Hard Times

Paramore

About Hard Times

"Hard Times" is a song by American rock band Paramore from their fifth studio album After Laughter. It was released on April 19, 2017 through Fueled by Ramen as the album's lead single. The song was written by lead vocalist Hayley Williams and guitarist Taylor York and was recorded in the band's hometown, Nashville, Tennessee. It is the first single to be released by the band since the return of drummer Zac Farro and the departure of former bassist Jeremy Davis. The song received positive reviews, being compared to 1980s new wave and to the band's previous singles "Still Into You" and "Ain't It Fun".  


Year:
2017
3:02
877 
#2

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All that I want
Is to wake up fine
Tell me that I'm alright
That I ain't gonna die
All that I want
Is a hole in the ground
You can tell me when it's alright
For me to come out

(Hard times) gonna make you wonder why you even try
(Hard times) gonna take you down and laugh when you cry
(These lives) and I still don't know how I even survive
(Hard times)
(Hard times)
And I gotta get to rock bottom

Walking around
My little rain cloud
Hanging over my head
And it ain't coming down
Where do I go?
Gimme some sort of sign
You hit me with lightning!
Maybe I'll come alive

(Hard times) gonna make you wonder why you even try
(Hard times) gonna take you down and laugh when you cry
(These lives) and I still don't know how I even survive
(Hard times)
(Hard times)
And I gotta head to rock bottom

Tell my friends I'm coming down
We'll kick it when I hit the ground
Tell my friends I'm coming down
We'll kick it when I hit the ground
When I hit the ground
When I hit the ground
When I hit the ground
When I hit the ground

(Hard times) gonna make you wonder why you even try
(Hard times) gonna take you down and laugh when you cry
(These lives) and I still don't know how I even survive
(Hard times) (hard times)
(Hard times) (hard times)

(Hard times) gonna make you wonder why you even try
(Hard times) gonna take you down and laugh when you cry
(These lives) and I still don't know how I even survive
(Hard times) (hard times)
(Hard times)

And I gotta get to rock bottom!

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Paramore

Paramore is an American rock band from Franklin, Tennessee, formed in 2004. The band currently consists of lead vocalist Hayley Williams, drummer Zac Farro, and guitarist Taylor York. The group released its debut album All We Know Is Falling in 2005, and its second album Riot! in 2007, which was certified Platinum in the US and The Republic of Ireland and Gold in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. Brand New Eyes, Paramore's third album, was released in 2009 and is the band's highest charting album to date, going platinum in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and gold in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. more »

13 fans

Written by: Hayley Nichole Williams, Taylor York

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Music Genre
"Hard Times" is marked as a pivot for the band Paramore, as it's at the forefront of their poppier, 80s-synth inspired direction differing from their earlier punk and rock sounds.
Album debut
The song serves as the lead single from their fifth studio album, "After Laughter," which was released in 2017.
Music Video
Accompanied by a bright, colorful, and surreal music video, “Hard Times" visually illustrates the contradicting upbeat rhythm and somber lyrics in an interesting contrast.
Work Process
This is the first piece of music that Paramore released after a four-year break and represents a significant evolution in their musical style.
Lyrics and themes
The song lyrically delves into serious themes of depression and distress, yet the music itself feels lively and carefree, reflecting light at the end of the tunnel.
Disguised Tone
This unique blend of upbeat music and gloomy lyrics is a classic trope of Paramore's songs, which often use bright, catchy tunes to disguise inner pain and turmoil.
Member changes
This is the first single by the band after the return of drummer Zac Farro, who left the band along with his brother Josh in 2010.
Chart Performance
“Hard Times” reached the top ten in the Billboard Rock Songs, Adult Top 40, and Alternative Songs charts, and was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 2020.
Critical Reception
Critics universally praised the song for its change of direction but still retaining the band's identity, with many drawing attention to its 80s pop influence.
Production credits
The song was produced by Taylor York, the band’s guitarist, and Justin Meldal-Johnsen, who has worked with artists such as M83 and Beck.
Writing credits
The song was written by Paramore members Hayley Williams and Taylor York.
Band Status
"Hard Times" also marked a new era for Paramore, whose lineup had often changed due to internal conflicts and legal issues, solidifying their status as a trio.
Song Meaning
About the theme of the song, Hayley Williams has explained in interviews that "Hard Times” is about the feeling of going through hardships and hoping for better days.
Artistic Growth
The song is considered a crucial marker in the band's artistic growth, indicating their willingness to experiment with less familiar genres and sounds.
Reception by fans
Although the musical shift initially surprised many fans, "Hard Times" is now recognized as a beloved staple in Paramore's discography.

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    Hard Times

    92.8M
    1M     51,134

    Top Hot 100 Songs 2017

    Billboard #90


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