Hard Times, Come No More
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Hard Times, Come No More was written by Stephen Foster in 1853 (obviously putting it in the Public Domain smile ) He wrote it as a plea to the more fortunate to be more understanding of those less fortunate. A plea that continues to resonate through the years.

It has been recorded by countless artists with the first wax cylinder version appearing in 1905. We did a version years ago with our bluegrass band and have often thought of it after becoming introduced to BiaB. Since the vast majority of interpretations have been folk versions we decided to try something a bit edgier while attempting to maintain the melancholy feel. Toward that end we also placed it in a minor key. We slightly tweaked the lyrics here and there to make it a bit less Victorian in style.

Tom agreed to dust off his reso-guitar and play the lead track…and we are glad he did!

We always appreciate both your time to listen and your comments.

Janice: Lead vocal via Rodes NT1
Tom: Reso-guitar
Drums: RD BluesRock 12-8
Bass: RT 733 Jazz Ballad (very simple option) several comped generations
R Guitar: RT 1923 Texas Blues 12-8
Piano: Super midi 1886 12-8

All pre-mastering effects via Ozone 6 and Nectar 2
Mixing: Logic Pro X
Mastering: Ozone 6

HARD TIMES, COME NO MORE

© 2015 Trad. Arr. Janice & Bud Merritt

LET US PAUSE IN LIFE’S PLEASURES AND COUNT IT’S MANY TEARS
FOR WE ALL SHARE SORROW WITH THE POOR
THERE’S A SONG THAT WILL LINGER FOREVER IN OUR EARS
OH, HARD TIMES, COME AGAIN NO MORE

(turnaround)

WHILE WE SEEK FUN AND BEAUTY AND THINGS MUSIC CAN SAY
THERE ARE FRAIL FORMS WAITING AT THE DOOR
THOUGH THEIR VOICES ARE SILENT, THEIR PLEADING EYES WILL PRAY
HARD TIMES, COME AGAIN NO MORE

IT’S THE SONG, THE SIGH OF THE WEARY
HARD TIMES, HARD TIMES, COME AGAIN NO MORE
MANY DAYS YOU’VE LINGERED AROUND MY DOOR
OH, HARD TIMES, COME AGAIN NO MORE

(turnaround)

IT’S A SIGH THAT HAS DRIFTED ACROSS THE WINTRY PLAINS
IT’S A WAIL THAT IS HEARD UPON THE SHORE
IT’S A DIRGE THAT IS MURMURED ACROSS THE LONELY GRAVE
HARD TIMES, COME AGAIN NO MORE

IT’S THE SONG, THE SIGH OF THE WEARY
HARD TIMES, HARD TIMES, COME AGAIN NO MORE
MANY DAYS YOU’VE LINGERED AROUND MY DOOR
OH, HARD TIMES, COME AGAIN NO MORE
HARD TIMES, COME AGAIN NO MORE

Alternative play link: Here

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