I live in a house down in New Orleans
That is called "The Rising Sun"
A house of gambling and ill repute
Where men come for pleasure and fun.

My Daddy was a gambler
Who dwelled in this house with his wife
Now they have gone and I'm here alone
Living in sin, shame and strife.

My life is an upside down world
Sleeping by day and working by night
Greeting the strangers who knock at my door
Looking for a few moments delight.

In a house where love and money are made
I've learned my lessons well
I live with a permanent smile on my face
In this place between Heaven and Hell.

This house way down in New Orleans
The one they call "The Rising Sun"
Has been the ruin of many a young girl
And God, I know that I'm one.

So mothers please tell your daughters
Not to do as I have done
Don't let them spend their lives living in shame
In the house of "The Rising Sun"

© Betty Lindsey & Kaye Stubbington
15th.November 2006