Hard Times
View chords used in this chart
Tuning: E A D G B E
(Verse)
Bm Em
When you are winning
D A
When you are winning, I'm with you
Bm Em
I'm sun and springing
D A
Yeah, sun and springing's what I do
Bm Em
And I'm your best friend
D A
Yeah, I'm your best friend, I pretend
Bm Em
Just like a new trend
D A
You know this friendship will soon end
(Chorus)
Bm
'Cause when the hard times are coming
Em
My true colors show
D
And what I give you is nothing
A
I say, you're on your own
Bm
'Cause when the hard times are coming
Em
I'm the first to run
D
So for the hard times
A
You know you're on your own
(INTERLUDE)
Bm Bm
Bm Em D A
(Verse)
Bm Em
You made a bad stroke
D A
You made a bad stroke, you should have known
Bm Em
'Cause I'm all for smalltalk
D A
If you want smalltalk then pick up the phone
Bm Em
And I'll be your best friend
D A
Well, at least now for a little while
Bm Em
But don't go around the bend
D A
'Cause I can only stand you when you smile
(Chorus)
Bm
'Cause when the hard times are coming
Em
My true colors show
D
And what I give you is nothing
A
I say, you're on your own
Bm
'Cause when the hard times are coming
Em
I'm the first to run
D
So for the hard times
A G
You know you're on your own
(POST-Chorus)
A Em
Just like a sinking stone
G A
A friend in need is
Bm
a friend indeed
Em
That's what I've been told
G A
But a friend like me
F#m
lacks that heart of gold
(BUILD-UP)
Bm Em
'Cause when the hard times are coming
D A
And what I give you is nothing
Bm Em
Yeah, when the hard times are coming
D A
You know you're on your own
(Chorus)
Bm
'Cause when the hard times are coming
Em
My true colors show
D
And what I give you is nothing
A
I say, you're on your own
Bm
'Cause when the hard times are coming
Em
I'm the first to run
D
So for the hard times
A Bm
You know you're on your own
Em D
Just like a sinking stone
A Bm
I say, you're on your own
Em D
Just like a sinking stone,
A
yeah
(OUTRO)
Bm Em
when the hard times are coming
D A
what I give you is nothing
x8
How to play Hard Times
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 E. 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.