His songs — such as "Oh! Susanna", "Camptown Races", "Old Folks at Home" ("Swanee River"), "Hard Times Come Again No More", "My Old Kentucky Home", "Old Black Joe", "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair", and "Beautiful Dreamer" — remain popular over 150 years after their composition.
Hard Times Come Again No More
Stephen C. Foster Lyrics
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While we all sup sorrow with the poor
There's a song that will linger forever in our ears
Oh, hard times, come again no more
'Tis the song, the sigh of the weary
Hard times, hard times, come again no more
Many a days you have lingered around my cabin door
Oh, hard times, come again no more
While we seek worth and beauty and music, light and gay
There are frail forms fainting at the door
Though their voices are silent, their pleading looks will say
Oh, hard times, come again no more
'Tis the song, the sigh of the weary
Hard times, hard times, come again no more
Many a days you have lingered all around my cabin door
Oh, hard times, come again no more
'Tis the song, the sigh of the weary
Hard times, hard times, come again no more
Many a days you have lingered all around my cabin door
Oh, hard times, come again no more
So many a days you have lingered around my cabin door
Oh, hard times, come again no more
"Hard Times Come Again No More" is a poignant and timeless song by Stephen C. Foster that reflects on the hardships and sorrows of life, particularly those experienced by the poor and weary. The lyrics create a contrasting image between the fleeting pleasures of life and the lingering pain and suffering faced by the less fortunate. The song encourages listeners to pause and reflect on the struggles of others, urging for empathy and compassion.
The song begins by acknowledging the existence of tears and sorrow in life, highlighting the importance of recognizing and empathizing with the difficulties faced by those less fortunate. It emphasizes that these hardships, symbolized as "hard times," should not be forgotten or ignored. The song suggests that even amidst the pursuit of beauty, worth, and enjoyment, there are individuals who are suffering silently, their voices unheard but their pleading looks reflecting their pain.
The repetitive refrain of "hard times, come again no more" serves as both a plea and a prayer. It expresses a yearning for an end to the suffering that is experienced by the weary and downtrodden. The song's tender and compassionate nature invites listeners to take the time to understand and alleviate the hardships faced by others.
Overall, "Hard Times Come Again No More" serves as a reminder to be mindful of the struggles of others and to foster empathy and support in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Let us pause in life's pleasures and count its many tears
Take a moment to reflect on the sorrows and hardships that accompany life's joys
While we all sup sorrow with the poor
As we share in the hardships of the less fortunate
There's a song that will linger forever in our ears
A haunting melody that will always stay with us
Oh, hard times, come again no more
Hope for an end to difficult and trying times
'Tis the song, the sigh of the weary
The melody expresses the weariness and exhaustion of those facing hardships
Many a days you have lingered around my cabin door
Countless times, challenging circumstances have been present in my life
While we seek worth and beauty and music, light and gay
In our pursuit of happiness and joy, we should not forget the suffering of others
There are frail forms fainting at the door
There are vulnerable individuals on the brink of collapse right outside
Though their voices are silent, their pleading looks will say
Even without speaking, their desperate expressions convey their plea for relief
So many a days you have lingered around my cabin door
The presence of difficult times has persisted in my life for a long time
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