The Animals – House Of The Rising Sun – Verse 5
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
The chords in Verse 5 follow this pattern:
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)
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Borrowed Chord: F major (VI) (from parallel A phrygian)
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Similar Chord Progressions
1. Bob Dylan – “All Along the Watchtower”
Chord Progression: A minor (i), G major (VII), F major (VI), G major (VII)
2. Leonard Cohen – “Hallelujah”
Chord Progression: C major (I), A minor (vi), F major (IV), G major (V), E major (III), A minor (vi), F major (IV), G major (V), C major (I), G major (V), C major (I)
These two songs share some of the chords used in “House of the Rising Sun” but use them in different ways. “All Along the Watchtower” shares the i-VII-VI progression with “House of the Rising Sun,” though it omits some of the other chords. Meanwhile, “Hallelujah” has a more sophisticated structure, but it uses the III, VI, and V chords in a similar manner to The Animals’ piece.
Musical Analysis
Verse 5 of “House of the Rising Sun” features a mix of various chords from the A minor harmonized scale, with some chords like D major and F major borrowed from parallel modes or keys. The progression contributes to the overall melancholic and dark atmosphere of the song. The continuous movement between chords without staying too long on any single harmony creates a feeling of restlessness and anticipation.
Overall Analysis
“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals is a traditional folk song that features a distinctive, repetitive chord progression throughout the song. The tune has a somber, haunting quality and is set in a minor key. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but the version by The Animals is the most famous.
Style Analysis
“House of the Rising Sun” is a folk song, but the version by The Animals adds a more modern, rock feel with Eric Burdon’s distinctive vocals and the use of electric guitar. The song’s continuous, repetitive structure resembles a tragic narrative, which is a characteristic of traditional folk ballads. The chord progression’s mix of minor and major chords lends an emotional depth to the lyrics, speaking of a life gone awry in New Orleans.
What are the chords in: The Animals – House Of The Rising Sun – Verse 5?
Am, C, D, F, Am, C, E, E, Am, C, D, F, Am, E, Am, C, D, F, Am, E, Am, E
