Story Behind The Song

This recoding is to pay homage to the original author and first recording artist of this song; Clarence Ashley in 1933. Many recordings over the years have changed this scene from another time and place to something else. While the musical arrangement is ours and intended to transport the listener, the lyrics here are all Clarence Ashley's original words with the exception of the very last stanza. This was added later by Doc Watson while he recorded a later version with Clarence Ashley in 1960. Clarence has passed on but many artists have recorded this piece. We tried to capture original mood, time, place and honor Clarence Ashley for his great contribution to American music.

Song Description

Timeless American classic recorded by many but understood by few.

Lyrics

RISING SUN BLUES
Clarence Ashley

There is a house in new Orleans
They call the Rising Sun
Where many a poor boy to destruction has gone
And me, oh God, I'm one

Then fill the glasses up to the brim
Let the drinks go merrily around
And we'll drink to the life of a rounder poor boy
Who goes from town to town

All in this world does a rambler want
is a suitcase and a trunk
And the only time he's satisfied
Is when he's on a drunk

Break

Now boys don't you believe what a girl tells you
Let her eyes be blue or brown
Unless she's on some scaffold high
Say'n "Boys, I can't come down

I'm going back to New Orleans
For my race is almost run
Gonna spend the rest of wicked life
Beneath that Rising Sun

Go tell my youngest brother
Not to do the things I've done
But to shun that house down in New Orleans
They call the Rising Sun.