Stephen Foster wrote Hard Times – it was first published in 1854 and first recorded in 1905. It’s still very relevant today.

While we seek mirth and beauty and music light and gay,
There are frail forms fainting at the door;
Though their voices are silent, their pleading looks will say
Oh hard times come again no more.

Tis the song, the sigh of the weary,
Hard Times, hard times, come again no more
Many days you have lingered around my cabin door;
Oh hard times come again no more.

Here are Leela Grace, Lisa Ornstein and Betsy Branch.