I go to bed, but sleep won't come.
Get up in the night, I couldn't fight my feelings.
Early in the morning, it's just the same situation.
Here came the landlord, just a knocking upon my door.
I've got four hundred pounds rent to pay,
And I can't find a job.
Let me, let me tell you time tough
Everything is out of sight, it's so hard.
Time tough,
Everything is growing higher and higher.
Sister Lee cannot bear it,
And brother Lee can hardly stand it.
They're crying night and day,
Nobody to help them make their way.
I've got four hundred pounds rent to pay,
And I can't find a dollar.
Let me, let me tell you, time tough
...
*
I say time tough..
Time hard..
....
Good times was leading the bad times,
But now the bad times take over.
When I was a little boy, I.. just keep on feeling it,
Feeling it, feeling it, feeling it.
(..)
Can't blame the minister.
And you can't blame the preacher.
And you can't blame your brother.
And you cannot blame your sister.
Can't blame your friends.
'Cause today is Judgement day.
And that's why everyone have to pray.
Let me, let me tell you, time tough
...
alternate verse, featured on several live-versions