Welch, Gillian - Hard Times Lyrics






There was a camp town man, used to plow and sing
And he loved that mule and the mule loved him
When the day got long as it does about now
I'd hear him singing to his muley-cow
Calling, "Come on my sweet old girl, and I'd bet the whole damn world
That we're gonna make it yet to the end of the row"

Singing "hard times ain't gonna rule my mind
Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, Bessie
Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind no more"

Said it's a mean old world, heavy in need.
That big machine is just picking up speed
They were supping on tears, they were supping on wine
We all get to heaven in our own sweet time
So come all you Asheville boys and turn up your old-time noise
And kick 'til the dust comes up from the cracks in the floor

Singing, hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, brother
Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind
Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind no more

But the camp town man, he doesn't plow no more
I seen him walking down to the cigarette store
Guess he lost that knack and he forgot that song
Woke up one morning and the mule was gone
So come on, you ragtime kings, and come on, you dogs, and sing
And pick up the dusty old horn and give it a blow

Playing, hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, honey
Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, sugar
Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind no more





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Welch, Gillian Hard Times Comments
  1. R.... b....

    Damna🕇ion

  2. W.... H....

    2020 hard times still drive ,me outta my mind

  3. s.... ....

    The melody is exposed bare naked. The music is very sparse to stay slightly in the background behind the lyrics which emphasizes the lyrics. The result is very vulnerable music that expresses the feel of hard times.

  4. S.... M....

    Just life to know I just replay it over.

  5. r.... w....

    Paper moon this is a great movie .

  6. J.... C....

    the movie is paper moon

  7. M.... W....

    Whats the name of that movie?

  8. s.... ....

    so beautiful...

  9. j.... ....

    Loved "Paper Moon" <3

  10. w.... h....

    We gotta show love to all. Life is hard

  11. J.... V....

    I play this for my baby girl, Arabella always when I want her to sleep. ♡♡♡

  12. S.... 3....

    Gotta love it

  13. D.... W....

    Had a 'hard time' listening to this Whoever wrote it should do 'hard time'

  14. n.... ....

    91 still waiting for their hard times .....................................

  15. T.... ....

    "I want my two-hunned dollars!" I love this movie.

    T.... ....

    Eat your Coney Island!

  16. c.... z....

    "Hard Times Come Again No More" (sometimes, "Hard Times") is an American parlor song written by Stephen Foster. It was published in New York by Firth, Pond & Co. in 1854 as Foster's Melodies No. 28. Well-known and popular in its day,[1] both in America and Europe,[2][3] the song asks the fortunate to consider the plight of the less fortunate and ends with one of Foster's favorite images: "a pale drooping maiden".

    The first audio recording was a wax cylinder by the Edison Manufacturing Company (Edison Gold Moulded 9120) in 1905. It has been recorded and performed numerous times since. The song is Roud Folk Song Index #2659.

    A satirical version about soldier's food was popular in the American Civil War, "Hard Tack Come Again No More".

  17. S.... P....

    I love it ! For me a bit of sad and lonely but a lovely tune....

  18. A.... G....

    Just found out about her when Dan Sultan (an Aussie favourite of mine) covered Miss Ohio.....I loved the song so researched it and found this beautiful songstress....nice times ahead for me I reckon!!!

  19. R.... P....

    I was born in '44 and my parents were lucky enough to have lived through the '30s in the Army, but they came from families who had it really tough during the depression; it's hard today to realize how bad those times were.

  20. L.... M....

    "Come on you Muley cow...singing hard times Bessie, hard times ain't gonna rule my mind no more"... <3

  21. K.... R....

    Thank you for these songs. Your voice, and your beautiful soul.

  22. J.... B....

    He cares for the younger one GoD bless

  23. m.... ....

    I started smoking at the age of 8, because of this movie, but I would never blame it for that. Oh, and Dave Rawlings is a guitar superstar. Certainly, one of the best.

  24. c.... ....

    Gillian Welch is truly a treasure

    c.... ....

    for all humanity. This song is so beautiful

  25. j.... r....

    Netflix's Damnation took me here.....Beautiful song

  26. �.... ....

    amazing

  27. s.... ....

    this is fucking crazy the video the song this is crazy man

  28. J.... C....

    I love this song. It's a bit fast, though. @GillianWelch

  29. S.... D....

    I love this song; I loved that movie!

  30. D.... ....

    DAMNATION <3

  31. W.... H....

    An achingly beautiful ode to bygone days. Reminds me of my home in the hills of Kentucky. Cheers to great music that helps you remember.

  32. E.... S....

    Thank you again for a heartfelt song

  33. M.... B....

    I bet the whole damn world 💕

  34. L.... D....

    Pray for our President, the unlikely Hero vs. the Cesspool/DEEPSTATE.

  35. c.... z....

    Growing up, I knew a lot of folks who struggled through the Great Depression. Lord, let us be done with HARD TIMES.

  36. T.... E....

    Damnation me trouxe aqui! This is amazing!

  37. w.... ....

    This is just perfect.

  38. L.... N....

    Damnation best show evsr

  39. C.... ....

    I'll bet the whole damn world...

