Hard to Tell
Old Crow Lyrics


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Now the way things look around this town
Better find a pretty woman before the sun goes down
If you need a place to lay your head
Find a pretty little woman in a pretty big bed

You make like a fool, you stumble around
Better find you a woman before you buy another round
In like a lamb and out like a lion
One minute your laughin' the next you're cryin'

It's hard to tell, hard to tell
You gotta get a woman, it's hard to tell
Can't be sure, can't be sure
Is she gonna be your pretty little girl?
Your pretty little girl

Better cut your hair, comb that mop
Shine them shoes, wear tails and top
Trim that 'stache, don't be slow
You gonna need it where you got to go

Hit that trail ride that roan
And buck that limb when you get her back home
Buckle up boys don’t think twice
And love that woman with all your might

It's hard to tell, hard to tell
You gotta get a woman, it's hard to tell
Can't be sure, can't be sure
Is she gonna be your pretty little girl?
Your pretty little girl

Now she don't call and she don't write
You're home with your mother every Saturday night
You see her on the town, she don't see you
You oughta quit courtin' and take up booze

You gotta make it look like a big fortune,
Got Calico shorts and alligator shoes
There ain’t no woman gonna waste her time,
Waiting for a poor boy to drag her down

It's hard to tell, hard to tell
You gotta get a woman, it's hard to tell
Can't be sure, can't be sure




Is she gonna be your pretty little girl?
Your pretty little girl

Overall Meaning

The song "Hard to Tell" by Old Crow Medicine Show is a nostalgic and lively tune with simple yet meaningful lyrics. The song starts by describing the need to find a pretty woman in a small town before the sun goes down. The chorus repeats the phrase "hard to tell" several times, emphasizing the uncertainty of finding love and finding the right woman. The verses describe the steps one has to take to impress a woman and win her heart. The song also highlights the unpredictability of love and how one can never be sure if the person they are courting will become their "pretty little girl."


The first verse tells the listener that in this small town, it's best to find a pretty woman before the sun goes down. The urgency in the singer's voice implies that it might not be easy to find love in this place, and it's better to grab an opportunity when you see one. The second verse advises the listener to find a woman before buying another round of drinks. This line implies that sometimes, too much drinking can lead to bad decisions, and it's essential to have someone by your side to help make better choices.


The third verse talks about the unpredictability of love, comparing it to a lamb and a lion. The singer suggests that one minute you can be laughing and happy, and the next minute, you can be crying and heartbroken. This line emphasizes that love can be both beautiful and devastating at the same time. The overall message of the song is that finding the right woman can be challenging, but it's worth the effort.


Line by Line Meaning

Now the way things look around this town
This town isn't looking good, better find a woman soon.


Better find a pretty woman before the sun goes down
Find a pretty woman before it's too late.


If you need a place to lay your head
If you need somewhere to sleep.


Find a pretty little woman in a pretty big bed
Find a woman who has everything you need.


You make like a fool, you stumble around
Acting foolish by buying drinks, better find a woman.


Better find you a woman before you buy another round
Find a woman before you spend more money on alcohol.


In like a lamb and out like a lion
Things can change quickly, be ready.


One minute your laughin' the next you're cryin'
Emotions are unpredictable, be prepared for anything.


It's hard to tell, hard to tell
It's difficult to predict the outcome.


You gotta get a woman, it's hard to tell
You need to find a woman, but you can't be sure of the outcome.


Can't be sure, can't be sure
Uncertainty is present.


Is she gonna be your pretty little girl?
Will she be the one you're looking for?


Your pretty little girl
The woman you're seeking.


Better cut your hair, comb that mop
Clean yourself up and be presentable.


Shine them shoes, wear tails and top
Dress nicely to impress a woman.


Trim that 'stache, don't be slow
Groom yourself and don't waste time.


You gonna need it where you got to go
You need to look good for what's ahead.


Hit that trail ride that roan
Go after your goal with determination.


And buck that limb when you get her back home
Be bold and take risks when you achieve your goal.


Buckle up boys don’t think twice
Be ready for anything and don't hesitate.


And love that woman with all your might
Give all your passion and love to the woman you find.


Now she don't call and she don't write
She's not reaching out to you.


You're home with your mother every Saturday night
You're alone and not with the woman you desire.


You see her on the town, she don't see you
She's not noticing you or paying attention to you.


You oughta quit courtin' and take up booze
Give up on finding a woman and just drink instead.


You gotta make it look like a big fortune,
Appear wealthy to impress a woman.


Got Calico shorts and alligator shoes
Wearing expensive clothes to impress a woman.


There ain’t no woman gonna waste her time,
Women won't waste their time on poor men.


Waiting for a poor boy to drag her down
They don't want to be held back by someone who can't provide for them.




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

james white

These gentlemen are some impressive talent!

Michael Couffer

So awesome

brian anderson

Thanks for adding this.....wow.

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