Hard Times Come Again No More
The Chieftains & Paolo Nutini Lyrics

Let us pause in life's pleasures and count its many tears
Let us take a moment to reflect on the sadness that exists amidst the enjoyment of life

While we all sup sorrow with the poor.
As we share in the sadness of those less fortunate than us

There's a song that will linger forever in our ears,
There is a melody that will remain with us for a lifetime

Oh, hard times, come again no more.
Oh, how we wish for the difficult times to not return

'Tis the song, the sigh of the weary.
It is a tune of sadness carried by those who are exhausted

Hard times, hard times, come again no more.
Once again expressing the desire for difficult times to stop and not return

Many days you have lingered around my cabin door.
Acknowledging the presence of hard times that have been persistent

While we seek mirth and beauty and music light and gay.
As we look for joy, happiness, and lightheartedness

There are frail forms fainting at the door.
We must remember that there are vulnerable individuals struggling right outside our door

Though their voices are silent, their pleading looks will say.
Even if they don't speak, their expressions convey a sense of asking for help

Oh, hard times, come again no more.
Once again, expressing the desire for an end to difficult times

'Tis the song, the sigh of the weary.
Reiterating the notion that this is a tune of sadness carried by those who are exhausted

There's pale drooping maiden who toils her life away
There is a young, weak woman working hard, wasting away her existence

With a worn heart, whose better days are o'er.
Her heart is tired and her good times are long gone

Though her voice would be merry, 'tis sighing all the day,
Although she could be happy, she is constantly sighing and showing signs of sadness

Oh, hard times, come again no more.
Again, wishing for a better future without hardship

'Tis a sigh that is wafted across the troubled wave
A sigh carried over the waves of a rough sea

'Tis a wail that is heard upon the shore
A cry that is audible on the shore

'Tis a dirge that is murmured around the lowly grave
A mournful song sung around a humble grave

Oh, hard times come again no more
Once more, expressing the desire for an end to difficult times

'Tis the song, the sigh of the weary.
Again, capturing the idea that this is a tune of sadness carried by those who are exhausted

Hard times, hard times, come again no more.
Ending with the same hopeful plea for an end to hardship

Many days you have lingered around my cabin door.
Reiterating the persistence of hard times, making it clear that this is a problem that needs to be solved

Oh, hard times, come again no more.
One last time, expressing the hope for a better future without hardship