Hard Times
Arlo Guthrie · Other Songs - Arlo Guthrie
The government has made me pay my tax on time
They've taken all my bread and left me here for dead
I ain't even got a lousy dime
Who the hell wants money
When there ain't none to be had
It don't make the good times better
It don't make the bad times bad
Well, you find out who your friends are
When you ain't got a dime
Just trying to make the best of these hard times
I've got fifteen cars and I can't afford the gas
We've got a horse but how long can she last
My managers enraged, my banker stands there days
Funny how the money goes so fast
Who the hell wants money
When there ain't none to be had
It don't make the good times better
It don't make the bad times bad
Well, you find out who your friends are
When you ain't got a dime
Just trying to make the best of these hard times
We are broke but we've been broke before
But being broke don't scare us anymore
My daddy's broke and grandpa too
But I'm still here to sing for you
We are going to make it through for sure
Well, you find out who your friends are
When you ain't got a dime
Just trying to make the best of these hard times
Hard Times - Arlo Guthrie
Arlo Guthrie's "Hard Times" stands as a poignant reflection on the struggles of everyday life, delivered with the characteristic folk-rock warmth of his solo career. While best known for "Alice's Restaurant," Guthrie's discography features this track as a standalone recording that captures the essence of mid-20th century American storytelling. The song embodies the genre's focus on social commentary and personal narrative, utilizing acoustic instrumentation to underscore themes of hardship and resilience. As part of his broader body of work, the recording showcases Guthrie's ability to translate complex human experiences into accessible, resonant music that continues to appeal to fans of traditional folk and singer-songwriter styles.