Is House Of The Rising Sun Public Domain ?

If you want to use “House of the Rising Sun” in a video, song, film, game, or commercial project, you’re right to pause and ask this question first.

The short answer is yes and no.

The song is a traditional folk song, which means the core song is public domain.
But many versions you hear today are not.

This guide explains exactly what is public domain, what is still protected by copyright, and how to use House of the Rising Sun safely—without takedowns, copyright strikes, or legal issues.

Quick Answer (Summary)

Is House of the Rising Sun public domain?

• ✅ The traditional folk song (lyrics + melody) → Yes
• ❌ Specific recordings (The Animals, Bob Dylan, etc.) → No
• ❌ Modern arrangements and performances → Usually copyrighted

So the song itself is public domain, but famous versions are not.

Why This Song Is Public Domain

House of the Rising Sun is a traditional folk song with no known original author.

Key facts:

• Origin: United States (likely New Orleans)
• First known recordings: early 1900s
• Song existed orally before copyright law applied
• Multiple lyric versions passed down over generations

Because the song existed long before modern copyright, it belongs to the public domain.

That means:

• No one owns the original song
• No permission is needed to use the traditional version

Why People Get Confused

Most people know the song from The Animals’ 1964 hit.

That version:

• Has a specific arrangement
• Has a recognizable tempo and chord structure
• Is a protected sound recording

People assume the whole song is copyrighted—but that’s not how copyright works.

Copyright law separates:

1. The underlying song (lyrics and melody)
2. The arrangement
3. The recording

Only the first one is public domain.

What Parts Are Public Domain?

1. The Traditional Lyrics (Public Domain)

The core lyrics like:

“There is a house in New Orleans
They call the Rising Sun…”

exist in many variations and date back over a century.

✅ These traditional lyrics are public domain.

You may:

• Sing them
• Rewrite them
• Adapt them
• Use them in your own recordings

2. The Traditional Melody (Public Domain)

The basic melody and chord progression are also public domain.

You may:

• Play it on guitar or piano
• Arrange it for orchestral, lo-fi, or acoustic use
• Use it in videos, games, or apps

What Is NOT Public Domain?

1. Famous Recordings (Copyrighted)

These are not public domain:

• The Animals (1964)
• Bob Dylan’s recordings
• Joan Baez’s recordings
• Movie soundtrack versions

❌ You cannot use these recordings without permission.

2. Modern Arrangements (Usually Copyrighted)

Even though the song is public domain, an arrangement can be copyrighted.

Examples:

• A unique chord progression
• A specific rhythm or tempo
• Distinct instrumental patterns

If you copy an arrangement closely, you may infringe—even if the song itself is public domain.

Can You Use House of the Rising Sun on YouTube?

Safe options:

• Record your own performance
• Use the traditional melody and lyrics
• Create a new arrangement
• Use a clearly labeled public domain or royalty-free version

Risky options:

• Uploading a cover that copies The Animals’ arrangement
• Using backing tracks based on famous versions
• Using audio from old films or TV shows

YouTube Content ID can still flag public domain songs if the recording or arrangement is copyrighted.

Using House of the Rising Sun in Commercial Projects

You can legally use the song in:

• Advertisements
• Films
• Video games
• Apps
• Podcasts
• Courses
• Business websites

As long as you:
✔ Use the public domain song
✔ Create your own recording
✔ Avoid copying famous arrangements

You do not need to pay royalties for the original song.

Public Domain vs Royalty-Free (Important Difference)

Public domain

• No copyright
• Free to use forever
• No license required

Royalty-free

• Still copyrighted
• Requires a license
• Usage depends on terms

Some “royalty-free” versions of House of the Rising Sun are licensed recordings—not public domain.

How to Use the Song Safely (Practical Checklist)

Before you publish or monetize anything, ask:

• Am I using my own recording? → Good
• Am I using the traditional lyrics? → Good
• Does my arrangement sound exactly like The Animals? → Risky
• Did I download this track from somewhere? → Risky

When in doubt, create it yourself.

Can You Change the Lyrics?

Yes.

Because the song is public domain, you can:

• Rewrite verses
• Modernize the story
• Change the point of view
• Translate it into another language

This is common practice with folk songs.

Final Verdict

Is House of the Rising Sun public domain?

The traditional folk song is public domain
Famous recordings are not
Many modern arrangements are protected