Hard Times Are Relative
View chords used in this chart
Verse: 1
C F G C
Just me and my sister, a dog and a piece of land
C F G
My sister’s name is Darlene and the dog is called Cheyenne
F G C F
Our folks both passed away last fall in the fire at the mill
F C G C
We get by on a garden and whatever we can kill
Verse: 2
C F G C
On the land there stands a cabin that our grandfather built
C F G
When I’m away to hunt, I feel overrun with guilt
F G C F
Cause Darlene’s all alone except for the dog and awful dreams
F C G C
She’s seven years my younger and I’m only seventeen
[Refrão]Chorus
F C F C
We need to fill the smokehouse, winters coming on
C C/B Am F G
I know it isn’t easy, since mom and dad been gone
F C F Am
We will keep on growing, two branches of the tree
C F G C
Hard times are relative when it comes to family
Verse: 3
C F G C
In the morning I was off before the sun had kissed the ridge
C F G
Whistling new Jimmy Rogers tune as I crossed the coal train bridge
F G C F
Two good days of hunting and an evening all alone
F C G C
I’ll quarter up what I take down then pack it all back home
Verse: 4
C F G C
My head up in the clouds walking on uneven ground
C F G
My boots slipped out beneath me and I came a crashing down
F G C F
To the entrance of a cavern, its walls all were wet with moss
F C G C
My rifle up there on the ledge said hope was looking lost
[Refrão]
F C F C
We need to fill the smokehouse, winters coming on
C C/B Am F G
I know it isn’t easy, since mom and dad been gone
F C F Am
We will keep on growing, two branches of the tree
C F G C
Hard times are relative when it comes to family
Verse: 5
C F G C
Three nights nearly frozen, my head filled up with doubt
C F G
No matter how hard I tried there was no climbing out
F G C F
I yelled for help then prayed the same and even yelled some prayers
F C G C
Tears fell at the thought of Darlene with no one there
Verse 6
C F G C
My mind began to flutter, like the wings of a dove
C F C
Coulda sworn that I was dreaming when Darlene appeared above
F G C F
She lowered down a rope then tied it to a blackjack tree
F C G C
Cheyenne had found my drag rack trail and brought her straight to me
[Refrão]
F C F C
We need to fill the smokehouse, winters coming on
C C/B Am F G
I know it isn’t easy, since mom and dad been gone
F C F Am
We will keep on growing, two branches of the tree
C F G C
Hard times are relative when it comes to family
Verse 7
C F G C
As proud as any father of this fearless little one
C F G
Caring for a homestead while most kids are having fun
F G C F
Smiling on the way back home there were no words I could say
F C G C
Till we stopped to dress the 10 point buck she had shot along the way
[Refrão]
F C F C
We need to fill the smokehouse, winters coming on
C C/B Am F G
I know it isn’t easy, since mom and dad been gone
F C F Am
We will keep on growing, two branches of the tree
C F G C
Hard times are relative when it comes to family
How to play Hard Times Are Relative
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is C. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.