Let us pause in life's pleasure
And count its many tears
While we all sob sorrow
With the poor
There's a song that will linger
Forever in our ears
Oh, hard times
Come again no more
'Tis the song, the sigh
Of the weary
Hard times, hard times
Come again no more
Many days you have lingered
Around my cabin door
Oh, hard times
Come again no more
While we seek mirth and beauty
And music light and gay
There are frail forms
Fainting at the door
Though their voices are silent
Their pleading looks will say
Oh, hard times
Come again no more
'Tis a sigh that is wafted
Across the troubled wave
'Tis a wail that is heard
Upon the shore
'Tis a dirge that is murmured
Around the lowly grave
Oh, hard times
Come again no more