Written in 1949, this song, also known as "The Hammer Song," was first recorded by The Weavers. It did not achieve popular success probably because the world was not ready for such overt political commentary in their music. It did much better when covered by Peter, Paul and Mary in 1962, when it reached the Top 10.
Later recordings include versions by Trini Lopez (1963), Leonard Nimoy (1968), Debbie Reynolds and Sam Cooke. It has been translated into many languages, including a French version, "Si j'avais un marteau," by Claude François (1963), a watered-down Italian version, "Datemi un martello," by Rita Pavone (1963), also sung by French Singer, Aylin Prandi (2011), a Chilean version, "El Martillo," by Víctor Jara (1969) and one from Nicaragua, "Dame Aquel Martillo," by Hernaldo Zúñiga, (1991).
It became an anthem of the American Civil Rights movement and was also used in church services.
Lyrics and chords:
C
If I had a hammer
..... G7 ................... C
I'd hammer in the morning.
.............................. C
I'd hammer in the evening
..................... G7
All over this land.
........................... C
I'd hammer out danger.
............................. Am
I'd hammer out a warning.
F ........................ C .......... F ........... C ...................... G7
I'd hammer out love between my brothers and my sisters
C F C .. G7 ........ C F C
All ..... over this land.
If I had a bell
I'd ring it in the morning.
I'd ring it in the evening
All over this land.
I'd ring out danger.
I'd ring out a warning.
I'd ring out love between my brothers and my sisters
All over this land.
If I had a song
I'd sing it in the morning.
I'd sing it in the evening
All over this land.
I'd sing out danger.
I'd sing out a warning.
I'd sing out love between my brothers and my sisters
All over this land.
Well, I got a hammer
And I got a bell
And I got a song to sing,
All over this land.
It's the hammer of Justice.
It's the bell of Freedom.
It's the song about Love between my brothers and my sisters
All over this land.
Lyrics and chords of many of my songs are no longer available, as my website has expired. I am currently posting lyrics to the information panels on all my videos and those that are too long to post in full will be found on my new website: https://raymondsfolkpage.wordpress.com
- Song
-
The Hammer Song
- Performed by
- raymondcrooke
- Originally by
-
The Weavers
- Video title
- 560. If I Had a Hammer (Pete Seeger and Lee Hays)
- Views
- 12301
- Likes
- 26
