Hard Times

"Hard Times" is a song by American rock band Paramore from their fifth studio album After Laughter (2017). 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. “Hard Times” describes the depression that lead singer Hayley Williams had in 2016 due to personal issues in the band as well as confronting themes of growing up. She told The New York Times: "You can run on the fumes of being a teenager for as long as you want, but eventually life hits you real hard." The playful ‘80s vibe of the song is also contrasted with Hayley’s new look; she dyed her trademark bright hair a dull white as a kind of “blank slate.” “Hard Times” was released on April 19, 2017 as the lead single from Paramore’s fifth album After Laughter, to be released on May 12, 2017. It is also their comeback single after a three-year hiatus and the first since drummer Zac Farro’s return.

[Verse 1] All that I want Is to wake up fine Tell me that I'm all right 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 [Chorus] (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 (Oof!) [Verse 2] Walking around With 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 [Chorus] (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 hit rock bottom (Oof!) [Bridge] 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 [Chorus] (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) [Outro] Hard times Makes you wonder why you even try Makes you wonder why you even try Makes you wonder why you even try Makes you wonder Hard times Still don't know how I even survive Still don't know how I even survive Still don't know how I even survive Still don't know how I survive And I gotta get to rock bottom (Oof!)