Hard Times
Roots (w/John Legend) 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 of Roots' song "Hard Times" depict a sense of isolation and fear. The first stanza describes the feeling of being an outcast among a group of people who fear and reject the singer. He feels like he is being observed and judged by "cold eyes" all around him. Despite the overwhelming feeling of loneliness and rejection, he still strives to fit in by putting up a facade of being what society wants him to be, thus hiding behind the shades to avoid people's gazes.
The second stanza expresses the singer's longing for human connections with people of different "creeds and races." Here, the singer discovers that even though someone may look like him or come from the same background, they might still not have the same values, and that's where he finds himself at odds with one of his brothers in the community. Therefore, the song conveys a sense of hopelessness and despair that exists amidst strangers and friends alike, and the constant search for acceptance in a world that seems to judge and reject people for insignificant reasons.
Line by Line Meaning
Cold, cold eyes upon me they stare
The people around me are looking at me with disapproval or indifference.
People all around me and they're all in fear
Everyone around me is afraid or anxious about something.
They don't seem to want me but they won't admit
Although they don't like or accept me, they won't say it outright.
I must be some kind of creature up here having fits
I feel like an outsider or someone who doesn't fit in because I behave differently than others.
From my party house, I'm afraid to come outside
Although I feel happy and welcome in my own environment, I'm afraid to interact with the world outside of it.
Although I'm filled with love I'm afraid they'll hurt my pride
Even though I have love to give, I'm afraid of rejection or being humiliated by others.
So I play the part I feel they want of me
I act in a way that conforms to their expectations or perceptions of me.
And I pull the shades so I won't see them seein' me
I close myself off from others by hiding or avoiding visibility to protect myself from criticism or judgment.
From my party house I feel like meetin' others
Despite my fear, I have the desire to connect with others and form relationships.
Familiar faces, creed and race, a brother
I seek people who share commonalities with me, whether it be family ties, culture, or values.
But to my surprise I find a man corrupt
To my dismay, I discover that someone I trusted or related to is deceitful, dishonest, or immoral.
Although he be my brother, he wants to hold me up
Even though we may share familial bonds, this person has intentions of hindering or sabotaging me.
Havin' hard times in this crazy town
I'm experiencing difficulties and challenges in this chaotic or unpredictable setting.
Havin' hard times, there's no love to be found
I feel isolated or unsupported because I can't find any affection, kindness, or compassion from those around me.
In this crazy town
In this place full of chaos and confusion.
Havin' hard times, there's no love to be found
I continue to struggle and suffer because no one understands or provides comfort and empathy.
Havin' hard times, in this crazy town
Despite my efforts, I can't seem to overcome the challenges and obstacles I face in this turbulent environment.
Havin' hard times, there's no love to be found
I'm feeling lost, alone, and unloved because there's no one willing to show me compassion or support.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CURTIS MAYFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@AustinWebb10
Literally every musician in this band absolutely kicks ass.
@dcbandnerd
The Roots and John Legend...a match made in heaven.
@seaneusantos4031
This is so indescribably great. Like a lost album from Mayfield or Marvin. Takes me back to being a kid in Baltimore in 1972. The sounds, man...the souuuuunds. I come out of thrash metal as a musician myself, but am an old white boy from the hood who grew up on soul and R&B. All my metal pals I've played this for stop and go "Damn...thats fucking gooooood". It's transcendental in it's majesty. AND THAT FLUTE...omg yessssssssssssssssssssss.
@madhatterman01
This song was literally written by Curtis Mayfield
@eggymayo3271
You will love baby huey the artist
@lucianokondratzky1118
baby huey! The living legend....
@nathanoman1
At least somebody gave the man props. Respect
@damonlevine
Baby Huey's musical brilliance lives on in a new generation. This is a win for the culture. RIP Huey.
@Mr.D34
There are many great drummers is the world but in my humble opinion Questlove is the greatest of all! Nobody else has that feeling and sound like he does!
@alyssamwbc
LOVE John Legend, and he and The Roots showed fantastic taste when they covered this Baby Huey song. :)