These are difficult times

Certified Odd Meter Master
Sale price$29.99
For rhythm wranglers and chart-readers who count 5/4, 7/8, and 11/16 without breaking a sweat. Soft, comfy 100% ring-spun cotton for music's trickiest moments. Difficult times, handled beautifully.
  • Everyday ComfortEveryday Comfort
  • Music Lover ApprovedMusic Lover Approved
  • Reliable QualityReliable Quality
Color: Black Heather
Size: S
Shirt Size Chart
Refer to images for visual sizing information.

LENGTH WIDTH CHEST
XS (inches) 27 16 31-34
S (inches) 28 18 34-37
M (inches) 29 20 38-41
L (inches) 30 22 42-45
XL (inches) 31 24 46-49
2XL (inches) 32 26 50-53
3XL (inches) 33 28 54-57
4XL (inches) 34 30 58-61
5XL (inches) 35 31 62-65

Shipped before the next verse

Ordered today, on the road within 48 hours.

Made by musicians

If it doesn't get a laugh at camp, it doesn't get printed.

Easy returns, no sad songs

7 days to send it back, no questions asked.

Count carefully with this rhythmically complicated Unisex Jersey T-Shirt featuring the "These are difficult times" design. Soft, lightweight combed cotton keeps you cool and comfortable through practice rooms, lessons, rehearsals, music camps, or a casual day in a steady four-four. Everyone else reads the headline and nods sympathetically. Musicians read it and think about the chart in 7/8 that changed to 5/4 for two bars and then went to 11/16 just to be cruel. Difficult times, indeed. You've counted them, subdivided them, and tapped them out on the steering wheel at red lights. Odd meters do not scare you. They just make you very good at math. Great for gifting during holidays, birthdays, recitals, or the week the band director hands out the new show, this tee resonates with music lovers, rhythm wranglers, teachers, and anyone who appreciates both time-signature humor and comfort in their everyday wear.

Product features

  • Made from 100% combed and ring-spun cotton for a soft, lightweight feel (Heather colors contain polyester).
  • Classic crew neckline with a ribbed collar that keeps its shape.
  • Side-seamed construction for a modern, flattering unisex fit.
  • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping for extra durability at the seams.
  • Pre-shrunk fabric that holds its size and shape wash after wash.

Care instructions

  • Do not dryclean
  • Do not bleach
  • Tumble dry: low heat
  • Iron, steam or dry: low heat
  • Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F), with similar colors

This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!

Fabric: 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)

Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²)

Fit: Unisex classic fit, true to size

Neckline: Crew neck with ribbed collar

Sleeve: Short sleeve

Construction: Side-seamed, shoulder-to-shoulder taping

Fabric care: Pre-shrunk, machine washable

Print: Fade-resistant, permanent design print

Sizes: S – 4XL

Colors: 13 color options available

Note: Lighter colors are slightly sheer and may appear see-through under certain lighting

Everything is made to order, so here's exactly what to expect.

Processing: 2–5 business days to print and pack. Longer during camp season and holidays; we'll email you if anything slips.

Rates: calculated at checkout based on where you are. No surprises.

Upgrades: faster options appear at checkout where they're available in your region.

Tracking: emailed the moment your order ships.

Delays: weather, holidays and customs are beyond us. We'd hand-deliver with a bow if we could. We'll keep you posted.

International orders: customs fees, duties and import taxes are the buyer's responsibility and aren't included in our prices.

Returns, exchanges and cancellations on non-custom items:

Contact us within 7 days of delivery to start a return, then send it back within 14 days.

Changed your mind? Cancel within 12 hours of ordering.

Return shipping is on you. Items need to come back unworn and in original condition — full refund minus original shipping.

Arrived damaged? Email photos within 7 days and we'll send a replacement. Keep the original.

Custom pieces can't be returned unless they arrive damaged or defective.

Built by musicians. Counting the uncountable.

Designed for the rhythm wranglers who count 7/8 and 11/16 without breaking a sweat. Every tee blends premium comfort with a personality all its own: soft, effortless, and made to move with you.

Why We Chose This Shirt

  • Premium Bella+Canvas 3001
  • Soft, lightweight, broken-in feel
  • Unisex modern fit
  • Gets even softer with every wash

We chose the Bella+Canvas 3001 because it’s the kind of shirt people reach for first. Soft, lightweight, and comfortably broken-in from day one. Think of your favorite T-shirt that’s been washed and loved for years. If you’re looking for a thick, heavyweight tee, this probably isn’t it… and that’s exactly why we chose it.

VERIFIED CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Real musicians. Real opinions. Zero mercy.

★★★★★

Amari F. ✓ Verified purchase

Perfect double meaning. Wore it to jazz band and the drummer immediately started counting in seven. Great fit and really soft.

★★★★★

Corinne Daly ✓ Verified purchase

Bought this for my husband, a band director who lives in odd meters. He put it on right away and quoted three progressive rock songs.

★★★★★

Felix M. ✓ Verified purchase

Soft, light, and the print is sharp. Non-musicians think it's a sad shirt and musicians know better, which is exactly the fun of it.

★★★★★

Lorri J. ✓ Verified purchase

My daughter is a percussion major and she said this is the most her shirt she has ever owned. Washed several times, still looks new.

★★★★★

Anna ✓ Verified purchase

The shirt looks nice and the design is clear, but the fabric feels a bit thinner than expected. The print looks good and the fit is decent, although I was hoping for a slightly better overall quality. It’s fine for casual wear, but nothing exceptional.