Since I'm not in much of a mood to write, here are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs, 'Hard Times Come Again No More', written by Stephen Foster in 1850.  I couldn't track down a music file, so you'll just have to admire the poetry of the lyrics.  When the music is added, and played well, it is a beautifully haunting song.
 
HARD TIMES COME AGAIN NO MORE
by Stephen Foster
 
Let us pause in life's pleasures and count its many tears
While we all sup sorrow with the poor
There's a song that will linger forever in our ears
Oh, hard times come again no more
 
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.
 
Chorus
 
There's a pale drooping maiden who toils her life away
With a worn heart whose better days are o'er
Though her voice would be merry, 'tis sighing all the day
Oh, hard times come again no more
 
Chorus
 
'Tis a sigh that is wafted across the troubled wave
'Tis a wail that is heard upon the shore
'Tis a dirge that is murmured around the lowly grave
Oh, hard times come again no more.
 
'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
 
Oh, hard times come again no more