Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
User Showcase
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Well, I got a bit distracted from my goal of South African songs and ended up recording and doing a video of this classic Stephen Foster public domain song. I saw a version on Youtube by James Taylor and Yo Yo Ma and this inspired me on this interpretation.

Real Tracks are
RealTracks in style: ~~701:Bass, Electric, PopHalfNotesSync Ev 085
RealTracks in style: ~~368:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Ev 065
RealTracks in style: ~1676:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking CountryBrent Ev 065
RealTracks in style: ~364:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Ev 065
RealDrums in style: NashvilleEven8^2-a:Sidestick, HiHat , b:Snare, HiHat

Lyrics (as if you need them!)

Let us pause in life's pleasures and count its many tears
While we all sup sorrow with the poor
There's a song that will linger forever in our ears;
Oh, hard times come again no more
Chorus
'Tis the song, the sigh of the weary
Hard times, hard times come again no more
Many days we have lingered
Around my cabin door
Oh hard times come again no more

While we seek birth and beauty in music light and gay
There are frail forms waiting by the door
Though their voices are silent, their haunting looks will say;
Oh, hard times come again no more

'Tis a sigh that is wafted across the troubled wave
'Tis a will that is heard upon the shore
'Tis a dirge that is murmured around the lonely grave
Oh, hard times come again no more


Comments are always very welcome!

Hard Times Come Again no More


LyricLab – Where words become music https://www.lyriclab.net/
User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Josie, this is one of my all time favorite tunes. You did it justice. Good job on a heartfelt vocal. I first heard this song done my Mavis Staples and it rocked me. I will have to check out JT and Yo Yo. Also nice job on the video. Keep them coming! Tom

User Showcase
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719
Nice one Josie. beautiful treatment and voice. Enjoyed the video.

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Hi Josie,

very heartfelt vocals and a nice arrangement.
Good job on the video.

Guenter

User Showcase
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 368
J
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
J
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 368
Hi Joanne:

I like your version of the song and the images you've chosen. Nicely done. It makes the video that much stronger.

You're trying new things with each new video and that's great.

I'm looking forward to the next. Keep it up.

John

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497
Dear Joanne!:))

I am listening to your heartfelt singing
and this beautiful tune ! :))
What can I say, your voice suits the
tune and the arrangement absolutely
perfectly !:) I loved it !:))


Cheers
Dani

Last edited by dani48; 02/14/14 02:14 PM.
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,787
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,787
Joanne,

Nice job on this. Nice arrangement and vocal. And the video, too...
Enjoyable. Good mix...

Good choice of a PD song!

floyd

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Josie,

This is an outstanding piece of work in every aspect.

You should be very proud.

Later,

User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360
Josie,

You've really excelled yourself with this one. I enjoyed everything about it. Top notch work!

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,217
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,217
Beautifully done. This is the first time I have heard this song. Relative to day as when it was written..


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Hi Guys, Tommy, RichMac, Guenter, Dani, Floyd, John, Scott, Danny and Noel

Thank you all for such nice comments! This one was fun! I would be interested to hear from anybody who had a look at the JT and Yo Yo Ma video on Youtube. I thought it was awesome!
Here is the link.
James Taylor and Yo Yo Ma version

I love it, but I guess I love anything that James Taylor does.


I know there are some non-bruce fans on this forum but you really gotta have a look at this one.
Here is one by Bruce Springsteen.
Bruce Springsteen and E street band version


LyricLab – Where words become music https://www.lyriclab.net/
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,958
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,958
Great song, great arrangement and a fine production!! A bluegrasser Claire Lynch does a version of that song that we considered working out years ago but never did. It has a beautiful melody and you really expressed it!!


Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more.
If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks!
Our Videos
User Showcase
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Hi Bud
Had a listen to that Claire Lynch version. Wonderful bluegrass stuff. Such an unusual voice Claire has. It is so fascinating listening to all the various interpretations of this awesome song.


LyricLab – Where words become music https://www.lyriclab.net/
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Joanne,

A really fine job on this! Beautiful tune, and very well done.

Steve


Steve Young
Music
"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,085
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,085
Nicely done.

(You've inspired me to learn that song.)

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646
P
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
P
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646
Beautiful as usual, thanks for sharing!


My Tunes

Psalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
User Showcase
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Steve and Robert.
Thanks for watching and commenting, guys.

Oleman..There are as many interpretations of this songs as there are stars in the sky... come...post a version...It will be so interesting to see a couple of other BIAB versions.


LyricLab – Where words become music https://www.lyriclab.net/
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831
so well done, I'd never heard of this song before and this is a sweet introduction

smile

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.

Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe

This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®

With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!

These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!

This Free Bonus PAK includes:

  • The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
  • MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
  • Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
  • Playable RealTracks Set 5
  • RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
  • SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
  • Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)

Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:


  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
  • FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
  • MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
  • Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
  • RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
  • SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,738
Posts795,599
Members39,946
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
LaneWright55, Diddlysquat, pun61, smitoz, Jonnyfartpants
39,945 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 193
DC Ron 117
Noel96 115
DrDan 106
rsdean 102
dcuny 93
Today's Birthdays
brassauditions, EddieV, glauber, Holly, MyZone1958, PLS, Tobin - PG Music Inc.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5