),
Am (vi),
C (I),
Am (vi),
F (IV),
G (V),
C (I),
G7 (V7)These songs feature chord progressions that emphasize the movement through the circle of fifths and use borrowed chords, similar to “House of the Rising Sun.” The progressions in these two examples are in major keys but move to their relative minor key, and their use of borrowed chords adds tension and emotional depth to the songs.
Musical Analysis
The chord progression opens with a i-III-IV movement in the key of A minor, providing a sense of departure from the tonic, leading to the borrowed F major chord which adds a sense of tension and unexpectedness. This tension is then resolved through the strong V-i cadence (E major to A minor), giving a sense of finality and resolution.
The chord progression in “House of the Rising Sun” relies heavily on the circle of fifths, transitioning between chords whose roots are a fifth apart. This creates smooth voice leading and allows for the chords to progress naturally, enhancing the song’s melancholic mood.
Overall Analysis
“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals features a repeating chord progression in a minor key that gives the song a haunting, melancholic feel. This progression moves through the circle of fifths, features borrowed chords from its relative major key and has a strong resolution from the dominant to the tonic.
Style Analysis
“House of the Rising Sun” is a folk ballad with roots in the traditional music of the American South, drawing on blues and gospel influences. This is reflected in the use of simple, diatonic chords and the prominence of the V-i resolution that is characteristic of many blues songs. The emotional, haunting quality of the music is amplified by a simple and repetitive melody that allows for the strong storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
What are the chords in: The Animals – House Of The Rising Sun – Verse 1?
Am, C, D, F, Am, C, E, E, Am, C, D, F, Am, E, Am, C, D, F, Am, E, Am, E