Hard Times
Tyler.l Lyrics
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The sweet perfume of the great by and by
I keep my nickels and dimes
I hold your hand in mine
I can show you an easy way
An easy way to have a
Hard time
Hard Georgia morning, only good for the lens
We could be in the city now, with your oldest friends
Why here? Why now? We could be anywhere anyhow
We could find an easy way
An easy way to have a
Hard time
I'm a whitewashed dogwood with roots spreading thin
I'm keeping score with the scenery again
Do we want kids? Is there a world kind enough to raise them in?
They could find an easy way
An easy way to have a
Hard time
In the lyrics of "Hard Times" by Tyler L. Tyler uses vivid imagery and metaphor to explore themes of hardship, uncertainty, and the complexity of relationships. The opening lines, “Down at the quarry where the big birds fly / The sweet perfume of the great by and by,” set a picturesque scene that contrasts the heaviness of the lyrics. The quarry symbolizes a place of labor and effort, where one might find beauty emerging from hard work. The “big birds” can be interpreted as representing freedom or escape, perhaps suggesting the desire for transcendence above the mundane struggles of life. This idyllic yet melancholy setting hints at the complexities of balancing life’s beauty with the difficulties that often accompany it. The singer’s intent to “show you an easy way” feels both sincere and sarcastic, as it underscores the paradox of seeking simplicity amid complicated emotional and existential dilemmas.
The recurring notion of an “easy way to have a hard time” presents a fascinating contradiction that invites interpretation. It emphasizes how life can often present challenges despite our attempts to navigate it smoothly. The phrasing itself plays on the inevitability of difficulty, hinting that perhaps ease is an illusion. The choice to frame this idea within the context of shared love and partnership—holding hands—reinforces a sense of companionship through adversity. The stark contrast between the desire for ease and acknowledgment of hard times suggests that while people may find solace in love, they can still face external pressures and internal uncertainties. This duality draws listeners into a deeper reflection on the contrast between hope and reality, illustrating how moments of connection often coexist with feelings of struggle.
As the setting shifts to a “Hard Georgia morning,” the glow of morning light often signifies new beginnings, but here it suggests a harsh reality that remains unyielding. The singer contemplates alternatives, questioning why they are in this moment and place instead of enjoying life with friends in the city. This reflects a yearning for connection and a reprieve from the weight of personal circumstances. “Why here? Why now?” evokes a sense of existential inquiry, highlighting a feeling of being trapped in a situation that lacks clarity or joy. This struggle with place and time reveals a deeper longing for meaning and belonging, suggesting that the choices they make may affect not just themselves but their loved ones as well.
In the closing lines of the verse, the metaphor of being “a whitewashed dogwood with roots spreading thin” serves to illustrate fragility and the effort to maintain appearances amidst internal struggles. Dogwoods are often associated with renewal and resilience; however, having “roots spreading thin” implies a lack of stability or foundation, reinforcing the theme of uncertainty. The singer grapples with profound questions about fatherhood and the world they would inherit for potential children, pondering whether it’s a kind and nurturing environment. There’s an unsettling juxtaposition between the desire for growth (as symbolized by potential offspring) and the acknowledgment of societal challenges. Ultimately, the repetition of “an easy way to have a hard time” underscores the existential struggle inherent in life decisions, revealing a harsh truth: that simplicity and complexity are intertwined in the human experience. This exploration resonates with the listener, encapsulating the emotional landscape of searching for solace amidst inevitable hardships.
Line by Line Meaning
Down at the quarry where the big birds fly
At a remote location, surrounded by nature's grandeur as large birds soar above.
The sweet perfume of the great by and by
The alluring scent of hope and future possibilities wafts through the air.
I keep my nickels and dimes
I save my small amounts of money carefully, valuing what little I have.
I hold your hand in mine
I cherish our connection, physically and emotionally entwined with you.
I can show you an easy way
I have a simpler path to present to you, one that may offer comfort.
An easy way to have a
A straightforward method to navigate through life.
Hard time
Yet, despite its simplicity, challenges and struggles are inevitably present.
Hard Georgia morning, only good for the lens
A difficult morning in Georgia, seemingly only fitting for photography, not for experiencing.
We could be in the city now, with your oldest friends
We have the option to be in a bustling city, surrounded by familiar company.
Why here? Why now? We could be anywhere anyhow
Questioning our current location and timing when we have countless alternatives available.
We could find an easy way
There are simpler choices waiting to be discovered.
An easy way to have a
A familiar concept of navigating life with less complexity.
Hard time
Yet, in the end, difficulties seem to pervade regardless of our choices.
I'm a whitewashed dogwood with roots spreading thin
I present a polished exterior, but my foundational support feels weak and strained.
I'm keeping score with the scenery again
I'm analyzing and reflecting on my surroundings as a measure of my life's progress.
Do we want kids? Is there a world kind enough to raise them in?
Contemplating the future, pondering whether it's wise to bring new life into a harsh world.
They could find an easy way
The hope is that they might discover a simpler path through life.
An easy way to have a
Once again suggesting there are straightforward approaches to life.
Hard time
Yet, like before, the gravity of life's challenges looms overhead.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid, SURE - FIRE MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: Steven Key
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@middletonb41
I’m a coal miner from Harlan county. I listen to this song and say to myself, “This man gets it.”. The struggle, the hardships, the hurt. This song is truth and the truth hurts. Don’t let them change you Tyler.
@derrinevans2985
Moving coal is dangerous, hard work, and will man you up. I respect you Mr. Brandon.
I heard this song on deployment.
@oldjake912
Coal miner hear from Clay County Kentucky and there done that
@jadeni8935
Limestone miner from Lewis county ky
@txhunter3738
You listen to nose on the grindstone?
@seandwilson6402
He did change, he apologized for whites and cucked to BLM on camera. Told us to vote in democrats. Yall shouldn't look to musicians for politics or morals. And this is coming from a recovering drug addict/musician
@gsxroyce256
I’m a construction worker from Lost Creek Alabama. I work my knees to the bone 60+ a week just to barely get by. I’m just a flat tire away from going under. Week to week living at 38 years old ain’t no way to live. But instead of taking down the Texaco store, I started playing guitar years ago. Bc I knew I’d never have shit being a uneducated country boy. So I taught myself all the instruments. And I played them for 25 years. A year ago I started recording myself in a closet make shift studio. And few months ago I start posting my music to social media. I started posted on Instagram 2 months ago. And last night I had struggle Jennings like one of my songs “Shot of whiskey” and fjoutlaw liked, commented, and even shared another one of mine called “Self inflicted pain” I know it’s not a pay out yet. But it was a first win in my music career. And I broke down and cried. After fjoutlaw shared that one. I had a flood of people following me and messaging telling me how much they loved my music. And all kind of people started sharing it. And it literally hit me right in my soul. I’ll be a paid independent musician very soon. And I just want to tell anyone that’s on the struggle and working like a dog for crumbs for you and your family. Keep going. Work on your dream.
@SpiritualBabydoll
I’m a single mom and got an extra room in Washington
@gamayun6102
Amazing to hear my friend. I'm 30 and in a dead end situation. I'm gonna try and become a novelist like Charles Bukowski, who was down in the dumps, at the bottom of society with the drunks and bums, yet he made it.
@noboundaryoutdoors
Gs landing a familiar place? 🎣