Hard Times
Bob Dylan & Willie Nelson Lyrics


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Let us pause in life's pleasures and count its many tears
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 days you have lingered all around my cabin door
Oh, hard times, come again no more

While we seek mirth 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 days you have lingered all around my cabin door
Oh, hard times, come again no more

There's pale drooping maiden who toils her life away
With a worn out heart, whose better days are o'er
Though her voice it would be merry, 'tis sighing all the day
Oh, hard times, come again no more
'Tis the song, the sigh of the weary
Hard times, hard times, come again no more
Many 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 days you have lingered all around my cabin door
Oh, hard times, come again no more

Overall Meaning

In "Hard Times" by Bob Dylan, the singer asks us to pause and reflect on the many tears we shed in our lives. He urges us to contemplate the suffering of the poor, and to join them in their sorrow. The song speaks to the universal experience of hardship that we all face at one time or another, from financial struggles to emotional pain. The lyrics also remind us that while we may seek out pleasures such as music and beauty, there are always people at the margins of society who are suffering silently, and whose cries for help must be heard.


The song features three verses, each describing different groups of people who are struggling. In the first verse, there are the "weary," who have been haunted by hard times for days on end. In the second, we are introduced to "frail forms" who are fainting at the door, their pleading looks asking us to help them. The final verse tells of the "pale drooping maiden" who works tirelessly yet is full of sadness. Throughout the song, the refrain "hard times, come again no more" is repeated, conveying a sense of hopelessness and resignation.


Overall, "Hard Times" is a poignant reminder that life is not always easy, and that we must make a conscious effort to be aware of the struggles of those around us. The lyrics ask us to show compassion and empathy towards others, even when we are facing our own challenges. It is a timeless message that remains relevant today.


Line by Line Meaning

Let us pause in life's pleasures and count its many tears
Let's take a moment to reflect on the hardships of life despite the brief moments of happiness.


While we all sup sorrow with the poor
Despite our own struggles, we share in the sorrows of those who are less fortunate.


There's a song that will linger forever in our ears
A powerful message will always stay with us.


Oh, hard times, come again no more
We hope to never experience difficult times again.


'Tis the song, the sigh of the weary
This song represents the fatigue and exhaustion felt from hard times.


Hard times, hard times, come again no more
We plead for an end to the ongoing struggles we face.


Many days you have lingered all around my cabin door
Difficult times have been present and constant in our lives.


While we seek mirth and beauty and music light and gay
We may search for happiness and joy, but difficult times still exist around us.


There are frail forms fainting at the door
People in need may appear weak and fragile at our doorstep.


Though their voices are silent, their pleading looks will say
Expressions of desperation can be conveyed through a person's eyes rather than their voice.


There's pale drooping maiden who toils her life away
We witness women endlessly working and struggling to survive.


With a worn out heart, whose better days are o'er
People can become disheartened and lose hope when faced with prolonged hardship.


Though her voice it would be merry, 'tis sighing all the day
Even if someone appears content, their true emotions may be filled with sadness and hardship.


'Tis the song, the sigh of the weary
This song represents the exhaustion and weariness experienced from difficult times.


Many days you have lingered all around my cabin door
Hard times have been present and persistent in our lives.


Oh, hard times, come again no more
We yearn for a time when difficult times will be absent from our lives.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BOB DYLAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Paul Bolio

The best version.... Dylan’s voice is spectacular

John Compton

What an exquisite and touching performance!! A perfect acoustic ensemble! Thanks for sharing!

HelianaSuper

My God! Now Willy has 88!!! A legend! Bob, a legend! This song: wonderful!

Carol Waddell

stellar performance !

Michael Brenner

Great song

Maggie Bryan

Love bob

Susanne Luethi

❤️

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