I really connected with Hard Times Come Again No More by Stephen Foster. When listening to the song it reminded me of life in the 19th century because hardships were everyday things, for example, slavery, inequality, corruption, and distribution of wealth. The song was originally composed in 1854 by Stephen Foster, the version we listened to in class was done by Kate and Anna McGarrigle. I found the lyrics thought provoking and the mood and speed of the piece fitting also. Huckleberry Finn’s story is based off of different struggles of the slave, Jim and his new found friend Huck. I find that they come together underneath the pressure of others to wish that all they wanted is their freedom and no more hard times.

The lyrics help describe the setting of everyone and the struggles they most likely have to deal with on a daily basis. That everyone has different struggles and different problems in life but we all can come together by wishing they wouldn’t come anymore. The song can remind listeners of Huck and Jim’s troubles along the way. That they came from two different social spheres, but what they had in common was not fitting into those social confinements and having to face the consequences of not fitting into the mold. That both of their characters wanted freedom.

I find the arrangement of the piece, for example the tone and pace perfect. It helps get across the mood. I love that each time a hardship is sung it is solo except for the instruments but when the chorus comes around it is sung together almost as if symbolizing that everyone has their own hard times but we