En 1948, Alan Lomax, infatigable globe-trotter, croise la route de la grande chanteuse folk Vera Hall. Cet après-midi là, elle lui livre psaumes, berceuses et autres chansons de sa collection que l’ethno-musicologue ne manque pas d’enregistrer. Et puis c’est au tour de Lomax, humble chanteur, de lui faire entendre cette version primaire et originale de cette Maison du soleil levant, maison dans laquelle la vie condamnait bon nombre de jeunes filles à vendre leur corps et leur âme.
lyrics
There is a house in New Orleans
They call the Rising Sun.
It’s been the ruin of many a poor girl
And now I’m only one.
If I had heard what my mama said
I’d been at home today.
But being so young and foolish one
Let a gambler lead me astray.
My mother, she’s a tailor
Sewed those new sweet blue jeans.
My sweetheart, he’s a hard drunkard
Way down in New Orleans.
Go tell my baby sister
Never do like I have done.
To shun the house in New Orleans
They call the Rising Sun.
One foot is on the platform,
The other one on this train,
Well I’m going back
To wear that ball and chain.
I’m going back to New Orleans
My race is almost run.
I’m going back to spend my life
‘Neath the house of the rising sun.
credits
from Don't go Dancin',
released October 14, 2021
(Trad.arr Lienard Biget)
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