The song was not particularly successful when it was first released, likely due in part to the political climate of the time. It fared notably better when it was recorded by Peter, Paul, and Mary more than a decade later. Their cover of the song, released in August of 1962, became a Top 10 hit. The song has since been recorded by dozens of major artists, including a version by Trini Lopez on his 1963 album Trini Lopez at PJ's, which reached No. 3 in the U.S., as well as one by Leonard Nimoy, which appeared on his 1968 release The Way I Feel. A more recent example is the reggae-style cover released by BBC personality Handy Andy, which was not particularly well received.
The song "If I Had a Hammer" was a Civil Rights anthem of the American Civil Rights movement and covered by dozens of major artists, including Sam Cooke, who recorded the song in concert. It also was a common selection for "folk masses" in Catholic Churches.
If I Had A Hammer
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 song "If I Had a Hammer" was written by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays in 1949 during the height of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. The lyrics of the song talk about a desire to create positive change in the world, and the actions that would be taken if given the tools to do so. The repetition of the phrase "all over this land" emphasizes the message that these actions are necessary everywhere, not just in one specific location.
The use of the hammer, bell, and song in the lyrics represents different methods of creating change. The hammer symbolizes physical action and the ability to build, while the bell represents the power of communication and alerting others to potential danger. The song represents the power of music to inspire and unify people.
The line "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" sums up the message of the entire song. By using these tools, we can work towards creating a more just and equal society, where freedom and love are valued and shared by all.
Line by Line Meaning
If I had a hammer, I'd hammer in the morning
If I possessed a hammer, I would start working early in the day
I'd hammer in the evening, all over this land
I would use my hammer not only in the morning but also in the evening throughout the country
I'd hammer out danger, I'd hammer out a warning
Using my hammer, I would create awareness among people about the potential hazards and caution them.
I'd hammer out love between my brothers and my sisters all over this land
Through my work, I would spread love and mutual understanding among fellow citizens in every part of the nation.
If I had a bell, I'd ring it in the morning
If I had a bell, I would use it to signal the start of the day.
I'd ring it in the evening, all over this land
Similarly, I would use the bell in the evening indicating the end of the day across the nation.
I'd ring it in danger, I'd ring out a warning
When there's a danger or any foreseeable threat, I would use my bell to warn the people.
I'd ring in love between my brothers and my sisters all over this land
I also would use the bell to enhance the bonds among people and advocate for mutual loving relationships.
If I had a song, I'd sing it in the morning
If I had the ability, I would start the day by singing a song.
I'd sing it in the evening, all over this land
Furthermore, I would always sing the song throughout the nation from day to night.
I'd sing it in danger, I'd sing out a warning
When there's a potential threat or danger, I would sing the song to alert and make people aware of the threat.
I'd sing in love between my brothers and my sisters all over this land
I would also sing to promote love, unison, and harmony among fellow citizens.
Well, I got a hammer and I got a bell
I have a hammer and a bell
And I got a song to sing all over this land
In addition to that, I have a song that I would sing across the nation.
It's the hammer of justice, it's the bell of freedom
My hammer represents justice, and the bell symbolizes freedom.
It's a song about love between my brothers and my sisters all over this land
My song is a heartfelt dedication to promoting love, respect, and brotherhood among all people in the nation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Tratore, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lee Hays, Pete Seeger
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind