He was also honored by the Man in Black with an invitation to record songs at Cash's own home in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Two other iconic music legends, Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, were also early believers who were instrumental in helping Stuart get his start.
With the release of their critically acclaimed debut CD"Walk Alone" in 1999, the Bastard Sons quickly proved they were no novelty act. With strong songwriting and great musicianship, the Sons' quickly jumped to the forefront of the growing Alternative Country Scene. No stranger to the road, their constant touring and hard work have built the band a loyal grass roots following both in the States and abroad.
Whether performing in front of thousands at a Festival in the US or Europe, or playing all night in a Texas dance hall, for Stuart it’s all about respect. "The Bastard Sons never were, and never will be, a Johnny Cash tribute band." It's always been about honoring the musical ideals of our heroes, and paying respect to the originality, integrity, and independence that made those artists who they are. Our goal was always to find our own road, and to continue to keep the sounds and traditions of American Roots Music alive.
Stuart and the Bastard Sons have released 5 outstanding CD’s: Walk Alone, Distance Between, Mile Markers, Bend in the Road, and their latest New Old Story. Their music has been featured in Film, Television, and compilation CD's around the world.
Hard Times
The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The struggle lives hard times, we do or die
My whole crews fly hands high to the sky
So maintain son elevate try to build
But now you're still 'cause incarceration is for real
Yeah son you know its on
Now who would be the clown in the nine-six to mess around and catch a
fist
I got physical that alert me when some herb tried to jerk me
Or put the squeeze on it, break down the cipher
But it won't work, were tight like the Q-Tip in the fight
Now is you insane is your brain intact
We be official when it comes to this no B.S. rap
Here comes the lyrical, aerial raid right where you rest at
Now test that
I snatch your heart right through your chest black
Gettin ill thoughts when I sleep at night
I gotta maintain, blot the blood stains on my brain
>From the clappin, we can make it happen
Remember you ain't a killer, you only rappin
I hate it, rappers overexaggeratin
And never shot a gun in they life, they only masterbatin
So come clean and keep it real if you like my sound
And wave your hands in the air and put the nines down
[Chorus: 2X]
Brothas fought daily in the streets, we reek havoc
On every block someones flippin like an acrobat
I'm kinda young but I still gotta hold my own
And Ima maintain what's mine till the day I'm grown
I keep my crew up, people say I got a gang
But I don't smoke I don't shoot and my crew don't slang
We just hang tryin to get up in this rap game
So I can gain so fame and build my crews name
Rollin with juvenile thugs wit bad grades and bad ways
Who woulda thought that I had some AIDS
Dream totes and aspirations
Brothas are tired of being broke so maybe that's why they free-basing
Wastin time doing nothing
Livin like an outcast gotta get up get out and get something
[Chorus: 2X]
Look into my eyes see if you can see what I can see
In my reality the whole world is after me
Schemin on the key but yo I got this locked down
Me and lost and found comin out the underground
Takin no prisoners my listeners we keep it real
My thoughts are militant, when I'm in the killin field
Click click, my minds automatic, so where's the static
I got some joints up in my attic if you want to grab it
I form a cipher where my peace brothers don't sleep
You try to creep I guarantee that's when you feel the heat
I come correct in this rap game
Rappers act insane
Meanwhile I'm blowin the mic an back in the frame
They can't see me, they can't feel the real G
I represent, commercial rap will never kill me
[Chorus: 4X]
The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash's song "Hard Times" is a powerful and insightful commentary on the struggles and challenges that come with life on the streets. In the chorus, the singer acknowledges the hardships that he and his crew face every day, but also delivers a message of hope and perseverance, urging his listeners to maintain an elevated mindset and keep striving for success, even in the face of adversity. The verses offer more specific insights into the realities of life on the streets, with vivid descriptions of violence, poverty, drug use, and struggle, but also with a sense of resilience and determination that shines through in the music and the lyrics.
Throughout the song, there are references to the challenges and difficulties that come with being a rapper, as well as the pressures and expectations that can come with trying to make it in the music industry. The singer makes it clear that he is committed to keeping it real and staying true to himself and his roots, even in the face of commercial pressures and temptations. Overall, "Hard Times" is a powerful and insightful piece of music that offers a window into the world of the streets and the struggles and challenges that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
The struggle lives hard times, we do or die
Life can be tough, and we have to keep pushing through no matter what or face the consequences.
My whole crews fly hands high to the sky
My entire group is united and expresses solidarity with each other by raising their hands in unison.
So maintain son elevate try to build
Keep working hard, stay positive, and strive to improve your situation.
But now you're still 'cause incarceration is for real
Despite the desire to improve, some may end up in jail, and once there, there's nothing they can do to change that.
Yeah son you know its on
You're aware of the challenges ahead and ready to face them head-on.
Now who would be the clown in the nine-six to mess around and catch a fist
No one in their right mind would dare to mess with us in 1996.
I show no mercy if you irk me
If you provoke me, I won't hold back and will fight back aggressively.
I got physical that alert me when some herb tried to jerk me
I got into a physical altercation when someone tried to take advantage of me.
Or put the squeeze on it, break down the cipher
Try to manipulate or control my group, and we will push back and resist.
