Many years you have lingered around my cabin door
Oh, hard times come again no more
Oh, hard times come again no more

Oh, hush-a-bye hard times, go ye away
'Cause my hungry baby wants a gingerbread cake
Not a cow in the barnyard, no money to spend
Not an egg in the hayloft, no little red hen

So, hush-a-bye baby don't cry no more
Your mama can't give you what you're crying for
There's a wolf at the door with an angry, cold hungry stare
He keeps howling of hard times and the cupboard is bare

Oh, hush-a-bye hard times, go ye to rest
Cause my ragged baby wants a new ruffle dress
And she wants some new shoes with buckles to wear
And she wants some silver bows for her golden hair

So, hush-a-bye baby don't cry no more
Your mama can't give you what you're crying for
There's a wolf at the door with an angry, cold hungry stare
He keeps howling of hard times and the cupboard is bare

Hush-a-bye baby don't cry no more
Your mama can't give you what you're crying for
Hush-a-bye hard times, go ye away
I don't intend to be treated this way

So, hush-a-bye baby, hush-a-bye hard times
Hush-a-bye baby don't cry no more
Hush-a-bye hard times, hush-a-bye baby
Hush-a-bye hard times, come ye no more

Many years you have lingered around my cabin door
Hush a bye hard times, come ye no more

Hush-a-bye baby, hush-a-bye hard times
Hush-a-bye baby don't cry no more
Hush-a-bye hard times, hush-a-bye baby
Hush-a-bye hard times, come ye no more