[Verse 1]
There was a Camptown man, used to plow and sing
He loved that mule and the mule loved him
And 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
I’d bet the whole damn world
We’re gonna make it yet to the end of the row"

[Chorus]
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
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 on all you Asheville boys
Turn up your old-time noise
Kick ’til the dust comes up from the cracks in the floor

[Chorus]
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 doesn’t plow no more
I seen him walking down to the cigarette store
I guess he lost that knack; he forgot that song
Woke up one morning and his mule was gone
So come on you ragtime kings
Come on you dogs and sing
Pick up the dusty old horn and give it a blow

[Chorus]
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