House of the rising sun

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDwK-Zir8ls&feature=related (orginal)

My class: House of the rising sun

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_Fb3x5holU (Take1)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqLSAFfH7hk (Take 2)

http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu2WMMli34U (Final Cut)

There is(Em) a house(G) in New Orleans(A)

They(C) call(Em) the Rising(G) Sun(B7)

And it's been(Em) the ruin(G) of many(A) a poor boy(C)

And God(Em) I know I'm one(Em) (B7)

Teaching points

The phrase "House of the Rising Sun" is often understood as a euphemism for a place where prostitues live, but it is not known whether or not the house described in the lyrics was an actual or fictitious place. We learnt this song in class (just the first verse) together with a list of common English euphemisms.

Humorous expressions to refer to death

meet your maker: "He's gone to meet his maker."six feet under:
"I won't worry about money When I'm six feet under.
"pushing up daisies: "Last I heard about him, he's pushing up daisies.
kick the bucket: "So Joe has finally kicked the bucket."

Unemployment
between jobs: "Steve is between jobs at the moment."
a resting actor: "Harry's a resting actor." (Only use for unemployed actors.)

Pregnancy
in the family way: "She was in the family way, so they got married.
"have a bun in the oven: "Have you heard that Katy has a bun in the oven?"

Drunk
tired and emotional: "The newspaper said the president was tired and emotional.
"have a bit too much to drink: "He had a bit too much to drink last night."
to be a bit worse for wear: "He was a bit worse for wear by the time he came home.
"to have over-indulged: "I think he over-indulged in the free beer at the party."

Lying
economical with the truth: "The boss is known for being economical with the truth."

Arguments
full and frank discussion: "The directors had a full and frank discussion in the meeting.
"have words with someone: "Those two have had words."
(for more see
http://www.english-at-home.com/vocabulary/english-euphemisms/)

We also looked at interesting English constructions such as:
Rising sun--Not raising sun
Many a poor boy --Not many poor boys or many boys.