Other arrangements of Hard Times
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(CN.C.)My moth er (Bb7)told me
’fore she passed a way,
said, “Son, when I’m gone, ey
don’t for get to (Cm7)pray, (Bdim)’cause there’ll be (Bdim7)hard times,
hard (D)times.
(Db)Who (C)knows (Bb)bet ter than (C7)I?”
Well, I soon found out
just what she meant
when I had to pawn my clothes row
just to pay the (Cm7)rent.
(B)Talk in’ ’bout (Bdim7)hard times,
hard (D)times.
(Db)Who (C)knows (Bb)bet ter than (F)I?
(CN.C.)I had a (Bb7)wom an
who was al ways ’round,
but when lost my mon ey
then she put me (Cm7)down.
(Bdim)Talk in’ ’bout (Bdim7)hard times,
hard (D)times.
(Db)Who (C)knows (Bb)bet ter than (C7)I?
Yeah, I soon oh, yeah,
one of these days
there’ll I be to no more sor row
when I pass a (Cm7)way.
(B)Then no more (Bdim7)hard times,
hard (D)times.
(Db)Who (C)knows (Bb)bet ter than (F)I?
(CN.C.)I had a (Bdim7)I?
Hard Times — Simple Sheet Music
9 people have learned this song
"Hard Times" in simplified sheet music format — the bridge between beginner modes and real sheet music. Color-coded notes with lyrics scrolling horizontally. Perfect for learning to read music. Key of F, 80 BPM.
Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.
Try other practice modes:
About “Hard Times”
- How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "Hard Times"?
- Simplified Arrangement keeps the melody and chords on a simplified staff with lyrics, color-coded for easy recognition. It's a learner-bridge between Beginner mode and the classic engraved Sheet Music — same song, less visual density.
- What key is "Hard Times" by Ray Charles played in?
- Hard Times is arranged in the key of F on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
- What's the tempo (BPM) of "Hard Times"?
- The arrangement plays at 80 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
- Is "Hard Times" easy to play on piano?
- Yes — this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
- Can I download sheet music for "Hard Times"?
- Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
- Who composed "Hard Times"?
- "Hard Times" was originally performed by Ray Charles. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
- What other songs by Ray Charles can I play here?
- Try "I GOT A WOMAN", "GEORGIA ON MY MIND", "YOU DON'T KNOW ME". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
- Is Simple Sheet good for learning to read sheet music?
- Yes! Simple Sheet bridges the gap between beginner color-coded modes and traditional notation. Notes are displayed on a simplified staff with colors, lyrics, and chords — helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "Hard Times". Key of F, 80 BPM.
- What's the difference between Simple Sheet and Lead Sheet?
- Simple Sheet shows a more streamlined, horizontally scrolling view with color-coded notes on a staff and lyrics below — like a simplified version of real sheet music. Lead Sheet shows melody with chord symbols above and full lyrics. Simple Sheet is the next step toward reading traditional notation.