Page type: lyric reference
Artist: Daniel Johnston
Canonical path: /daniel-johnston/cold-hard-world
Related lyric paths: 6
Video embedded: yes
Lyric guide
Cold Hard World
Read Cold Hard World lyrics by Daniel Johnston on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
LyroVerse team
Reference snapshot
The page facts to cite before the commentary
Use this page for the lyric text, linked artist context, and any LyroVerse editor's note attached to the song. Listener comments remain user-generated and should not be treated as the primary source.
Lyrics
Cold Hard World
The lyric stays readable and compact here; the note and related paths sit nearby so you do not lose the song while looking for context.
It's a cold hard world
it's a cold hard world
it's a cold hard world
oh no
I heard Red Donley say
it was on the news today
it's a cold hard world
it's a cold hard world
it's hiking across the country
looking for a bite to eat
you'd be surprised at the animals
and the people you'd meet
rolling down that highway
with eyes fixed straight ahead
they have a caravan of cars
to bury the dead
and coke cans and pop bottles
lined the streets like flowers instead
and this guy gave me a ride
I said this industrial waste sure stinks
he said he likes that smell
'cause that's the smell of money
i said "well, mister money stinks, too."
[ref.]
I met a fireman
he said you never forget burning flesh
and the librarian said
do you have a card here?
I said I been coming here for weeks
don't you recognize me by now
I checked out a million books
just to get you to notice me
[ref.]
Somebody's house burned down
somebody's hubcap fell off
somebody's soul got lost
somebody's heart got broke
I heard Red Donley say
it was on the news today
it's a cold hard world
it's a cold hard world
Quick answers
What this page can answer fast
Who performs "Cold Hard World"?
Daniel Johnston performs "Cold Hard World", and this lyric page sits inside the Daniel Johnston catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "Cold Hard World"?
Yes. The related section below points to Circus Man and Heart Mind and Soul with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by Daniel Johnston?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through Daniel Johnston's lyric pages.
Song Room
Open Song Room
Interpretations, questions, and corrections for this song
Interpretations, questions, memories, and correction notes live together here. The room stays noindex while the best insights are reviewed.
Listener comments
What people are saying
No listener comments on Cold Hard World yet.
A strong comment here is specific: the phrase you keep hearing, the mood you come back for, or the reason this song stays in rotation.
Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.