Easy Times
Judy Collins · Other Songs - Judy Collins
And oh, my darling
Time to dream again
That you are coming home
Happy times I've had with you
Do you know, my darling
Will there ever be a time
We're not alone
I thought you'd like to know
The willow's turning green
I was down along the railroad tracks today
The winter seems so long
I was here and you were gone
It seems that was as long as I remember
Tell me how you spend your time there
Here there's nothing much to do
And the nights they seem to last forever
But the river's bright with summer
And the trains are going somewhere
But they won't be stopping here to bring you home
Cause I know there's nowhere you can go
Easy Times - Judy Collins
Judy Collins' 1966 recording of 'Easy Times' stands as a defining moment in her career, blending folk sensibilities with a sophisticated jazz-influenced arrangement. The track features her signature clear vocal delivery, characterized by a conversational tone and subtle vibrato that anchors the song's melancholic yet resilient mood. Originally written by John Prine, the composition explores themes of personal struggle and the passage of time, themes Collins addressed with remarkable intimacy in her interpretation. Released during the height of the folk revival, the recording helped solidify her reputation as a vocalist capable of navigating complex emotional landscapes while maintaining technical precision. The song remains a staple of her discography, often performed live to demonstrate her enduring ability to convey deep human emotion through her unique musical voice.