Hard Times Blues

Went down home 'bout a year ago
Things so bad, Lord, my heart was sore
Folks had nothing, was a sin and a shame
Everybody said hard times was to blame

A great God Almighty, folks feeling bad
Lost everything they ever had
A great God Almighty, folks feeling bad
Lost everything they ever had

Sun was a-shining fourteen days and no rain
Hoing and planting was all in vain
Hard, hard times, Lord, all around
Mule barrels empty, crop burnt to the ground

Well, a great God Almighty, folks feeling bad
Lost everything they ever had
A great God Almighty, folks feeling bad
Lost everything they ever had

Skinny-looking children, bellies poking out
That old pellagra without a doubt
Old folks hanging 'round the cabin door
Ain't seen times as hard before

Well, a great God Almighty, folks feeling bad
Lost everything they ever had
A great God Almighty, folks feeling bad
Lost everything they ever had

I went to the boss at the commissary store
Folks all starving, please don't close your door
Want more food, a little more time to pay
Boss man laughed and walked away

A great God Almighty, folks feeling bad
Lost everything they ever had
A great God Almighty, folks feeling bad
Lost everything they ever had

Landlord coming 'round when the rent is due
You ain't got the money, take your home from you
Take your mule and horse, even take your cow
Just get off of my land, you no good nohow

A great God Almighty, folks feeling bad
Lost everything they ever had
A great God Almighty, folks feeling bad
Lost everything they ever had