House Of The Rising Sun

Alt-J's rendition of 'House Of The Rising Sun' delves into the dark and tragic narrative of a family ensnared by the vices and misfortunes associated with a notorious house in New Orleans. The song opens with a reference to the infamous 'Rising Sun,' a place that has led many to ruin, including the narrator's father. This house symbolizes a cycle of despair and addiction, a place where dreams are shattered, and lives are lost to gambling and alcoholism.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the narrator's family dynamics. The mother, a tailor who sews blue jeans, represents a semblance of normalcy and hard work. However, her efforts are overshadowed by the father's destructive habits. The father is depicted as a man consumed by his vices, likened to a bird flying over a forest fire, feeling the heat of his own self-destruction. His addiction to gambling and drinking not only ruins him but also casts a shadow over the entire family.

The song's chorus, with its repetitive 'happy, happy, happy, happy, fun day, day,' serves as a stark contrast to the grim reality described in the verses. This juxtaposition highlights the facade of happiness that the family might try to maintain, despite the underlying turmoil. The mother's retreat into faith, leaving her troubles 'in the arms of God,' underscores her desperation and the sense of helplessness in the face of her husband's relentless downward spiral. Alt-J's haunting interpretation of this classic song brings a modern, introspective lens to a timeless tale of human frailty and familial suffering.