If I Had a Hammer
Arlo Guthrie & Pete Seeger Lyrics
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I'd hammer in the evening, all over this land
I'd hammer out danger, I'd hammer out a warning
I'd hammer out love between my brothers and my sisters 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 it in danger, I'd ring out a warning
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 it in danger, I'd sing out a warning
I'd sing in 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 a song about love between my brothers and my sisters all over this land
The lyrics to Arlo Guthrie & Pete Seeger's song "If I Had A Hammer" have a strong message of unity, love, and equality, that can be interpreted in various ways. When the song talks about hammering in the morning, evening, and all over the land, it can be seen as a metaphor for people continuously working hard to make positive changes in society. For example, hammering out danger and warning could suggest people using their voices and actions to fight against injustice and inequality. Additionally, hammering out love between brothers and sisters is a metaphor that promotes harmony and acceptance among all people.
Furthermore, the song mentions other tools that signify the importance of communication and unity. The bell, which is a symbol of alertness, would warn people about potential dangers or issues that need to be addressed. Similarly, the song being sung in the morning, evening, and all over the land is a demonstration of how powerful music and art can be in bringing people together to create a more inclusive and just world.
The final verses of the song bring everything together by stating that the singer has access to all these tools: a hammer, a bell, and a song. They call it "the hammer of justice, the bell of freedom, and the song about love between my brothers and sisters all over this land". This powerful statement emphasizes that each individual has the means to make a difference, and with these tools, they can work towards a better society.
Line by Line Meaning
If I had a hammer, I'd hammer in the morning
If I possessed a hammer, I would use it to strike in the morning.
I'd hammer in the evening, all over this land
I would work using my hammer tirelessly every evening in different parts of this nation.
I'd hammer out danger, I'd hammer out a warning
I would use the hammer to fix imminent risks and provide warnings.
I'd hammer out love between my brothers and my sisters all over this land
Using my hammer, I would spread love among all people throughout the country, regardless of nature.
If I had a bell, I'd ring it in the morning
Had I owned a bell, I would have the chance to ring it every morning.
I'd ring it in the evening, all over this land
I would take the chance of ringing my bell every day in the evening while moving throughout the land.
I'd ring it in danger, I'd ring out a warning
Whenever danger arises, I will alert people by ringing the bell.
I'd ring in love between my brothers and my sisters all over this land
My bell would help me spread love and equality throughout the land.
If I had a song, I'd sing it in the morning
If I knew a song, I would wake up every morning, and sing it.
I'd sing it in the evening, all over this land
I will sing the song in the evening, moving across different parts of this land.
I'd sing it in danger, I'd sing out a warning
I would signal a warning by singing the song in the face of danger.
I'd sing in love between my brothers and my sisters all over this land
I would sing the song with a message of promoting love and brotherhood among all people throughout the nation.
Well I got a hammer and I got a bell
I have a hammer and a bell in my possession.
And I got a song to sing all over this land
I have a song that I will sing to promote love and equality throughout the nation.
It's the hammer of justice, it's the bell of freedom
The hammer represents the quest for justice, and the bell symbolizes the fight for freedom.
It's a song about love between my brothers and my sisters all over this land
The song I have is a message of peace and love that I will sing and share among all people in the country.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Tratore, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lee Hays, Pete Seeger
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bonniebrysonlill
Pete was ageless and his music is timeless, the world is a lesser place without him, the world has lost a truly beautiful soul.
@banjostead
Write to > joe@joestead.com < to read my eulogy/obituary. I worked with Pete both on stage and in the recording studio. He was a friend to anybody who needed help. Peace to you. Joe Stead.
@2fercarol
R.I P. You have been loved.
@banjostead
Write to >joe@joestead.com< to read my eulogy/obituary. I worked with Pete both on stage and in the recording studio. He was a friend to anybody who needed help. Peace to you. Joe Stead.
@watchoutbambi
@zeeahbella We love him here in Dunedin NZ too!!
@keaton1895
@sambowman91 He wasn't old he was in his 50's.
@banjostead
Write to >joe@joestead.com< to read my eulogy/obituary. I worked with Pete both on stage and in the recording studio. He was a friend to anybody who needed help. Peace to you. Joe Stead.