Meaning of "Hard Bargain" by Emmylou Harris

The lyrics of "Hard Bargain" by Emmylou Harris convey a sense of weariness and exhaustion, with the speaker feeling run down and wanting to call it a day. However, they are constantly pushed back to the start by someone who drives a hard bargain, someone who challenges them to keep going even when they feel like giving up. This could represent the challenges and obstacles we face in life, both internal and external, that keep us from succumbing to defeat. The repetition of the phrase "You drive a hard bargain" emphasizes the relentless nature of these challenges and the resilience needed to overcome them. The mention of feeling like the world is breaking the speaker's heart, but still finding solace in playing an old song, suggests a coping mechanism amidst adversity. Overall, the lyrics speak to the perseverance and determination required to keep moving forward in the face of difficulty.