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Hard Times

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Aminor

90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

Capo 1
[Verse 1]
There was a CAmamptown Gsusman who used to Fplow and sCing
       HAme loved that Gsusmule and the mFule loved hCim
When the Amday got Gsuslong as it doFes about Cnow
      I'Amd hear him sinEm7ging to his mFuley coCw
Calling come Con, my sweet old gCsusirl
IC’d bet the whole damn woCsusrld
CWe’re gonna make it Csusyet to the end of Fthe rowGsus  G  
[Chorus]
Singing hard Amtimes ain’t Em7gonna rule my FmindC  
AmHard times Em7ain’t gonna ruFle my mind, CBessie
AmHard times Em7ain’t gonna ruFle… my mindG  
No morCe
[Verse 2]
He said it's a mean old world, heavy in need
That big machine is just a-picking up speed
We're supping on tears and we're supping on wine
But we all get to heaven in our own sweet time
So come on you Asheville boys
Turn up your old time noise
Kick till the dust comes up from the cracks in the floor
[Chorus] 
Singing hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, brother
Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind
Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind
No more
[Verse 3]
But the Camptown man he doesn't plow no more
I seen him walking down to the cigarette store
Guess he lost that knack and he forgot that song
Woke up one morning and the mule was gone
So come all ye ragtime kings
Come on you dogs that sing
Pick up your dusty old horn and give it a blow
[Chorus]
Singing hard times ain't gonna rule my mind
Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, sugar
Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind
No more

All chords in this song (7)

Open

XO221O

Minor chord - Sad, melancholic sound

✕ Mute Open Press

Skill · find home

A minor

This shape is home. Capo 1 makes it sound in Bb minor. End the line on this chord.

Hard Times

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Chord Book

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Hard Times

by Gillian Welch

Lyrics & chords · Original key · Capo on fret 1 (as written in this song)

Chords in this song · guitar

Gsus

Em7

Csus

Capo 1

[Verse 1]

Am Gsus F C

There was a Camptown man who used to plow and sing

Am Gsus F C

He loved that mule and the mule loved him

Am Gsus F C

When the day got long as it does about now

Am Em7 F C

I'd hear him singing to his muley cow

C Csus

Calling come on, my sweet old girl

C Csus

I’d bet the whole damn world

C Csus F Gsus G

We’re gonna make it yet to the end of the row

[Chorus]

Am Em7 F C

Singing hard times ain’t gonna rule my mind

Am Em7 F C

Hard times ain’t gonna rule my mind, Bessie

Am Em7 F G

Hard times ain’t gonna rule… my mind

No more

[Verse 2]

He said it's a mean old world, heavy in need

That big machine is just a-picking up speed

We're supping on tears and we're supping on wine

But we all get to heaven in our own sweet time

So come on you Asheville boys

Turn up your old time noise

Kick till the dust comes up from the cracks in the floor

[Chorus]

Singing hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, brother

Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind

No more

[Verse 3]

But the Camptown man he doesn't plow no more

I seen him walking down to the cigarette store

Guess he lost that knack and he forgot that song

Woke up one morning and the mule was gone

So come all ye ragtime kings

Come on you dogs that sing

Pick up your dusty old horn and give it a blow

[Chorus]

Singing hard times ain't gonna rule my mind

Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, sugar

Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind

No more

About Hard Times Chords by Gillian Welch

Learn how to play Hard Times by Gillian Welch with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Hard Times chords”, “Hard Times guitar chords”, or “Gillian Welch Hard Times chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Hard Times chords and for experienced players who want accurate Hard Times lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Am, Gsus, F, C, Em7, Csus.

FAQ — Hard Times by Gillian Welch

How do I play "Hard Times" by Gillian Welch on guitar?

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Can I transpose "Hard Times" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Hard Times" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Hard Times"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Hard Times" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Hard Times" easy to play on guitar?

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What key is "Hard Times" in?

The chords for "Hard Times" show the original chord names (including Am, Gsus, F, C, Em7, Csus). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.