House of the Rising Sun Lyric Question

[Skyedriver]

"When he's on a drunk" is the oft written line.

Does that mean when he's on a bender? Don't understand the meaning. At 66 and a couple of the Animals were at my school I should know (I know they didn't write it...)

Always thought it was "when he's all a drunk" which makes more sense (I think)

[Skyedriver]

It is wear that ball and chain

But "On a drunk"?

[Skyedriver]

dandarez said:

Frijid Pink

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTFNhhpAZBE

Edited by dandarez on Tuesday 16th July 23:55

If it wasn't for the echo, Andy Pandy's singing would be rubbish but the guitar playing sounds OK

Sorry, it's Eric Burdon every time.

[Skyedriver]

gareth_r said:

The earliest versions were sung from a woman's point of view. The Animals version changed the lyrics. I assume that a piss-head gambler was more acceptable to the BBC than was a prostitute.

Apparently, the arrangement recorded by the Animals came from Dave van Ronk through Dylan.

Interesting, thanks