If I Had a Hammer
Eddie and the Subtitles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I could be glad all of the while
I could change the grey skies to blues
If I had you
I could leave the old days behind
Leave all my pals, I'd never mind
I could start my life all a new
If I had you
Sail the mighty ocean wide
I could cross the burning desert
If I had you by my side
I could be a king, dear, uncrowned
Humble or poor, rich or renowned
There is nothing I couldn't do
If I had you
I could show the world how to smile
I could be glad all of the while
I could change the grey skies to blues
If I had you
I could leave the old days behind
Leave all my pals, I'd never mind
I could start my life all a new
If I had you
I could climb the snow capped mountains
Sail the mighty ocean wide
I could cross the burning desert
If I had you by my side
I could be a king, dear, uncrowned
Humble or poor, rich or renowned
There is nothing I couldn't do
The lyrics to Eddie and the Subtitles's song "If I Had a Hammer" capture the sentiment of how having someone by our side can make everything seem possible. The singer asserts that with the right person by their side, they could change the world, leave the past behind and start anew, and tackle seemingly insurmountable obstacles like climbing mountains, crossing deserts, and sailing oceans.
The phrase "if I had a hammer" is actually a reference to a popular protest song written by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays in 1949. The song calls for social justice and equality, and has become a symbol of the labor and civil rights movements.
Eddie and the Subtitles's version of the song was released in 1982 as a part of a compilation album titled "The Future Looks Bright Ahead". The punk rock band hails from California and was active from the late 1970s to early 1990s.
Interestingly, the song was covered by many famous musicians over the years, including Peter, Paul and Mary, Trini Lopez, and even Bruce Springsteen. The song's message of hope and the desire for a better future resonated deeply with audiences.
The song's simple yet powerful lyrics are a reminder that oftentimes, having a support system can make all the difference. It's easy to feel lost in the world, but knowing that there's someone there to stand by us can give us the courage to take on anything.
Overall, Eddie and the Subtitles's rendition of "If I had a Hammer" is a testament to the staying power and enduring relevance of the classic protest song.
Line by Line Meaning
I could show the world how to smile
I have the ability to bring joy to others and teach them to be happy.
I could be glad all of the while
With you, I would always be happy and content.
I could change the grey skies to blues
Your presence would make everything in life seem brighter and more positive.
If I had you
Everything I am describing is only possible with you by my side.
I could leave the old days behind
With you, I could move forward from any negative experiences or memories from my past.
Leave all my pals, I'd never mind
I am willing to sacrifice other relationships in order to have you in my life.
I could start my life all anew
You would be the catalyst for a fresh start and new beginnings for me.
I could climb the snow capped mountains
With you, I would have the courage and strength to take on any challenge, no matter how difficult.
Sail the mighty ocean wide
Together, we could explore the vastness of the world and all its possibilities.
I could cross the burning desert
Even in the face of danger and difficulty, I would be fearless with your support.
If I had you by my side
Again, all of these ambitions and dreams are only attainable with you as my partner.
I could be a king, dear, uncrowned
With you, I would feel like royalty and have a sense of pride and accomplishment in my life.
Humble or poor, rich or renowned
Regardless of my station or status in life, having you would give me a sense of purpose and belonging.
There is nothing I couldn't do
With your love and support, there is no obstacle or challenge that would be insurmountable.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management
Written by: GORDON MILLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind