I’m noticing that people see this song as purely from the Great Depression, it goes deeper than that. Remember that Stephen Foster died in the 1860’s so while it can be adapted and indeed adopted by any generation, it gives it greater depth when you understand the times that it was written in.
You're right! It was published 7 years before the Civil War...1854, on one of the old wax cylinders. There has been, and will be hard times in this world. But, may I say, in Jesus it will not always be so. There is a day coming when all those who have trusted in Him will find eternal rest and joy together with Him! Lord bless yall...✌️🙏
My grandfather came from a wealthy family in Greenwich, Connecticut. His father was a stockbroker who lost no money in the 1929 crash. Yet when he talked of those times and of his relatives and friends who had lost money and killed themselves my grandfather had tears in his eyes. The memory and fear of hard times never left my grandfather's mind.
Only Mavis Staples could transform this mid 19th century Stephen Foster song into a gospel masterpiece. The melding of the great music with the archival photographs is brilliant. Unfortunately, there is poignant relevance to the plight of so many here, today.
Okay, we are in it again. Let us remember our strength, our inherent grace and kindness. Our elders got through their troubles, we will get through this. Let's love and cherish each other while doing the best we can for all.
My Father was born in 1910 and when then depression hit he made it through as a bare knuckles champ plus wrestler for exhibition and money as food was scarce.. When WW2 came he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and when it split he was in the Air Force.. He was a veteran in three wars, WW2, Korea, Vietnam. Rip peace Dad. Your son is proud of you. Thanks for the wonderful and touching post. Nobody sings it like Mavis. Ry Cooder could give any guitarist alive lessons !
I will never know the true stories of how my grandparents made it through the great depression. I have clues, and inklings, but I will never know the full story. I can only imagine.
Well, there's a reason he's the most popular American songwriter of all time. I mean, whether you're 3 or 93 you definitely know at least one Foster song.
I’m pretty sure he was also an absolute racist but hey Actually I’m 100% sure he was an absolute racist. Although we was an antebellum minstrel artist so that’s a given I suppose
incredible and heartfelt song, breaks your heart to see so much pain and heartache in the world. This song should be an anthem to everybody who wants to change our world for the benefit of our planet and it's people, and not to serve this inhuman economic system which makes the rich richer and the poor poorer.
What a voice. This song speaks to everyone - not just Americans. It could just as easily be about Britain during the Blitz in the 1940's or the decrepit state of the country in the 1970's - as about the great American depression of the 1930's. This song extends beyond relating to the struggles of any 'one' country; and it transcends time periods too. What a great song - thank you Mavis .....and also Ry.
It's impossible to describe the emotions that come over me when Mavis Staples sings. I can't do anything but just stop and listen to her magnificent voice.
The people who lived through the Great Depression learned to value things, non-material things like friends and family, in a way we can never understand. In those days you got by only with the help of others. The Depression was an anvil that turned Americans to steel, a much needed trait to take on the Germans and Japanese in the coming war but also gave them pride in themselves. God bless these people who laid the foundation of our current prosperity. I salute you.
Thank you a thousand times to Ken Burns and his team for using this song in “Country Music” and several previous documentaries before that(Lou Gehrig’s farewell at Yankee Stadium from “Baseball” and “The Roosevelts” come to mind). Arguably the best rendition by Ms. Staples here.
Did you notice, camonteret87, that the photos that Ken Burns used were similar to the ones that I had used when I put this together 10 years ago. Obviously Mr. Burns & I had the same idea.
The photos of heartbroken families, the lyrics from Stephen Foster, and the soulful voice of Mavis Staples!! This just clutches at my heart. Bless all of those in need today. and Thank You, Catman, for this wonderful video......Angie
I've been searching youtube most of the last hour for the best version of this, and I think I've found it! Praise God for Mavis Staples and her beautiful family
Mavis Staples ..........by your glorious powerful expressive voice you had moved my Heart that I had never experienced in my life before! It made me felt the pain and sorrow of those that went through the hardest of times each day to survive! May God bless you Mavis..!
