[Verse 1]
There is a house in New Orleans
They call the Rising Sun
And it's been the ruin for many a-poor boy
And me, great God, I'm one

[Verse 2]
If I had listened to my mama
I'd be at home today
But I was young and foolish, oh God
I let a gambler lead me astray

[Verse 3]
The only thing a gambler needs
Is a suitcase and a trunk
And the only time he's satisfied
Is when he's all a-drunk

[Verse 4]
Go tell my baby sister
"Don't do what I have done"
But shun that house in sin and misery
They call the Rising Sun

[Verse 5]
And I'm going back to New Orleans
My race is nearly run
I'm goin' back to spend my life
In the House of the Rising Sun