The band signed a record deal with Profile Records in 1983, and Run's older brother, Russell "Rush" Simmons, signed Run-D.M.C. to his newly formed management company Rush Productions that same year. On their first major United States tour, the group set new fads by performing dressed in baggy black clothing, Adidas Sneakers (always with shoelaces removed), and Fedora hats.
Their mainstream success continued as the group performed at the famous Live Aid concert in 1985, and their 1986 album ''Raising Hell'' became the highest-selling rap album in history (this record was later broken as rap gained more popularity with artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Eminem), reaching number 3 on the ''Billboard magazine'' album charts and selling over 3 million copies. The album featured the famous cover version of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way", a rap-rock collaboration performed with Aerosmith members Steven Tyler and Joe Perry. The song was the first hip-hop track to make the Top 10 on Billboard's singles charts.
Run-D.M.C. were renowned for breaking new ground in rap music. "It's Like That" and "Sucker MC's" (1983) were the first hip hop tracks that relied on electronic beats and nothing else. "Peter Piper" (1986) was the first rap record in which the DJ cut up a record (in this case, "Take Me to the Mardi Gras" by jazz musician Bob James. Run-D.M.C. became the first rap act with a platinum album and multi-platinum album, as well as the first rappers to appear on the cover of ''Rolling Stone'' magazine, to receive a Grammy nomination and to appear on Saturday Night Live] and American Bandstand.
After a period of lackluster commercial success after the ''Raising Hell'' album, the group made a comeback in 1993 with their album ''Down With the King'', which made Billboard's Top 10 for album and the Pete Rock assisted single "Down With the King".
Jam-Master Jay was shot and killed in October 2002, leading Run-D.M.C. to announce their retirement.
For a complete biography and the most up-to-date information on Run DMC, visit www.RunDMC.com.
Hard Times
Run-D.M.C. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Watch out, homeboy, don't let it catch you
P-p-p-prices go up, don't let your pocket go down
When you got short money you're stuck on the ground
Turn around, get ready, keep your eye on the clock
And be on point for the future shock
Hard times
Hard times are comin' to your town
So stay alert, don't let them get you down
They tell you times are tough, you hear that times are hard
But when you work for that ace, you know you pulled the right card
Hard times got our pockets all in chains
I'll tell you what, homeboy, it don't have my brain
All day I have to work at my peak
Because I need that dollar every day of the week
Hard times
Hard times can take you on a natural trip
So keep your balance, and don't you slip
Hard times is nothin' new on me
I'm gonna use my strong mentality
Like the cream of the crop, like the crop of the cream
B-b-b-beatin' hard times, that is my theme
Hard times in life, hard times in death
I'm gonna keep on fightin' to my very last breath
Hard times
Hard times
Hard times
Hard times
Hard times
Hard times
Hard times
The song "Hard Times" by Run-D.M.C. was released in 1983 and speaks to the difficult economic and social conditions of the time. The lyrics are a cautionary tale to listeners about the spreading hardship and the importance of staying vigilant in the face of adversity. The opening lines compare hard times to the flu, suggesting that it is a contagious and widespread problem that can affect anyone. The advice is to be careful and not let it catch you.
The song continues with references to rising prices and the struggle to maintain a decent livelihood. When money is tight, people are stuck in one place, unable to move forward. The lyrics urge people to be ready and keep an eye on the future, ever-vigilant for the next challenge. The chorus, "Hard times," is repeated seven times throughout the song, emphasizing the central theme of the lyrics.
The second half of the song is more motivational, encouraging listeners to stay strong and be resilient in the face of hardship. The lyrics suggest that hard times can take people on a "natural trip," but they must maintain their balance and not slip. To overcome hard times, the song recommends using a "strong mentality," being at the "cream of the crop," and fighting until the very last breath.
Line by Line Meaning
Hard times spreadin' just like the flu
Difficult times are becoming more and more common and prevalent, similar to the spread of an infectious disease.
Watch out, homeboy, don't let it catch you
Be cautious and vigilant, as difficult times can quickly overtake and negatively impact your life.
P-p-p-prices go up, don't let your pocket go down
As prices and costs increase, it's important to manage your finances and not allow yourself to become financially strained or depleted.
When you got short money you're stuck on the ground
If you have limited funds or resources, it can be difficult to progress or improve your situation.
Turn around, get ready, keep your eye on the clock
Prepare yourself and stay mindful of time and deadlines, as delayed action or inaction can worsen difficult circumstances.
And be on point for the future shock
Remain alert and proactive in anticipation of potential future difficulties or crises.