I shared this link on Facebook in 2018 and it was blocked as being "against community standards." Shared it again, and it was blocked again. I gather there is a naked little boy in one of the pictures and that is why it is being blocked. And yes, it is a wonderful song and a very moving compilation of photos. Thanks for posting.
Yes! Foster was a serious song writer, a deep soul and not just the guy who wrote Oh! Susannah and Camptown Races. If he had written nothing else but this timeless treasure, he would deserve a place of great honor in the pantheon of song writers.
I agree 100%. ... His Life story and Sad ending is a Story worth Researching. Music Historians have called him, "the Man Who Made America Sing." As Time went on, He also made the World Sing and made Himself Immortal... R.I.P.
How many songwriters can claim even one song that people are singing for pleasure, and not just antiquarian interest, more than 150 years later? Foster can claim at least a half dozen titles most people can recognize: Beautiful Dreamer, Oh Susannah, Camptown Races, Old Kentucky Home, Old Folks at Home (Swanee River), Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair, and this one. In previous generations, "Old Black Joe" was also popular but is mostly forgotten now. If the lyrics are sometimes dated and minstrel-showish, the man had a sense of melody that is unsurpassed.
Wow,always heard it it a civil war context ,but hard times don't know any single Era or body of people. Soulful rendition gives it a new meaning for me !
This is the best video on TH-cam this was the America God reached down and greatly blessed I’m saddened where we are now and pray God forgives us and heals our land
My grandparents were children in the last years of the Depression.Thankfully, they never had to deal with the kind of shocking poverty that is being shown with these pictures, but to this day they still won't throw anything out. They serve left-overs with every new meal until they're finished and instead of getting rid of old furniture and stuff like that, they pass it on to one of the grandkids. They use everything until it's beyond all use. I think this kind of behaviour is a little weird, but much better than the throw-away society that has been established by consumers today.
@catman916: Thank you very much für posting this video, a rare find! Everything about it is just wonderful: The touching song, the beautiful lyrics by Stephan Foster, Mavis Staples´ inimitable voice and delivery, the choice of pictures, every single one of them.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful performance....I have just started playing on my guitar & there are four verses I sing & the words are magic & emotional...I am 80yrs old... cheers 🦘🦘😊
A wonderful album. This is but one of many excellent tracks on the 1995 Grammy Winning album, 'Beautiful Dreamer'. This won an award for Best Traditional Folk Album of that year.
What a treasure is this Mavis Staples rendition of music-saint Stephen Foster's venerable old song. This performance beggars all country, folksy, and re-tread hippie versions.
I love her on this and this song is a great picture of the American depression era. Sadly what we built we took for granted it's in decay and a lot of it vacant along with the souls of many.
She gets this right. Too many artist do not get that this is a dirge it should not be bouncy or upbeat it should be done slow sad and mournfully as this.
Hard times are always behind and ahead of us. If we accept this we can be prepared to be self sufficient or put your faith in an ever changing government. "One of the most frightening things you can hear is; 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help""
Thank you, Lionel. I just searched the internet for images of the great depression. I'm sorry that I can't provide specific information. Good luck with the restoration.
Here we are 2016 nothing changes for the POOR, This world has to change for the poor and neglected, I wish the novo rich could live aday in the lives of the neglected then things would PROBABLY !!! CHANGE DEN PROCTER
"Hard times..." was an expression heard by us kids from our folks, often followed by a sigh or silence. Much of that iconic experience was beyond the description of words, as silent memories replayed themselves in emotion. Emotion has the longest and clearest memory. The greed of financiers took their world apart, while a good government rescued so many from sheer destitution and starvation called The Great Depression. "Hard times..., hard times, come again no more..."?
