Hard Times feat. Black Thought
John Legend & The Roots Lyrics
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People all around me and they're all in fear
They don't seem to want me but they won't admit
I must be some kind of creature up here having fits
From my party house, I'm afraid to come outside
Although I'm filled with love I'm afraid they'll hurt my pride
So I play the part I feel they want of me
Havin' hard times in this crazy town
Havin' hard times, there's no love to be found
Havin' hard times in this crazy town
Havin' hard times, there's no love to be found
From my party house I feel like meetin' others
Familiar faces, creed and race, a brother
But to my surprise I find a man corrupt
Although he be my brother, he wants to hold me up
Havin' hard times in this crazy town
Havin' hard times, there's no love to be found
Havin' hard times in this crazy town
Havin' hard times, there's no love to be found
In this crazy town
Havin' hard times, there's no love to be found
Havin' hard times, in this crazy town
Havin' hard times, there's no love to be found
The lyrics to "Hard Times" by John Legend & The Roots paint a picture of alienation, fear, and distrust in a society where people are struggling to survive. The singer describes feeling like an outcast in a community that is filled with people who are afraid and hostile towards him. The first verse sets the tone for the song with its description of the singer's isolation and the coldness of the people around him. He feels like a creature having fits, something that is outside of the norm and not accepted by society.
In the next verse, the singer explains that he is afraid to leave his party house because he fears that people will hurt his pride. He goes on to say that he is playing a part that he feels society wants him to play, rather than being true to himself. He pulls the shades so that he can't see people seeing him, indicating a sense of shame and insecurity. The final verse introduces another character, a corrupt man who the singer describes as his brother. This betrayal by someone who should be a trusted ally adds to the sense of distrust and disillusionment that permeates the entire song.
Overall, "Hard Times" is a commentary on how difficult life can be in a society where people are struggling to survive and trust is in short supply. It depicts a world where people are quick to judge, slow to help, and prone to betraying those who try to connect with them.
Line by Line Meaning
Cold, cold eyes upon me they stare
I feel like everyone is staring at me with cold and uncaring eyes.
People all around me and they're all in fear
The people around me seem scared and anxious.
They don't seem to want me but they won't admit
It seems like nobody wants me around, but they won't come right out and say it.
I must be some kind of creature up here having fits
I feel like a strange and misunderstood creature, out of place and making a scene.
From my party house, I'm afraid to come outside
Even though I'm surrounded by people, I'm too scared to leave my own house.
Although I'm filled with love I'm afraid they'll hurt my pride
I want to connect with others and love them, but I'm afraid they'll reject me and make me feel ashamed.
So I play the part I feel they want of me
To fit in, I act the way I think people want me to act.
And I pull the shades so I won't see them seein' me
I'm so scared of judgment and rejection that I hide away and try not to be noticed.
Havin' hard times in this crazy town
Living in this chaotic and unfriendly city is really difficult for me.
There's no love to be found
It feels like there's no kindness or compassion anywhere around me.
From my party house I feel like meetin' others
Sometimes I want to leave my home and try to connect with others.
Familiar faces, creed and race, a brother
I look for people who seem like me and could be my friends or allies.
But to my surprise I find a man corrupt
However, even the people I expect to understand and support me turn out to be deceitful and harmful.
Although he be my brother, he wants to hold me up
Even someone I consider to be like family might try to harm or use me for their own gain.
In this crazy town
This city is so chaotic and hostile.
Havin' hard times, there's no love to be found
I'm really struggling to find any kindness or support in this place.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CURTIS MAYFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@versatilpraxis
One of the reasons I learned English was I tried to get Black Thoughts' verses, the guy is a fuckin' genius!!
@floydthebarbarian4833
Black Thought is the most underrated MC of all time.
@palapadadouwa807
Is absolutely not underrated for intellingent peoples😁😉
He and the Roots are the band of Jimmy Kimmel show indeed😋
@Truthbtold2no
The original Baby Huey recording brought me here.
@s7evenTV
+Kenny Truthbtold same :D
@kevinb1125
And its way better
@housemagik9196
love the baby huey original been listening to it since 2007 and this is my first hearing the roots version shits dope
@orlandoferreiradeandrade9774
Baby Huey Forever
@superfe73
Good God All Mighty..! I cant keep still when I hear this, funky bstrds, I had to down load to I pod, makes me walk down the street with Swag, no lie, love the bones of John Legend, can't wait for Leeds UK July, Bring that Mother, black thought Rock's, love ya'll.xx
@geogeo2551
Still rockin 2019 !! Black thought is mad on the mic!!!!’