If I Had A Hammer
Enoch Light & His Orchestra Lyrics

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If I only had a brain

Well, Harry Babbitt
We got quite a problem here, son
Let's talk it over

I could while away the hours
Conferrin' with the flowers

Consultin' with the rain

And my head I'd be scratchin'
While my thoughts were busy hatchin'
If I only had a brain

Why I'd unravel every riddle
For most any individual
In trouble or in pain

And with the thoughts, I'd be thinkin'
"I can be another Lincoln"
If I only had a brain

Oh, I could tell you why
The ocean's so near the shore
I could think of things I never thought before
And then I'd sit and think some more

Why I would not be just a nothin'
My head all full of stuffin'
My heart all full of pain

And perhaps I'd deserved you
And even be worthy of you
If I only had a brain

Oh, if I only had a brain

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Enoch Light & His Orchestra's song "If I Had a Hammer" are actually a playful adaptation of the classic song "If I Only Had a Brain" from the movie The Wizard of Oz. The song is a conversation between Harry Babbitt and the orchestra leader, where they discuss a problem they have and reflect on what they could do if they had a brain.

The lyrics play with the idea of having intelligence and the ability to think deeply. Harry Babbitt imagines himself passing the time by talking to flowers, seeking advice from rain, and scratching his head while hatching thoughts. He envisions himself as a problem-solver, unraveling riddles and helping people in trouble or pain. He even daydreams about becoming another great figure like Abraham Lincoln, capable of making significant contributions to the world.

The lyrics also touch on the theme of self-worth and longing for acceptance. Harry Babbitt expresses a desire to be more than a "nothin'" with a head full of "stuffin'" and a heart full of pain. He wonders if having a brain would make him deserving and worthy of someone's love and admiration.

Overall, the lyrics of "If I Had a Hammer" offer a lighthearted and whimsical take on the longing for intelligence, problem-solving abilities, and the yearning for self-worth and validation.

Line by Line Meaning

If I only had a brain
If I possessed intelligence and critical thinking abilities

Well, Harry Babbitt
Hey Harry Babbitt, let's discuss this matter

We got quite a problem here, son
We are facing a significant issue, my friend

Let's talk it over
Let's have a conversation to find a solution

I could while away the hours
I could spend my time leisurely

Conferrin' with the flowers
Having deep conversations with the flowers

Consultin' with the rain
Seeking advice from the rain

And my head I'd be scratchin'
I would be perplexed and pondering

While my thoughts were busy hatchin'
As my thoughts were actively formulating

Why I'd unravel every riddle
I would unravel any mystery or puzzle

For most any individual
For anyone in need