I shared this video on facebook on the 31th december 2021 as a wish for the new year coming. But facebook banned me (!!) because it is not respectful of the standards of the community(!?!?!). Why??? Has anybody an explanation for this silly behaviour? Anyway, congratulations for this amazing video and for the enchanting performance of the great Mavis Staples!
The old timers used to stop to hear this lady sing. This is beautiful.
I’m noticing that people see this song as purely from the Great Depression, it goes deeper than that. Remember that Stephen Foster died in the 1860’s so while it can be adapted and indeed adopted by any generation, it gives it greater depth when you understand the times that it was written in.
and yet its relevance has COME AGAIN to the globe
you noticed that.. as well...foster died ...broke...in a charity ward
Amen!!This lifts me up with the truth that we all struggle in this world every day.
You're right! It was published 7 years before the Civil War...1854, on one of the old wax cylinders. There has been, and will be hard times in this world. But, may I say, in Jesus it will not always be so. There is a day coming when all those who have trusted in Him will find eternal rest and joy together with Him! Lord bless yall...✌️🙏
0
My grandfather came from a wealthy family in Greenwich, Connecticut. His father was a stockbroker who lost no money in the 1929 crash. Yet when he talked of those times and of his relatives and friends who had lost money and killed themselves my grandfather had tears in his eyes. The memory and fear of hard times never left my grandfather's mind.
Mavis did this song in just one take which makes it all that much more special.
This women's voice sends chills down my spine and puts my mind in a very good place. There will never be another Mavis Staples
Well said
Whew! You're so right! That lady could sing the phonebook and bring tears of joy! ✌️🙏
I was 100% sure it was a man singing until I read your comment
Could anyone add more soul and feeling to this great classic? Mavis Staples is truly amazing.
Only Mavis Staples could transform this mid 19th century Stephen Foster song into a gospel masterpiece. The melding of the great music with the archival photographs is brilliant. Unfortunately, there is poignant relevance to the plight of so many here, today.
what an amazing voice Mavis Staples has given to this classic song. Brings tears to my eyes.
Okay, we are in it again. Let us remember our strength, our inherent grace and kindness. Our elders got through their troubles, we will get through this. Let's love and cherish each other while doing the best we can for all.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Well said.♥️
Amen!
You said that so beautifully.
Sorry to break it to you, but mankind is inherently selfish and corrupt. We are all great sinners in need of a great savior.
This song is more relevant than ever
Best version of the song I have ever heard.
Mc Hobbit have you heard Bob's Dylan version?
Yes, I did. I just like Mavis better.
+Mc Hobbit Tim O'Brien does a fine job with this great song also
@@dsimms561 This is the best version: th-cam.com/video/s5T0vy0-Oak/w-d-xo.html
@@mchobbit2951 I totally agree!!!!
We all owe our ancestors, regardless of race or religion. All of us have it better, much, much better. I am grateful for that.
My Father was born in 1910 and when then depression hit he made it through as a bare knuckles champ plus wrestler for exhibition and money as food was scarce.. When WW2 came he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and when it split he was in the Air Force.. He was a veteran in three wars, WW2, Korea, Vietnam. Rip peace Dad. Your son is proud of you. Thanks for the wonderful and touching post. Nobody sings it like Mavis. Ry Cooder could give any guitarist alive lessons !
Michael Allen my grandmothers lived through the depression....they would keep drawers full of rubber bands and pencils and all kinds of things...
The
I will never know the true stories of how my grandparents made it through the great depression. I have clues, and inklings, but I will never know the full story. I can only imagine.
Bless your dad
Bless you son, and the memories of your father.
Thank you Mavis for such a heartfelt rendition of a song that is becoming truer by the day and to come. Let us pray it won't go on for too long.
Stephen C. Foster Was Absolute Musical Genius
Mavis Staples Does Him Justice Here.
MrDanoconnor o
Pure human soul here, in the raw. Well done, Mavis Staples, well done.
