He began experimenting with sound and four-track recording at the age of 11, eventually building an arsenal of instruments that included junk-shop organs and a home-built theremin. At the age of 14 he joined the pop-art collective Minty, a venture that caught the eyes and ears of Fat Cat Records, which went on to supply the youth with a computer and mixing tools for aid in his newfound audio experimentation. He left home at the age of 16 and formed Maison Crimineaux with his friend Fanny, which eventually found its way to France where the noisy duo played a show attended by electronic maestro Kristian Robinson (aka Capitol K), who went on to release Wolf's lauded 2003 debut. With Lycanthropy reaching number 39 in the NME's top LPs of the year, as well as receiving critical acclaim throughout Europe and America, Wolf decided to study composition at the Trinity College Music Conservatoire.
The results of that endeavor can be heard on his 2005 release Wind in the Wires, a dark collection of moody British folk and chamber pop with a chilly laptop sheen.
Wolf released his third album, and the first on a major label, The Magic Position, in February 2007. A concept album on the theme of love, the majority of it was written after the end of a long term intimate relationship. It featured collaborations with Marianne Faithfull and Edward Larrikin of Larrikin Love.
His fourth album, The Bachelor, was originally supposed to be part of a double album called Battle (the other disc was to be called The Conqueror). It was released on 1 June 2009. Guest musicians included Atari Teenage Riot's Alec Empire, actress Tilda Swinton, folk musician Eliza Carthy and avant-garde electronic pioneer Matthew Herbert.
Wolf's fifth album, Lupercalia, was released on 20 June 2011 by Hideout, a subsidiary of Mercury Records. Songfacts explains that the album title refers to the fertility and love festival which the ancient Romans celebrated between February 13-15 (the predecessor to Valentine's Day).
His latest release is a double album entitled Sundark and Riverlight, celebrating Wolf's 10 years as a recording artist. The album features acoustic re-recordings of songs from throughout his career, as well as previously unheard tracks.
Hard Times
Patrick Wolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Generation justice wishes for world at war
Final score, media come and abhor us
These are hard times we'll work harder, harder
Through these hard times I'll work harder, harder
Divided nation in sedation, overload of information
In these hard times we'll work harder, harder
Through these hard times I'll work harder, harder
For resolution show me some revolution
This battle will be won
Forced to count the hours since Two Towers
Fell to fiction those higher powers
Putting gods to war, who keeps score
Ignorance is still adored
And through these hard times we'll work harder, harder
Give me hard times, I'll work harder, harder
For revolution hard time for some resolution
Time for some revolution, this battle will be won
If they only see you with their fear
And they only hear you with their pride
And they only see you with their fear
And they only hear you with their pride
And work harder, harder, harder, harder
Harder, harder, harder, harder, hard times
The song "Hard Times" by Patrick Wolf is a commentary on the state of the world, specifically the issues of war, media manipulation, and societal apathy. The first verse speaks to the idea that while the powers that be (the ones digging ditches) are focused on the destruction of war, the younger generation is left to pick up the pieces and try to make the world a better place. The media is also complicit in promoting this destructive behavior, rather than speaking out against it.
The second verse highlights the divide within society and the overwhelming amount of information that we are bombarded with on a daily basis. Despite this, people have become apathetic or have learned to celebrate mediocrity. The chorus acknowledges the difficult times we are living in but also provides a call to action, encouraging people to work harder for change and revolution. The final verse brings up the events of 9/11 and the subsequent war and highlights how those in power have used religion and ignorance to perpetuate war and hatred. The final lines of the song repeat the call to action, to work harder in these hard times for revolution and resolution.
Overall, "Hard Times" is a powerful commentary on the state of the world and the need for change. The song's lyrics are full of social commentary and biting criticism of the status quo. Patrick Wolf's passionate vocals add to the urgency of the message.
Line by Line Meaning
As they dig your ditches count my stitches
As they harm you, I'll be there to help heal you and fight against them.
Generation justice wishes for world at war
The current generation fights for justice and wishes for a significant change to take place.
Final score, media come and abhor us
The media misrepresents the truth and judges us unfairly.
These are hard times we'll work harder, harder
During these difficult times, we must work even harder to overcome the obstacles and succeed.
Through these hard times I'll work harder, harder
Despite the difficulties, I will persevere and put in more effort.
Divided nation in sedation, overload of information
The nation is separated and unresponsive to the overwhelming amount of information available to them.
That we have grown up to ignore mediocrity applauded
We have become accustomed to ignoring issues and promoting mediocre values.
For resolution show me some revolution
To find a solution, a revolution is necessary.
This battle will be won
The fight for a better future will eventually be victorious.
Forced to count the hours since Two Towers
The traumatic event of 9/11 has left a significant impact on society, leading to fear and paranoia.
Fell to fiction those higher powers
Those in positions of power have been corrupted and deceive the public.
Putting gods to war, who keeps score
People are fighting over religion, unable to come to an agreement or understand that there doesn't need to be a winner.
Ignorance is still adored
Despite the importance of knowledge and education, ignorance continues to be praised.
Give me hard times, I'll work harder, harder
Challenges motivate me and make me work even harder.
For revolution hard time for some resolution
Revolution may be difficult, but it's necessary for change and resolution.
Time for some revolution, this battle will be won
It's time for a revolution, and in the end, we will win this fight.
If they only see you with their fear
People often judge and make assumptions based on fear.
And they only hear you with their pride
People often listen to others only to prove that they themselves are right.
And work harder, harder, harder, harder
Through dedication and hard work, anything is possible.
Harder, harder, harder, harder, hard times
Despite how difficult the times may be, the spirit of hard work and perseverance remains.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: PATRICK WOLF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@peterknowles3198
Such an incredible of the moment song. Hard to believe its 11years old. Patrick Wolf has such an incredible voice......and this video....scary, beautiful and atmospheric. The guys an all round artist 🔥🔥🔥
@animelili201
I've been a huge fan of Patrick Wolf for many years now, I long for the day when I can see him live. <3
@themysticmuse1111
Just found tonight. Feels like depeche,a bit Smiths-y. You can feel his many inspirations. Yet,unique. Where to start do you recommend?!
@animelili201
+cocteautwinned I first heard his magic position album and then went in order! however lupercalia is by far my favorite album. it took me awhile before I could truly appreciate his earlier albums like wind in the wires but there hasn't been a song I haven't liked :) enjoy!
@themysticmuse1111
Lilibird why thank you!x
@malevolentsiren
He’s AMAZING live. And when he made eye contact...omg I was in a trance. Love love love him 😍😍😍
@acehealer4212
It's about time I listened to more of Patrick Wolf's music. This is beautiful!
@KieranDiverUK
Patrick is what we call a credible recording artist. He has an incredible, unique voice and plays many instruments. I also appreciate his quirky looks. It defines him as an artist and that's what makes him more appealing than some of the generic rubbish representing the charts today. He definitely has the full package. He could be the male Lady Gaga. Much better than what we hear on the radio these days. I love it
@cindyversion8018
Kieran Diver yes!! finally someone understand
@Banzee
Totally see him as the "male Lady Gaga" (and Draco Malfoy lol)
Edit: also getting a huge Bowie vibe