The Animals – House Of The Rising Sun – Coda
House Of The Rising Sun < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Am, Dm, Am, Dm, Am, Dm, Am, Dm, Am, Dm, Am
Chord Progression Analysis
Here is the chord progression for the coda you provided:
A minor (‘i’), D minor (‘iv’), A minor (‘i’), D minor (‘iv’), A minor (‘i’), D minor (‘iv’), A minor (‘i’), D minor (‘iv’), A minor (‘i’), D minor (‘iv’), A minor (‘i’)
Having a progression that alternates between the tonic (i) and subdominant (iv) chords creates a sense of tension and release throughout the coda, which makes it catchier and more pleasing to the ear.
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen:
C major (‘I’), A minor (‘vi’), C major (‘I’), A minor (‘vi’), C major (‘I’), A minor (‘vi’), C major (‘I’), A minor (‘vi’), C major (‘I’), A minor (‘vi’), C major (‘I’)
2. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles:
A minor (‘i’), G major (‘VII’), A minor (‘i’), G major (‘VII’), A minor (‘i’), G major (‘VII’), A minor (‘i’), G major (‘VII’), A minor (‘i’), G major (‘VII’), A minor (‘i’)
3. “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers (Bridge Section):
A minor (‘i’), E minor (‘v’), A minor (‘i’), E minor (‘v’), A minor (‘i’), E minor (‘v’), A minor (‘i’), E minor (‘v’), A minor (‘i’), E minor (‘v’), A minor (‘i’)
These songs have similar chord progressions to “House of the Rising Sun,” with a repetitive alternation between two primary chords, bringing the same sense of tension and release throughout the songs. While the specific chords may differ from what is present in “House of the Rising Sun,” they still share a similar framework in their structure and emotional appeal.
Musical Analysis
The song is characterized by its repetitive chord progression, strong vocal melody, and the arpeggiated guitar figure throughout the track. The A minor and D minor chords in the coda are primarily diatonic to the key of A minor. This simple and repetitive nature of the chord progression makes the song memorable and effective in its delivery.
Overall Analysis
“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals is a folk-rock song in A minor that features a distinct and memorable chord progression in its coda. By incorporating rhythmic and dynamic elements in their rendition, The Animals managed to popularize the song, making it one of their best-known hits.
Style Analysis
“House of the Rising Sun” falls under the category of folk-rock music, which is a combination of traditional folk elements and the energy of rock ‘n’ roll. The song has a haunting quality thanks to the melancholic theme and the moody chord progression. The powerful vocals of Eric Burdon, combined with the arpeggiated guitar, create a dramatic and emotional atmosphere, perfectly conveying the tragic story told in the song’s lyrics.
What are the chords in: The Animals – House Of The Rising Sun – Coda?
Am, Dm, Am, Dm, Am, Dm, Am, Dm, Am, Dm, Am
