Posted by David M. on Friday, September 11, 2009
Someone wanted to see chords and key for the Stephen Foster song "Hard Times Come Again No More" that's on my music page, so here you go. I do this on the guitar in key of D using a capo on 2nd fret and playing I, IV, V chords (C, F, G). So the C chords on 2nd fret will be in key of D. I like using the C chord formations for alot of my D songs because it allows more dynamic picking (for me, at least). The nice thing about this capo business is that you can place it at the fret where it's most comfortable to sing for you. I love this song.
Capo 2nd fret, key of D (post revised to add the D7)
C F C
Let us pause in life's pleasures and count its many tears,
G C
While we all sup sorrow with the poor;
C F C
There's a song that will linger forever in our ears;
C G C
Oh Hard times come again no more.
Chorus:
C F C
Tis the song, the sigh of the weary,
C D7 G
Hard Times, hard times, come again no more
C F C
Many days you have lingered around my cabin door;
C G C
Oh hard times come again no more.
4 comments on “Chords for Hard Times Come Again No More”
bj Says:
Friday, September 11, 2009 @3:44:52 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyV60kTvEFE
OTJunky Says:
Friday, September 11, 2009 @4:27:51 PM
In the key of C I think it's common to play a D7 chord in the chorus -on the words "come again no.." - just before going to the first G chord. At least I'm pretty sure that both Bob Dylan and Nanci Griffith play it that way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXZxMFzigUQ&feature=related
mudbug Says:
Saturday, September 12, 2009 @4:29:19 AM
Yeah, David, such a beautiful, moving song. I play it in C without the capo, and add chords in a few more places ( not different chords, just more changes). That's the great thing about guitar as an accompanying instrument. Everyone can add their own slant. This song is apropos in these present times.........and I guess, for some, in all times.
David M. Says:
Saturday, September 12, 2009 @8:06:09 AM
Great James Taylor version, BJ. Might be the best version of this song I've heard. But, I didn't say I was doing it the way HE did it (even though I'd like to) :-) But then again, not many folks can arrange and sing the way JT can. One of the best singers ever, IMO.
Thanks for the call on the II7 chord. I think that'd make it better and Dylan does it for sure. I love Marty Stuart's mandolin playing with him in that version. He's the man!
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