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Hard Times

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March 22 1940 recording of "hard times" by woody gutrie. 
This is from a library of congress recordings for
dustbowl songs from Texas, Oaklahoma, and California.
Key Of G
[Verse]
GI've been havin' these hard times, hard times
Gi've been havin' these hard ol', Dhard times
Gevery day is just the same, not a Cnickel to my name
i've been Ghavin these hard times, hard times
[Verse]
Gbrother havin' these hard times, hard times
Gbrother havin' these hard times, Dhard times
Ghe's a pullin a cotton sack, and he's in Cdebt up to his neck
and my Gbrothers havin' a Dhard ol, Ghard times
[Verse]
Gand my father is havin a hard time, hard times
Gmy father's havin a hard time, Dhard times
he can't Gget no liquor and gin, cuz he Cain't got a cent
and my Gdaddys havin' a Dhard ol, Ghard times
[Verse]
Gmother is havin a hard time, hard times
Gmy mother is havin a hard time, Dhard times
she's got Gchildren sweet to raise, not a Cnickel on the place
my Gmother's havin' a Dhard time, Ghard times
[Verse]
Gand my sister is havin a hard time, hard time
Gand my sister is havin a hard ol, Dhard time
and when my Gsister blows her nose, on her Ccloths, when it shows
that my Gsisters havin a Dhard, and a Ghard time
[Verse]
Geverybodys havin a hard time, a hard time
Geverybodys havin aaaaa, Dhard time
i'm Gaskin you lord, Cwhat are we going to do lord
Geverybody is having a Dhard, Ghard times

All chords in this song (3)

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Hard Times

by Woody Guthrie

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

March 22 1940 recording of "hard times" by woody gutrie.

This is from a library of congress recordings for

dustbowl songs from Texas, Oaklahoma, and California.

Key Of G

[Verse]

I've been havin' these hard times, hard times

G D

i've been havin' these hard ol', hard times

G C

every day is just the same, not a nickel to my name

i've been havin these hard times, hard times

[Verse]

brother havin' these hard times, hard times

G D

brother havin' these hard times, hard times

G C

he's a pullin a cotton sack, and he's in debt up to his neck

G D G

and my brothers havin' a hard ol, hard times

[Verse]

and my father is havin a hard time, hard times

G D

my father's havin a hard time, hard times

G C

he can't get no liquor and gin, cuz he ain't got a cent

G D G

and my daddys havin' a hard ol, hard times

[Verse]

mother is havin a hard time, hard times

G D

my mother is havin a hard time, hard times

G C

she's got children sweet to raise, not a nickel on the place

G D G

my mother's havin' a hard time, hard times

[Verse]

and my sister is havin a hard time, hard time

G D

and my sister is havin a hard ol, hard time

G C

and when my sister blows her nose, on her cloths, when it shows

G D G

that my sisters havin a hard, and a hard time

[Verse]

everybodys havin a hard time, a hard time

G D

everybodys havin aaaaa, hard time

G C

i'm askin you lord, what are we going to do lord

G D G

everybody is having a hard, hard times

About Hard Times Chords by Woody Guthrie

Learn how to play Hard Times by Woody Guthrie with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Hard Times chords”, “Hard Times guitar chords”, or “Woody Guthrie 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 G, D, C.

FAQ — Hard Times by Woody Guthrie

How do I play "Hard Times" by Woody Guthrie on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Hard Times" by Woody Guthrie on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "Hard Times" by Woody Guthrie free?

Yes. The chords for "Hard Times" by Woody Guthrie are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

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?

Many players learn "Hard Times" by Woody Guthrie with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Woody Guthrie below.

What key is "Hard Times" in?

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