If I Were A Carpenter
Robert Plant Lyrics


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If I were a carpenter
You were the lady
Would you marry me anyway?
Would you have my baby?

If a tinker were my trade
Would you still find me
Carryin' the pots I made
Followin' behind me?

Save my love through loneliness
Save my love through sorrow
I give you my onliness
Give me your tomorrow

If I worked my hands at wood
Oh, would you still love me?
Answer me, babe
"Yes, I would, I'd put you above me"

If a miller were my trade
At a mill wheel grinding
Would you miss your glory-box?
Oh, your soft shoes shining

Save my love through loneliness
Save my love through sorrow
I give you my onliness
Come give me your tomorrow

I give you my onliness
Give me your tomorrow

If I were a carpenter
And you were a lady
Would you marry me anyway?
Would you have my baby?

Would you marry me anyway?
Would you have my baby?




Would you marry, marry me?
Would you have my baby?

Overall Meaning

Robert Plant's song If I Were A Carpenter delves into the concept of love being able to transcend societal norms and prejudices. The lyrics pose hypothetical scenarios where the singer, a carpenter, a tinker, or a miller, wonders if his partner would still love him and stay with him despite his social status and job. The recurring theme of asking whether his partner would have his baby portrays the singer's vulnerability and desire for stability and commitment in their relationship.


The chorus, "Save my love through loneliness, save my love through sorrow, I give you my onliness, come give me your tomorrow," highlights the importance of emotional support and care when facing difficult times. The reference to the "glory-box" and "soft shoes shining" implies that the singer's partner is used to a certain lifestyle, but it wouldn't matter to the singer who is willing to work hard to provide for their future together.


Line by Line Meaning

If I were a carpenter
If I had a profession as a carpenter


You were the lady
If you were the woman I loved


Would you marry me anyway?
Would you still want to marry me despite my profession?


Would you have my baby?
Would you still want to have children with me?


If a tinker were my trade
If my profession was being a tinker


Would you still find me
Would you still love me?


Carryin' the pots I made
Even if I had to carry around the pots I made to sell them?


Followin' behind me?
Would you still want to be with me despite my job?


Save my love through loneliness
Please keep my love with you even when I'm not there


Save my love through sorrow
Even during tough times, hold onto my love


I give you my onliness
I give you all of myself, my love, and my presence


Give me your tomorrow
Promise me that you'll be with me in the future


If I worked my hands at wood
If I made a living by working with wood


Oh, would you still love me?
Would you still have feelings for me?


Answer me, babe
Please respond, my dear


"Yes, I would, I'd put you above me"
Yes, I would still love you and put you first


If a miller were my trade
If I worked in a mill


At a mill wheel grinding
Grinding flour with a mill wheel


Would you miss your glory-box?
Would you miss your possessions?


Oh, your soft shoes shining
Your fancy shoes that you treasure so much


Come give me your tomorrow
Promise me your love and presence for the future


Would you marry, marry me?
Would you accept my proposal and marry me?


Would you have my baby?
Would you want to start a family with me?




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Tim Hardin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@HulkmanManhulk

If he was a carpenter, he could build a stairway to Heaven 😊

@tonyrobson4681

Hulk, you listen to Gary Lineker. He prides himself on these 'clever' links/ puns/ homonyms.

@geraldogomes1575

Hey Bob Plant fans,You Will return here in 2024?

@Ralf09

I am here in 24…

@aspjake123

No

@ragdolly22

Already here

@littlebird2276

Please don’t call him Bob

@aspjake123

@@littlebird2276 Not sure if he speaks well as he posted a statement in question format. But yeah, big foul. The man is Robert please.

16 More Replies...

@catou50

Carpenter is my maiden name. I lost my husband in late April after 51 years together. This is for my older 2 brothers who are my rock.

@Love-life740

I just seen this and wanted to wish you a merry Christmas. So sorry for your loss ❤️🙏

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