  40. T.... P....

    Damnation brought me here

    T.... P....

    Same here

    T.... P....

    Best fuckin scene

  41. M.... ....

    Come on my sweet ole girls
    Ide bet the whole damn world
    That we’re gonna make it yet, to the end of the row
    Singin hard times ain’t gonna rule my mind

  42. B.... S....

    #Damnation (2017– ) I'm loving this series I really hope it gets picked up for another season.

    B.... S....

    such a good show and a great soundtrack.

  43. R.... B....

    This song is amazing. Just what I needed.

  44. f.... l....

    "Hard Times"

    There was a camp town man, used to plow and sing
    And he loved that mule and the mule loved him
    When the day got long as it does about now
    I'd hear him singing to his muley-cow
    Calling, "Come on my sweet old girl, and I'd bet the whole damn world
    That we're gonna make it yet to the end of the row"

    Singing "hard times ain't gonna rule my mind
    Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, Bessie
    Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind no more"

    Said it's a mean old world, heavy in need.
    That big machine is just picking up speed
    They were supping on tears, they were supping on wine
    We all get to heaven in our own sweet time
    So come all you Asheville boys and turn up your old-time noise
    And kick 'til the dust comes up from the cracks in the floor

    Singing, hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, brother
    Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind
    Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind no more

    But the camp town man, he doesn't plow no more
    I seen him walking down to the cigarette store
    Guess he lost that knack and he forgot that song
    Woke up one morning and the mule was gone
    So come on, you ragtime kings, and come on, you dogs, and sing
    And pick up the dusty old horn and give it a blow

    Playing, hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, honey
    Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, sugar
    Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind no more

  45. R.... D....

    Fantastic coupling of a hardscrabble song by Gillian and Dave and a great old (1970s) movie. You have to watch the movie just to hear the fabulous line "that Miss Trixie. She just like the white speck on the top of chicken sh*t."

  46. a.... ....

    Sweet & poignant..

  47. W.... z....

    "We all get to heaven in our own sweet time....."

  48. M.... M....

    Privileged to see Gillian Welch and David Rawlings on a beautiful Portsmouth night with family last night...for free

  49. D.... D....

    There are voices of Angels that rain down. Alison Krause comes to mind...you can name others. But this lady has one from some place too far away and infinitely close to describe.

    D.... D....

    Amen brother.

    D.... D....

    No such thing as god bro sorry to say

    D.... D....

    @Matt Wittmer *tips le fedora*

  50. S.... H....

    Breaks my heart every single time

  51. O.... L....

    You really get into the video don't you?

  52. s.... ....

    I'm just now getting into Gillian Welch, better late than never!

  53. C.... D....

    15 mins...15 mins since I discovered this woman...15 mins and I'm already deeply in love with what she is doing...

  54. J.... H....

    This song and revelator are the most beautiful songs I have every heard.......

  55. T.... V....

    The Trump people need something. We work hard. We want it.

  56. T.... V....

    She can perform better. She knows it. Let her perform with a voice she is due of. Sing it. You lose a star. I'm sorry even I want it. Sing it damnit! Sing it! You know it!

    T.... V....

    I love the voice and we need it. I will play piano to make up for it.

    T.... V....

    The voice. Sing the hard times but mean it. Forever.

    T.... V....

    This song means something beyond the Trump people and you. Sing it. Its something special. Enunciate the pain!!

  57. p.... c....

    They have that Old Testament feeling ... wonderful music. Thank you Gillian and Mr Rawlings

  58. L.... P....

    Paper Moon (1973)

  59. D.... ....

    I keep coming back to this music, and I'm never disappointed.

    D.... ....

    back in black

  60. K.... M....

    Beautiful

  61. A.... F....

    it speaks to me .............

  62. A.... F....

    drop d# and g# and the c# we loves and then we sing hard times.......... that's america

  63. j.... a....

    F*cking brilliant, Mate. I tip my hat to you.

  64. M.... D....

    banjo...

  65. L.... K....

    Wow that voice!

  66. F.... B....

    This vid. does not go with the song, for me. Someone could post a series of depression pictures, would go better, for me. But I Love this song. Love Gillian and David. Best Old Timey duo in the world.

  67. A.... G....

    So beautiful. I bet the whole damn world

  68. E.... V....

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k35haKwqY14&index=3&list=PL3mcE8pqA9V-R9LREFLzyTFuL_zzs3Oa4

  69. �.... W....

    that's Ryan O'Neal who was married to Farrah Fawcett and his daughter from previous marriage Tatum O'Neal who was married to tennis loud mouth john McEnroe. Tatum was also in the bad news bears.

  70. M.... ....

    Thank you for the words, Corin, so nice to be able to join in.

