Hard times come again no more

Hard Times Come Again No More was written by Stephen Foster in 1855. Since Foster was a songwriter by trade I’m sure the song was composed with monetary gain in mind, however I’ve read it was also penned because the words directly related to events that were taking place in Foster’s own private life. In other words Foster had fallen on hard times himself.

The Blind Pig Gang has been doing the song for a good long while. I’m always amazed at the longevity of songs like this one. It was written well over a 100 years ago and still resonates in today’s modern world. Foster was a masterful writer, more than a few of his songs are still popular today.

Hard Times Come Again No More written by Stephen Foster

Let us pause in life’s pleasures to count its many tears For we all share sorrow with the poor Tis a song that should linger forever in our ears Oh hard times come again no more

Tis a song a sigh of the weary Hard times hard times come again no more Many days you have lingered around our cabin door Oh hard times come again no more

While we seek mirth and beauty and music bright and gay There are frail forms fainting at the door Though their voices be silent their pleading looks still say Oh hard times come again no more

Tis a song a sigh of the weary Hard times hard times come again no more Many days you have lingered around our cabin door Oh hard times come again no more

Its a song that is wafted across the troubled waves its a wave that is heard upon the shore It’s a dirge that is murmured around a lonely grave Oh hard times come again no more

Tis a song a sigh of the weary Hard times hard times come again no more Many days you have lingered around our cabin door Oh hard times come again no more

There’s a pale drooping maiden who toils her life away With a heart that has seen its better days Though her voice should be merry tis sighing all the day Oh hard times come again no more

Tis a song a sigh of the weary Hard times hard times come again no more Many days you have lingered around our cabin door Oh hard times come again no more

I believe Hard Times Come Again No More has hung around all these years because who hasn’t had hard times? The song’s first lines indicate just that “Let us Pause in Life’s pleasures to count its many tears for we all share sorrow with the poor“. The song goes on to discuss how as humans it’s natural for us to seek mirth and beauty even though frail folks at the door are experiencing hard times and some of those hard times may be waiting for us across the troubled waves or upon the shore.

This Pickin’ and Grinnin’ In The Kitchen Spot features Foster’s song-Hard Times Come Again No More.

I hope you enjoyed the song and I hope hard times come around your cabin door no more.

Tipper

Portions of this post were originally published here on the Blind Pig in February of 2010.

 

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15 Comments

  1. This song was one that my sister and her playing partners always included in their performances, and it makes me think of her whenever I hear it. We used it in our church at our annual service on hunger and homelessness – used Nancy Griffith’s version — and I don’t think there were too many dry eyes while it played.

  2. Songs like these may seem sad to some, but in truth, they’re encouraging because they teach us people faced hard times before and got by, and so will we. Praise God!!!
    God bless.
    RB
    <><

  3. One of our favorite BP family songs and very well done! Of course, being from KY we love all of Stephen Foster’s songs.

  4. Tipper,
    Sometimes I think that if it were’nt for bad luck I’d have no luck at all…he he
    That is usually when I’m having myself a pity party all alone..
    Then I start thinking, what is the worst that could happen! Then I think what is the best that could come out of this situation.
    Then I ponder all the people that are having way more hard times than me at that moment…and all seemed such a waste of pity time!
    We are independent and resourseful..
    Thanks Tipper, Loved the song

  5. love this song and this rendition! How wonderful to have this talent in your family and especially to sit around kitchen pickin’!!!! Does Pap ever do a solo?

  6. Tipper,
    This is one of my favorite songs
    of Pap and Paul and the Blind Pig
    Gang. Number 48 on the Playlist is
    another, I just love that one.
    Paul is probably the best picker
    I’ve ever heard. Sometimes in my
    quiet times I like to just sit and
    listen to all the Playlist songs.
    …Ken

  7. Hard times seem to invade many families some time during their lifetime. Enjoyed listening to the words as well as the music. Good morning to all and may your day be filled with happy times.

  8. Hard Times not only came to my cabin door, but he brought all his stuff and most of his family. When people say “Stop trying to give me a hard time,” I reply “Why not, I have way more than I need!”

  9. Tipper- We wish the same for you and your family. This has always been a favorite of mine. We hear it sung here in our bluegrass circles a lot. Many times I click on to your playlist to listen to this song. The Gang does a great job. Thanks for reposting. Greetings from New Brunswick, Canada

  10. I never heard this one,, but as always very nice job.. As I heard someone say if it wasn’t for the valleys there’d be no mountains.. Sure feels better to be on the mountains tho literally and figuratively…

  11. Well done rendition of ‘Hard Times Come Again No More.’ The song is one of several favorites of mine by Foster. When the Blind Pig Gang goes into the refrain, the words seem to sigh from their lips.

  12. This is one of my favorite songs ever. It can bring a tear to my eye any time I hear it. The lyrics were inspired in whatever context they were written. Thanks for the info.

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