[Verse 1]

There was a Camptown man, used to plow and sing

And he loved that mule and the mule loved him

When the day got long, as it does about now

I'd hear him singing to his muley cow

[Chorus]

Calling, "Come on, my sweet old girl

I'd bet the whole damn world

And we're gonna make it yet to the end of the row"

Singing "Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind

Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, Bessie

Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind no more"

[Verse 2]

Said it's a mean old world, heavy in need

And that big machine is just a-picking up speed

And we're supping on tears, and we're supping on wine

We all get to heaven in our own sweet time

[Chorus]

So come all you Asheville boys

And turn up your old-time noise

And kick 'til the dust comes up from the cracks in the floor

Singing, "Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, brother

Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind

Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind no more"

[Verse 3]

But the Camptown man, he doesn't plow no more

I seen him walking down to the cigarette store

Guess he lost that knack and he forgot that song

Woke up one morning and the mule was gone

[Chorus]

So come all ye ragtime kings

And come on, you dogs, and sing

And pick up your dusty old horn and give it a blow

Playing, "Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, honey

Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind, sugar

Hard times ain't gonna rule my mind no more"