Hard Times
Eleanor Shanley Lyrics

Let us pause in life's pleasures and count its many tears
Let us take a moment to acknowledge the struggles and hardships of life, instead of focusing solely on the joys and luxuries.

While we all sup sorrow with the poor.
While we may sympathize with those less fortunate, we often fail to realize that their struggles are genuine and significant, and not just something to be pitied.

There's a song that will linger forever in our ears,
This song serves as a lasting reminder of the hardships faced by those who have suffered through difficult times.

Oh, hard times, come again no more
May we never have to face such challenging times again.

'Tis the song, the sigh of the weary.
This song is a reflection of the weariness, exhaustion, and despair that many people experience during tough times.

Many days you have lingered all around my door.
Hard times have been a constant presence in my life, always lurking nearby.

While we seek mirth and beauty and music light and gay.
As we pursue happiness and enjoyment in life, we must not ignore the pain and struggles of others.

There are frail forms fainting at the door
There are people suffering right outside our door, who may not even have the strength to ask for help.

Though their voices are silent, their pleading looks will say,
Even if these suffering people do not speak up, their facial expressions and demeanors will speak volumes about their struggles and needs.

There's a pale drooping maiden who foils her life away
There is a woman who has lost hope and spirit, and who just goes through the motions of living without any real joy or enthusiasm.

With a worn out heart, whose better days are o'er.
This woman's heart has been broken and battered by life, and she no longer has the optimism or excitement that she once did.

Though her voice it would be merry, 'tis sighing all the day,
Even if this woman were to try and hide her sadness and pretend to be happy, her constant sighing would betray her true feelings of despair and hopelessness.