Well, there's a reason he's the most popular American songwriter of all time. I mean, whether you're 3 or 93 you definitely know at least one Foster song.
@@DennisYamaha1985 do you know where I can find a recording of this? I searched iTunes.
I’m pretty sure he was also an absolute racist but hey
Actually I’m 100% sure he was an absolute racist. Although we was an antebellum minstrel artist so that’s a given I suppose
I AM DISSOLVED IN TEARS. One of Foster's greatest songs is here given the most moving performance of it I ever heard.
Mavis Staples' performance is the benchmark, gold standard, but the credit for this song is to the great Stephen Foster.
incredible and heartfelt song, breaks your heart to see so much pain and heartache in the world. This song should be an anthem to everybody who wants to change our world for the benefit of our planet and it's people, and not to serve this inhuman economic system which makes the rich richer and the poor poorer.
It's impossible to listen to this song without wiping away a tear. Mavis knows how to pick her songs.
What a voice. This song speaks to everyone - not just Americans. It could just as easily be about Britain during the Blitz in the 1940's or the decrepit state of the country in the 1970's - as about the great American depression of the 1930's.
This song extends beyond relating to the struggles of any 'one' country; and it transcends time periods too. What a great song - thank you Mavis .....and also Ry.
Beautiful song Beautiful Voice
Beautiful Mavis
It's impossible to describe the emotions that come over me when Mavis Staples sings. I can't do anything but just stop and listen to her magnificent voice.
I can't get enough of this. Best version ever for this song.
The people who lived through the Great Depression learned to value things, non-material things like friends and family, in a way we can never understand. In those days you got by only with the help of others. The Depression was an anvil that turned Americans to steel, a much needed trait to take on the Germans and Japanese in the coming war but also gave them pride in themselves. God bless these people who laid the foundation of our current prosperity. I salute you.
Thank you a thousand times to Ken Burns and his team for using this song in “Country Music” and several previous documentaries before that(Lou Gehrig’s farewell at Yankee Stadium from “Baseball” and “The Roosevelts” come to mind). Arguably the best rendition by Ms. Staples here.
Did you notice, camonteret87, that the photos that Ken Burns used were similar to the ones that I had used when I put this together 10 years ago. Obviously Mr. Burns & I had the same idea.
I got to see Mavis Staples recently with Bob Dylan here in Indianapolis. I love this woman.
My soul is nourished by this music!
I am weeping for the sadness and beauty
We have had the pleasure of hearing Mavis many times in Chicago. What a performer, even today.
Sang it Ms. Mavis!!!!.......yes, thank you Lord!
The photos of heartbroken families, the lyrics from Stephen Foster, and the soulful voice of Mavis Staples!! This just clutches at my heart. Bless all of those in need today. and Thank You, Catman, for this wonderful video......Angie
I've been searching youtube most of the last hour for the best version of this, and I think I've found it! Praise God for Mavis Staples and her beautiful family
I heard this last night on Ken Burns Country Music episode 2. Just wonderful!
I heard it too & found the visuals similar to my upload. In the first episode "My Old Kentucky Home" by John Prine from the same CD was used.
Me too. So glad I heard this wonderful song
Me to man.
So did I! Whatever was coming after the opening, they had me at Mavis!
Ken Burns uses it most of his PBS series. I love it. My parents were born in the 19-teens and lived through the depression.
Timeless. Love Mavis, her soulfulness and her eternal voice.
Mavis Staples ..........by your glorious powerful expressive voice you had moved my Heart that I had never experienced in my life before! It made me felt the pain and sorrow of those that went through the hardest of times each day to survive! May God bless you Mavis..!
There's only one reason why those 50 people would give this a thumbs down. Shame on you.
In the Arms Of God rest in peace Stephen Foster, and know your songs are still being sung by many today.
I shared this link on Facebook in 2018 and it was blocked as being "against community standards." Shared it again, and it was blocked again. I gather there is a naked little boy in one of the pictures and that is why it is being blocked. And yes, it is a wonderful song and a very moving compilation of photos. Thanks for posting.
