The Animals – House Of The Rising Sun – Verse 3
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) – … (repeats)
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Bob Dylan – “All Along the Watchtower”
Chord Progression: A minor (i) – G major (VII) – F major (VI) – G major (VII) – A minor (i)
2. Led Zeppelin – “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You”
Chord Progression: A minor (i) – C major (III) – G major (VII) – D major (IV) – F major (VI) – A minor (i)
3. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
Chord Progression: A minor (i) – G major (VII) – A minor (i) – G major (VII) – D major (IV) – E major (V) – A minor (i) – C# minor (ii) – F# minor (vi) – A major (I) – C# minor (ii) – F# minor (vi) – A major (I)
These examples share a similar chromatic descent and use of the Andalusian cadence with varying arrangements to give each song a distinctive sound.
Musical Analysis
The song is in the key of A minor, which is commonly associated with feelings of melancholy or sadness. The piece follows the classic Andalusian cadence, a descending chromatic tetrachord, which leads the chords from the tonic to the dominant (I-V). This progression is prevalent in both Spanish and Flamenco music, giving the piece a distinctive sound.
The chords themselves provide a mix of tension and resolution; the A minor (i) resolves tension created by the E major (V) chord, which is located just before the return to the A minor (i). This resolution strengthens the progression, creating a cyclical, repetitive quality that adds to the hypnotic effect of the song.
Overall Analysis
“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals is a well-known folk song that has been adapted into a blues ballad with a haunting quality. The verse chord progression features a combination of minor and major chords that contribute to its emotional intensity, while also creating a sense of tension and resolution.
Style Analysis
“House of the Rising Sun” features a unique mixture of folk and blues characteristics thanks to its chord progression and The Animal’s arrangement. The Andalusian cadence is a common element in Flamenco music; however, the tension and resolution of the chords lend a bluesy quality to the progression. Additionally, the simple melody and repetitive structure give the song a strong folk presence.
What are the chords in: The Animals – House Of The Rising Sun – Verse 3?
Am, C, D, F, Am, C, E, E, Am, C, D, F, Am, E, Am, C, D, F, Am, E, Am, E
