With thanks to Stephen Foster, who wrote this 156 years ago. This is the most beautifully heartbreaking version of the old song I know of. The performers, James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, and Mark O’Connor. Each is a master in his own right, but together they’re transcendent.

Chorus:

Tis the song, the sigh of the weary,
Hard Times, hard times, come again no more
Many days you have lingered around my cabin door;
Oh hard times come again no more.

While we seek mirth and beauty and music light and gay,
There are frail forms fainting at the door;
Though their voices are silent, their pleading looks will say
Oh hard times come again no more.