This happened to me as well
Amazing..simply amazing voice, soo moving & powerful! I feel this as a sacred song.
Whoa. What a powerful (and authentic) voice! Beautiful!!
Mavis is a gift from the universe.
Beautiful version of this great song, thanks!
Really worthwhile thank you very sincerely for the opportunity to see and listen to it.
You're welcome, auguritutto. I consider this to be one of my best uploads.
A definite salve for our current times. Viva, Mavis!
Yes! Foster was a serious song writer, a deep soul and not just the guy who wrote Oh! Susannah and Camptown Races. If he had written nothing else but this timeless treasure, he would deserve a place of great honor in the pantheon of song writers.
I agree 100%. ... His Life story and Sad ending is a Story worth Researching. Music Historians have called him, "the Man Who Made America Sing." As Time went on, He also made the World Sing and made Himself Immortal... R.I.P.
How many songwriters can claim even one song that people are singing for pleasure, and not just antiquarian interest, more than 150 years later? Foster can claim at least a half dozen titles most people can recognize: Beautiful Dreamer, Oh Susannah, Camptown Races, Old Kentucky Home, Old Folks at Home (Swanee River), Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair, and this one. In previous generations, "Old Black Joe" was also popular but is mostly forgotten now. If the lyrics are sometimes dated and minstrel-showish, the man had a sense of melody that is unsurpassed.
@@majkus Exactly! He was a popular songwriter of genius.
Wow,always heard it it a civil war context ,but hard times don't know any single Era or body of people. Soulful rendition gives it a new meaning for me !
This is the best video on TH-cam this was the America God reached down and greatly blessed I’m saddened where we are now and pray God forgives us and heals our land
God Bless your soul Ms. Staples. Your joy and gift to the world are still bringing the truth of Jesus.
Best version of this great song from the 1800s in my view....I got goose bumps when I first heard it....
My grandparents were children in the last years of the Depression.Thankfully, they never had to deal with the kind of shocking poverty that is being shown with these pictures, but to this day they still won't throw anything out. They serve left-overs with every new meal until they're finished and instead of getting rid of old furniture and stuff like that, they pass it on to one of the grandkids.
They use everything until it's beyond all use. I think this kind of behaviour is a little weird, but much better than the throw-away society that has been established by consumers today.
same for many of my relatives; rubbed off on me
reduce, reuse, recycle. a way that should not be lost on us.
"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."
Strong soulful version of Mavis and an impressing slide show. Thank you Catman.
Very expressive. Best version I've heard
Simply put, gorgeous.
@catman916: Thank you very much für posting this video, a rare find!
Everything about it is just wonderful: The touching song, the beautiful lyrics by Stephan Foster, Mavis Staples´ inimitable voice and delivery, the choice of pictures, every single one of them.
my parents worked in a rayon mill in Roanoke during the depression, I was born in 1943 during wwII, what a way to hard times
I've never seen a video with no dislikes before. And I understand why NO ONE dislikes this one.
26 dislikes :(
Make that 26 Arseholes.
Almost a hundred years have passed. *And hello everyone from 2020!)* _Are you ready, kids, for “Hard Times?!”)_
_I can’t hear you..._
Now this song sounds like a mockery.
Or rather, like a prayer.
Hard times it was!!...2020 🕯️🙏 🕊️
@@jeanettewagner6122 2021: - _Hold my beer!)_
Compellingly beautiful and authentic!!!👌🏻🤍💫
Wow. Just ... WOW. Fantastic.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful performance....I have just started playing on my guitar & there are four verses I sing & the words are magic & emotional...I am 80yrs old... cheers 🦘🦘😊
💙👏🇰🇿
Sister Mavis does a brilliant version of this old tune...
