Hard Times

Hard Times is always waitin’ jest beyond the sunny slope,

Always waitin’ round to catch you when you’re out of faith an’ hope;

You wanter stock with sunshine, with a willin’ strong right hand;

No matter where you meet him, you jest can make a stand.

     Hard Times may be around you,

          May darken store or mart,

     Don’t let him whale an’ pound you,

          Jest sing him from your heart.

     Hard Times don’t like your singin’,

          It makes him dance and smart,

     Jest keep your Times a- ringin’

          An’ drive him from your heart.

Hard Times will try to down you if he gits a decent show;

He likes to ketch yur nappin’ when you’re handicapped with woe.

Don’t let him see you’re frightened, but jest look him in the eye;

He will tire of bein’ hoodwinked an’ will leave you bay an’ by.

     Hard Times may try’n’ surround you,

          An’ load you in his cart;

     Don’t let him e’er confound you,

          But sing him from yur heart.

     Hard Times can’t stand your singin’

          Your music makes him smart;

     Jest keep your bow a-swingin’

          An’ play him from your heart.

May 12, ‘09