There was a camp town 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 Calling, "Come on my sweet old girl, and I'd bet the whole damn world 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" Said it's a mean old world, heavy in need. That big machine is just picking up speed They were supping on tears, they were supping on wine We all get to heaven in our own sweet time 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" But the camp town 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 So come on, you ragtime kings, and come on, you dogs, and sing And pick up the 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"