But it won't work, were tight like the Q-Tip in the fight
Attempts to divide and conquer us will fail as we're united and strong like a tightly packed Q-tip.
Now is you insane is your brain intact
Are you crazy or mentally unstable to challenge us as we are? Do you even realize the risk you're taking?
We be official when it comes to this no B.S. rap
We're real and genuine, and we take our rap seriously - there's no fake or phony personas.
Here comes the lyrical, aerial raid right where you rest at
Get ready for some powerful lyrics, as we're about to hit you with everything we've got.
Now test that
Go ahead and try to challenge us or compete with our skills - we're ready for it.
I snatch your heart right through your chest black
I'm so skilled and talented that I can capture your emotions and feelings through my music.
Gettin ill thoughts when I sleep at night
Struggles and challenges can weigh on my mind, causing me to have negative or disturbing thoughts when I try to sleep.
I gotta maintain, blot the blood stains on my brain
I have to stay positive and try to move on from the memories or traumas that I've experienced in my life.
From the clappin, we can make it happen
The sound of applause motivates us, and we can succeed with support from others and dedication to our goals.
Remember you ain't a killer, you only rappin
Don't get too caught up in your persona or image - you're not really a killer, you're just a rapper.
I hate it, rappers overexaggeratin
I don't like when rappers lie or exaggerate their experiences or lifestyles for the sake of their image or music.
And never shot a gun in they life, they only masterbatin
These rappers have never actually experienced violence or danger but pretend to be tough anyways.
So come clean and keep it real if you like my sound
If you appreciate my music, be honest and genuine about your own experiences and don't try to pretend to be something you're not.
And wave your hands in the air and put the nines down
Show your support for my music by waving your hands in the air, and put down any weapons or aggression that you may have.
Brothas fought daily in the streets, we reek havoc
Every day in the streets, there are conflicts and struggles, and we're a part of that experience and chaos.
On every block someones flippin like an acrobat
There's always drama and chaos happening on the streets, with people acting unpredictably and erratically.
I'm kinda young but I still gotta hold my own
Even though I'm still young and inexperienced, I still have to prove myself and be strong in the midst of this turmoil.
And Ima maintain what's mine till the day I'm grown
I'll keep working hard to achieve my goals and hold on to what I have, until I've grown and evolved as a person.
I keep my crew up, people say I got a gang
I stick with my friends and support them, and people mistakenly perceive us as a gang.
But I don't smoke I don't shoot and my crew don't slang
Contrary to the perception of us as a gang, we don't participate in vices, violence, or criminal activities.
We just hang tryin to get up in this rap game
We're just hanging out and trying to make it big in the music industry.
So I can gain so fame and build my crews name
I want to become famous and establish myself in the music industry, so that my group's name becomes more recognizable.
Rollin with juvenile thugs wit bad grades and bad ways
I hang out with young, reckless individuals who don't have good grades or behave properly.
Who woulda thought that I had some AIDS
I have some unexpected, possibly negative qualities or traits that people wouldn't have expected based on first impressions.
Dream totes and aspirations
I have dreams and goals that I want to achieve in life.
Brothas are tired of being broke so maybe that's why they free-basing
People are frustrated with being poor and struggling, which may lead them to turn to drugs for escape or temporary relief.
Wastin time doing nothing
They're not taking productive actions to improve their situation, but instead just wasting time and energy.
Livin like an outcast gotta get up get out and get something
They feel like an outsider in society and need to take control of their lives and pursue something meaningful, instead of feeling stuck and powerless.
Look into my eyes see if you can see what I can see
I'm seeing things from a unique perspective that others may not understand or be able to see.
In my reality the whole world is after me
I feel like I'm being targeted or pursued by the world and everyone in it, constantly battling and fighting to survive.
Schemin on the key but yo I got this locked down
Others may be trying to control or access something that's important to me, but I have it under control and secured.
Me and lost and found comin out the underground
Myself and my group, Lost and Found, are rising up from the underground music scene and becoming more visible.
Takin no prisoners my listeners we keep it real
We don't hold back and are unapologetic with our music - we keep it 100% real.
My thoughts are militant, when I'm in the killin field
When I'm working on my music, I'm completely focused and driven - it's like I'm in a battle or warzone.
Click click, my minds automatic, so where's the static
My mind is always firing and generating ideas, so where are the haters or naysayers trying to stop me?
I got some joints up in my attic if you want to grab it
I have some great music up my sleeves that I'm willing to share if others are interested or want to hear it.
I form a cipher where my peace brothers don't sleep
I create a sense of unity and togetherness among my group, where we don't rest until we achieve our goals.
You try to creep I guarantee that's when you feel the heat
If you try to sneak up or mess with me, you're going to face the consequences.
I come correct in this rap game
I come into the music industry prepared and ready to deliver my best work.
Rappers act insane
Other rappers may be gimmicky or overly dramatic in their music and persona.
Meanwhile I'm blowin the mic an back in the frame
While they're being over the top, I'm doing my thing and making solid music that gets me noticed.
They can't see me, they can't feel the real G
Others may not understand or appreciate my talent or realness, but that won't stop me from pursuing my goals.
I represent, commercial rap will never kill me
I stay true to myself and my art, and won't let the commercialization of rap music change who I am as an artist or person.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Roba Music, O/B/O APRA AMCOS, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
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