  71. C.... S....

    There was a camp town man, used to plow and sing
    And he loved that mule and the mule loved him
    When the day got long as it does about now
    I'd hear him singing to his muley-cow
    Calling, "Come on my sweet old girl, and I'd bet the whole damn world
    We're gonna make it yet to the end of the row"

    Singing "Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind
    Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, Bessie
    Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind no more"

    Said it's a mean old world, heavy in need
    That big machine is just picking up speed
    They were supping on tears, they were supping on wine
    We all get to heaven in our own sweet time
    So come all you Asheville boys and turn up your old-time noise
    And kick 'til the dust comes up from the cracks in the floor

    Singing, "Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, brother
    Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind
    Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind no more"

    But the camp town man, he doesn't plow no more
    I seen him walking down to the cigarette store
    Guess he lost that knack and he forgot that song
    Woke up one morning and the mule was gone
    So come on, you ragtime kings, and come on, you dogs, and sing
    And pick up the dusty old horn and give it a blow

    Playing, "Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, honey
    Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, sugar
    Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind no more"

    C.... S....

    🔷🇺🇸♦angelgrip⚡ West Philly...most powerful lyrics .thanx

    C.... S....

    I could never make out the second verse before. If a perfect song can get better, it just did.

    C.... S....

    A few small things:
    It's "Superette store" not "cigarette store." A "superette" is a slang term for a "small convenience store. Google it.
    Also, it's "lost that nag," not "lost that knack." "Nag" is a term for an animal that is old or in poor health, usually a horse but in this case a mule.
    Just wanted to make those corrections. Thanks for posting the words tho. Love every word.

    C.... S....

    Corin Stedman i

  72. P.... S....

    Family...i dedicate this sony to my aunty Conny R.I.P also to all Italians and Filpinos in Newark n.j

  73. C.... M....

    Such a beautiful song. My favorite off this album. Gillian and Dave are such awesome talents. Born to sing together , perfect harmonies.

  74. J.... B....

    Most people don't realize that the actors in that movie, are father and daughter.

    J.... B....

    +Jacob Brogdon Ryan and Tatum?

  75. D.... S....

    Great Scenes from Paper Moon

  76. J.... B....

    Can anybody tell me if there's a connection between her lyrics, and those of Stephen Foster's 1854 song by the same title??

    J.... B....

    +Jeff Barouch really interesting connection you made there. the line "we're supping on tears" clearly draws from foster's song. they're thematically very similar too. definitely not a copy though, she just took some ideas and made them better/more interesting in my opinion. thanks for sharing this!

    J.... B....

    Almost certainly. Many of her songs contain either direct references or adaptations of lyrics to other old tunes. A reference to Camptown Races, also by Foster. The mule theme conjures up Erie Canal as well. IMO - the song reckons with the US having to grow up and out of its old timey ways. There's a sadness to moving on but also a strong reminder that the nostalgia doesn't do justice to how discriminatory and hard those times were for most.

    J.... B....

    @Dan Zinder Thank you for your comment. I fully agree. Nostalgia is as soothing as it is inappropriate these days.

  77. R.... P....

    wow maybe the best video on youtube

    R.... P....

    Totally agree. Get awful tired of all these experts opinions.

  78. C.... R....

    this movie is called paper moon and must see

    C.... R....

    @Curt Ray Damn right. Now drink your nehi and eat your coney island.

    C.... R....

    Discovered it through this video, great stuff

  79. M.... N....

    This is beyond perfect. 

  80. S.... D....

    awesome

  81. g.... d....

    There's something about this song, and I can't quite place it.  Almost as if it's bringing back a long forgotten memory.  Could listen to it all day long.

    g.... d....

    That's it !

    g.... d....

    Yes, I must agree! Those musicians really nailed it! And something about her voice makes me teary eyed. 

    g.... d....

    It becomes genetic after generations of this evolving Americana. It's as natural as a1,000 year old campfire

    g.... d....

    The melody is exposed bare naked. The music is very sparse to stay slightly in the background behind the lyrics which emphasizes the lyrics. The result is very vulnerable music that expresses the feel of hard times.

  82. R.... C....

    Brilliant song & video thanks for sharing 

    R.... C....

    Agree on the song... the video is bullshit.

  83. D.... A....

    I'm glad to have stumbled onto this, I love it and the movie.

  84. M.... J....

    LOVE with all of my soul!

  85. K.... N....

    this entire album is just a masterpiece.  I think it's her greatest yet.  I never tire of it.  So pure.

  86. S.... ....

    I love this song and I love that there are no negative comments on this thread. So refreshing.

  87. P.... H....

    Well Done Bravo!

  88. T.... ....

    Been listening to this over and over...

  89. R.... L....

    I named my chicken, Bessie, after this song.  She's gone now. 

  90. w.... ....

    I want my two hundred dollars!

    w.... ....

    Eat your Coney Island.

    w.... ....

    @Bluebuthappy182 and drink your nehi!

  91. T.... B....

    beautiful.

  92. Y.... P....

    This song puts me into such a peaceful state of sadness.

    Y.... P....

    that's exactly the same way I feel about this song!

    Y.... P....

    that's really well put. I've always felt the same way about this song.

  93. j.... c....

    She's a gem.

  94. w.... ....

    Just love the purity of their music. A couple of string insturments and her voice.

  95. D.... K....

    So true

  96. J.... L....

    Dude I only have an iPad. Make it available on mobile please... Please?

  97. t.... h....

    Thanks DJ