A wonderful album. This is but one of many excellent tracks on the 1995 Grammy Winning album, 'Beautiful Dreamer'. This won an award for Best Traditional Folk Album of that year.
It was actually released in 2004.
+Lengo67 Thanks! I'll have to check this cd out.
aaaaah this is so moving. love this voice. it means every syllable. thank you so much!
What a treasure is this Mavis Staples rendition of music-saint Stephen Foster's venerable old song. This performance beggars all country, folksy, and re-tread hippie versions.
Wonderful song and vocal ___i sure wish Ray would have recorded this
I love her on this and this song is a great picture of the American depression era. Sadly what we built we took for granted it's in decay and a lot of it vacant along with the souls of many.
Most importantly, thank you for this wonderful video,the song, the singer, the meaningful message, a work of art, thank you!
What a great heartfelt song, timeless.
This song touches my heart and shakes it.
mavis you are beyond compare...this truly amazes me!
Great collection of photos. Thanks for posting.
She gets this right. Too many artist do not get that this is a dirge it should not be bouncy or upbeat it should be done slow sad and mournfully as this.
Hard times have never really left for a lot of us.
Thank you, Kathleen.
The best voice i have ever heard she is too much sensitive. Gospel songs are what I love. Thanks for the performance. ❤️👍🇹🇳
absolutely the best interpretation of this work ever!!
This and Bob Dylan's version of this Stephen Foster song are both great.
wow. this is my new favorite version of this song. (Sorry James Taylor...) Love this.
I don't think this woman could ever sing anything that was not just a plain pleasure to hear.
You are probably right.
In the Arms Of God rest in peace Stephen C. Foster, and know many still sing your songs today.
Hard times are always behind and ahead of us. If we accept this we can be prepared to be self sufficient or put your faith in an ever changing government. "One of the most frightening things you can hear is; 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help""
Thank you for sharing this song!
beautiful song, excellent vid... very much appreciated
Sweet, bittersweet, and touching.
I agree 100&
Amazing sounds & so,so good
This is absolutely wonderful. I never heard it before, but someone posted it on FB tonight...goosebumps! Thanks for uploading it,
Thank you, Lionel. I just searched the internet for images of the great depression. I'm sorry that I can't provide specific information. Good luck with the restoration.
How right you are, MelodyGirl7. The situation does not appear to be improving, but there is always hope.
Amazing pictorials.
This was a great choice for civilization 6. Also an amazing choice to listen to
Here we are 2016 nothing changes for the POOR, This world has to change for the poor and neglected, I wish the novo rich could live aday in the lives of the neglected then things would PROBABLY !!! CHANGE DEN PROCTER
Don't worry, Trump is going to win and bring back our jobs.
that was a bad joke
I saw miss Mavis once. I waved and she waved back
This is beautiful, thank you.
Sang Mavis touched me dearly
I first heard this song sung by Mary Black. I assumed it was about the Great Potato Famine in Ireland. It is universal about human suffering.
What an absolutely incredible voice & delivery.
Amazing sounds & so,so good & the backing is fantastic.
Well done!
This is hard Song 🎵 to sing hard times ❤❤❤
I thought this was Alabama Shakes' Brittany Howard, 'til I came to my senses. Bravo, Mavis.
Great too.
"Hard times..." was an expression heard by us kids from our folks, often followed by a sigh or silence. Much of that iconic experience was beyond the description of words, as silent memories replayed themselves in emotion. Emotion has the longest and clearest memory. The greed of financiers took their world apart, while a good government rescued so many from sheer destitution and starvation called The Great Depression. "Hard times..., hard times, come again no more..."?
Stephen Foster was so talented. His was the soul of America.
I shared this video on facebook on the 31th december 2021 as a wish for the new year coming. But facebook banned me (!!) because it is not respectful of the standards of the community(!?!?!).
Why???
Has anybody an explanation for this silly behaviour?
Anyway, congratulations for this amazing video and for the enchanting performance of the great Mavis Staples!