https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeWEkxgncnA
HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN | Bass Singer Cover | Geoff Castellucci
Note: to see an original performance of the Animals for this song on the Ed Sullivan show
( 1964 ), go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxrz00XSOAo
Recently, I discovered Geoff Castellucci. When I heard him sing for the first time, I thought of Tennessee Ernie Ford, but Geoff has a much LOWER vocal range. His rendition of “House of the rising sun” is far different than that of the “Animals” and I am torn between which I genuinely prefer. I must say that it is easier to follow the words better with Geoff’s performance and therefore think more about their meaning.
The “House of the rising sun” tells a story of a man whose life was deeply engrossed in sin, but is about to change because of love.
I wonder, how many of us have ever reflected on our lives as a whole. Have we ever really thought about what the true value of our existence has been? Was the value something we are proud of or a cause of shame?
By chance, I just happened to read the following passage from the book of Galatians today and couldn’t help but see a parallel between the song and Paul’s comments...
Galatians 1 ( World English Bible )
1 Paul, an apostle (not from men, neither through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead),
2 and all the brothers who are with me, to the assemblies of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ,
4 who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father—
5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
6 I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different “good news”;
7 and there isn’t another “good news.” Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Good News of Christ.
8 But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any “good news” other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed.
9 As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any “good news” other than that which you received, let him be cursed.
10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn’t be a servant of Christ.
11 But I make known to you, brothers, concerning the Good News which was preached by me, that it is not according to man.
12 For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ.
13 For you have heard of my way of living in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the assembly of God, and ravaged it.
14 I advanced in the Jews’ religion beyond many of my own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me through his grace,
16 to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I didn’t immediately confer with flesh and blood,
17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia. Then I returned to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days.
19 But of the other apostles I saw no one, except James, the Lord’s brother.
20 Now about the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I’m not lying.
21 Then I came to the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
22 I was still unknown by face to the assemblies of Judea which were in Christ,
23 but they only heard: “He who once persecuted us now preaches the faith that he once tried to destroy.”
24 And they glorified God in me.
It has been over 50 years since I first heard the “House of the rising sun” and back then I could not have even imagined my existence today. But, I am glad I chose to follow Jesus and do the best I can to spread His “Good News”. Tell me, what is your life like? Are you happy with what you have done with it? If not, then, change it for the better. If you can read these words then you have the possibility of obeying the Gospel of Jesus Christ and if you do, enjoy an endless blessing in HEAVEN. If not, well, then there is always the life of a gambler or some other sinful pursuit. That sort of life is destructive and unfruitful, but the choice is yours; I hope you chose Jesus; HE ALONE will give you rest. Remember, the PAST is finished, TODAY is another opportunity and The FUTURE is only a choice away; CHOOSE WISELY.
May God bless,
Gary
note:
Due to space limitations of blogger, I was unable to include the video(s) from Youtube. In order to view the complete video (s), use the links provided at the top.