(Verse 1) In the desert is a merchant, as honest, we're told. Whatever he sells you, my friend, you are sold; Believe what I tell you, and don't be surprised To find yourself cheated half out of your eyes,— And it's hard, hard times. (Verse 2) And there's the young lady I just barely missed, And I believe to my soul she'd like to be kissed; She'll tell you she loves you with all pretense But even a dancer has some life expense,— And it's hard, hard times. (Chorus A) It’s all hard, hard times, on the prairie, in the mines. It’s all too-hard times, on a horse, or the rail line You can go, you can find, 'til you leap straight outta mind, But those hard-time dancers are the loveliest you’ll find, In hard times. (Verse 3) And there's the young man, the worst of the whole. Oh, he will tell you, with all of his soul, He'll tell you he loves you and for you will die, As long as your gold and your silver’s not shy,— And it's hard, hard times. (Bridge) It’s hard times high, and hard times low, Be careful when you reap, you might get what you sow. It’s hard times East, and hard times West, Where those dancers of the desert are the ones I love best. (Chorus B) On the prairie, in the mines, it’s all hard, hard times. On a horse, or the rails, it’s more tougher than nails, You can go, you can find, but you won’t stay in your mind, ‘cause those hard-time dancers are the loveliest you’ll find, In hard times.
