These Hard Times

Album: Exile on Mainstream (2007)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Like the other 5 new songs on the Exile on Mainstream album, "These Hard Times" was written by all 4 members of the band. This was a fundamental alteration from their previous albums when frontman Rob Thomas had operated as Matchbox Twenty's songwriter and musical catalyst. Guitarist Paul Doucette told the Fairfax County Times how this was a refreshing change of approach: "We all feel like we listen to the 6 new songs that are on 'Exile' and we're like 'Yeah, I totally hear me. Whereas in the past, you're fighting so hard to get your ideas across. You're maybe fighting too hard because you just want to get your ideas heard, and it's not necessarily what's best for the song or what's best for the band. It's just about ego. And I think that we've kind of lost that. Our egos, we finally learned to check them at the door."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Donny Osmond

Donny OsmondSongwriter Interviews

Donny Osmond talks about his biggest hits, his Vegas show, and the fan who taught him to take "Puppy Love" seriously.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.

How The Beatles Crafted Killer Choruses

How The Beatles Crafted Killer ChorusesSong Writing

The author of Help! 100 Songwriting, Recording And Career Tips Used By The Beatles, explains how the group crafted their choruses so effectively.

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.

U2 Lyrics

U2 LyricsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the lyrics of U2?