Hard times are comin' to your town
Difficult times are imminent and will likely affect your community or area.
So stay alert, don't let them get you down
Remain cautious and optimistic, and don't allow difficult circumstances to negatively impact your morale or outlook.
They tell you times are tough, you hear that times are hard
It's a common message or sentiment that times are difficult and challenging.
But when you work for that ace, you know you pulled the right card
Despite difficulties, persevering and putting in effort can yield positive outcomes or opportunities.
Hard times got our pockets all in chains
Difficult circumstances can constrict or limit our financial resources and opportunities.
I'll tell you what, homeboy, it don't have my brain
While difficult circumstances can impact one's finances and opportunities, it doesn't necessarily dictate or influence one's mental fortitude or resilience.
All day I have to work at my peak
To overcome difficult circumstances, it may require consistent and sustained effort or productivity.
Because I need that dollar every day of the week
Financial stability and security is important in navigating and overcoming difficult circumstances.
Hard times can take you on a natural trip
Difficult circumstances can affect one's emotional and mental state or well-being.
So keep your balance, and don't you slip
Maintaining equilibrium and focus is important in overcoming difficult circumstances, and avoiding setbacks or failures.
Hard times is nothin' new on me
Going through difficult circumstances is not new or unfamiliar, and can be overcome with experience and resilience.
I'm gonna use my strong mentality
Mental and emotional fortitude and strength is important in navigating and overcoming difficult circumstances.
Like the cream of the crop, like the crop of the cream
Just as the finest crops rise to the top of the harvest, individuals with resilience and fortitude will rise above difficult circumstances.
B-b-b-beatin' hard times, that is my theme
Overcoming difficult circumstances is a personal goal or theme, driven by perseverance and resilience.
Hard times in life, hard times in death
Difficult circumstances can occur throughout life, from beginning to end.
I'm gonna keep on fightin' to my very last breath
Resilience and effort are important in facing and overcoming difficult circumstances, even in the face of adversity or death.
Hard times
The repetition of 'hard times' throughout the song emphasizes its significance and prevalence in life.
Hard times
The repetition of 'hard times' throughout the song emphasizes its significance and prevalence in life.
Hard times
The repetition of 'hard times' throughout the song emphasizes its significance and prevalence in life.
Hard times
The repetition of 'hard times' throughout the song emphasizes its significance and prevalence in life.
Hard times
The repetition of 'hard times' throughout the song emphasizes its significance and prevalence in life.
Hard times
The repetition of 'hard times' throughout the song emphasizes its significance and prevalence in life.
Hard times
The repetition of 'hard times' throughout the song emphasizes its significance and prevalence in life.
Lyrics © MUSIC MANAGEMENT, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: William Waring, Lawrence Smith, Darryl McDaniels, Joseph Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-qv6bw6du7m
Site in Paradise
wonder Who we fight for every day spen my time
negative energy filled me comparison thoughts
Compared to income of these rocking chair beer belly
And I'm in healthy sweat abs gym do not have to go
They sit in the office with 18k play screen just like a soft girl
Our type loves to fight if you want 38k boss salute
A person jealous of you is not a big problem
A bunch of people looking for your trouble a group
Who is the newcomer do not be too arrogant
Come through the rules of the new is a little brother
Peach robbery girls eye-to-eye
This love crush guy wants you to roll
Be carefully those things with your back
I am no different from successful and motivated people
My home and those woman I love want a safe and fulfilling life
Also redouble your efforts to give a fun-loving self
We are not the same we come from a paradise of destruction
But the wisdom possessed does not belong to
our kind of people are more interested in peace and work together
in order to the Earth is not destroyed by the cold-blooded beasts
@marcanton9083
Run DMC is so underrated by most of those who consider themselves rap connoisseurs. They are one of only a few rap artists from my childhood that I can play in front of my kids without fear of them, hearing something inappropriate. Pure Genius.
@ericpledge1
You are absolutely right!
@1stblackmanonthenet
💯
@carlrobinson3173
Amen
@ad60924
Dam the 80s had the best beats ❤👌🏼
@stevebrazilio
Genius, the drum beat, heavy breathing and some kind of warped synthesized looped note.. all respect Run DMC.. one of my goosebump tunes
@user-to9lk8ix6h
I get goosebumps when the bass line pumps.
@brucewillis542
Heavy Breathing = Black Power, listen closer my dude
@KCKing-iu4cw
Beat Still Hard To This Day! 💪
@Nate01_
True hip hop from the pioneers