He is credited with being one of the first musicians to go to extreme lengths to create high-quality recordings that took full advantage of the technical capabilities of home audio equipment of the late 1950s and early 1960s, particularly stereo effects that bounced the sounds between the right and left channels (often described as “ping-pong”).
The first of the albums produced on his record label, Command Records, Persuasive Percussion, became the first huge hit based solely on retail sales. His songs received little or no airplay on the radio, because AM radio, the standard of the day, was monaural. Light went on to release several albums in the Persuasive Percussion series, as well as a Command test record.
Enoch Light released myriad albums in various genres of music under a variety of names during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Some were released under Grand Award Records, a subsidiary label he founded earlier. The music was intended for older audiences, as opposed to most popular music of the time, which was usually aimed at teenagers. During this time, he pioneered many recording techniques, such as the use of 35 mm opical sound film instead of magnetic tape, thereby reducing the effects of “wow” and “flutter”. The recordings were released under the “35MM” series, starting from “Stereo 35-MM” released by Command Records. Musicians who appeared on Light’s albums include The Free Design, The Critters, Rain, Doc Severinsen, Tony Mottola, Dick Hyman, and arranger Lew Davies.
In 1965, Light sold the Command record label, which had released the Persuasive Percussion series, to ABC Records, which itself was subsequently sold to MCA Records. ABC continued the Command label, and launched an experimental rock label ABC Command Probe as part of the division. This label was the first home of the Soft Machine. When ABC Records issued quadraphonic records in the 1970s, they were issued on the Command label.
If I Had A Hammer
Enoch Light and His Orchestra Lyrics
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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 Enoch Light and His Orchestra's song "If I Had a Hammer" speak to the transformative power of love and companionship. The singer envisions a life full of joy, adventure, and accomplishment if only they had this person they desire by their side. The song asserts the idea that having someone you love can give you the confidence and drive to achieve your dreams and reach your potential. The lyrics specifically talk about how this person could make the singer happy, help him leave behind the past, and support him through any difficulty.
Line by Line Meaning
I could show the world how to smile
I have the ability to bring happiness and positivity to the world
I could be glad all of the while
I could be happy every moment of my life
I could change the grey skies to blues
I can turn sadness and gloom into joy and hope
If I had you
If I had your love and support
I could leave the old days behind
I could forget about my past and move on
Leave all my pals, I’d never mind
I would be okay with leaving behind my old friends
I could start my life all a new
I could begin a fresh start in life
If I had you
If I had your love and support
I could climb the snow-capped mountains
I could accomplish even the hardest tasks
Sail the mighty ocean wide
I could explore the world and see new things
I could cross the burning desert
I could endure even the toughest challenges
If I had you by my side
If I had your love and support
I could be a king, dear, uncrowned
I could be successful and powerful, even without official recognition
Humble or poor, rich or renowned
Regardless of my status or wealth, I could still achieve my goals
There is nothing I couldn’t do
With your love and support, there would be no limit to what I could accomplish
If I had you
If I had your love and support
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GORDON MILLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind