Lyrics

When Times Are Hard (2022)

Mama’s trying to save the children - sewing quilts to keep them warm
Papa works from dawn till after sundown: please the banker, save the farm.
Teacher says we’ll make a difference, saving pennies with our friends.
Preacher scares with threats of darkness: “This is how the story ends.”
And times are tough the whole world over
Folks are frightened, doors are barred.
What we’ve got is one another,
so lean in close when times are hard.

There’s some guy on television says we ought to raise a fuss
Says those other folks are demons. Says they’re not at all like us.
And there’s a sickness in the cities; people scared to lend a hand.
Every day a new extinction: there is sickness in the land.

We have found a cure for smallpox, watched a man walk on the moon.
But we can’t wait for inspiration. Go and find it: here’s the clue.
When times are tough the whole world over, and
folks are frightened, hearts are barred.
What we’ve got is one another,
so lean in close when times are hard.