Roch Voisine was born in Edmundston, New Brunswick, but grew up in Saint Basile. His parents are Réal Voisine, mayor of Notre-Dame-du-Lac, Québec and a former English teacher, and Zélande Robichaud, a former nurse.
Voisine's musical breakthrough came with his 1989 album Hélène which sold three million copies and became a major hit not only in Quebec but also in France, Belgium and Switzerland. In 1990, Hélène was awarded the Best Album prize at the the Victoires de la Musique, France's version of Grammys. After a highly successful European Tour in 1991, he was awarded France's Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
In 1993, Voisine had his biggest English-language hit to date with the single and album both entitled I'll Always Be There, which he worked on with David Foster.
Over the years, he has continued to alternatively record both French and English-language albums. His French language work and concert tours have continued to enjoy success in Europe (especially France) and Quebec, while his English-language recordings are a frequent mainstay of Canadian Adult Contemporary radio.
If I Were A Carpenter
Roch Voisine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Would you marry me anyway, would you have my baby?
If a tinker were my trade, would you still find me
Carrying the pots I made following behind me?
Save my love through loneliness, save my love through sorrow.
I've given you my onliness, give me your tomorrow.
If I worked my hands in wood, would you still love me?
Answer me, baby, yes, I would, I'd put you above me.
Would you miss your coloured box and those soft shoes shining?
Save my love through loneliness, save my love through sorrow.
I've given 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?
Save my love through loneliness, save my love through sorrow.
I've given you my onliness, give me your tomorrow.
Save my love through loneliness, save my love through sorrow.
I've given you my onliness, give me your tomorrow.
Give me your tomorrow.
The lyrics to Roch Voisine's song 'If I Were a Carpenter' express a deep sense of love and devotion. The song is written as a conversation between the singer, a carpenter, and their beloved partner, a lady. The singer asks if, despite being a carpenter, they would still be loved and appreciated by their partner. They go on to ask if they were a tinker or a miller, would their partner still love them. The repetition of the phrase "Save my love through loneliness, save my love through sorrow," indicates that the singer's love is constant and unwavering, and they are willing to endure anything for the sake of their relationship.
The song is symbolic and romantic, and the lyrics speak to the deep emotional connection between two people who are committed to each other. The carpenter symbolizes a hardworking and dedicated partner who is willing to do whatever it takes to provide for their loved one, while the lady represents a supportive and caring partner who loves the carpenter for who they are, regardless of their profession or social status.
Overall, 'If I Were a Carpenter' is a touching love song that explores themes of loyalty, commitment, and unconditional love. The lyrics are powerful and emotional, and they speak to the universal experience of what it means to be in a loving, committed relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
If I were a carpenter and you were a lady
If I had a job as a carpenter and you were a classy woman
Would you marry me anyway, would you have my baby?
Would you still want to marry me and have my child?
If a tinker were my trade, would you still find me
If I was a tinker by profession, would you still recognize me?
Carrying the pots I made following behind me?
As I'm carrying the pots I made, would you walk back of me?
Save my love through loneliness, save my love through sorrow.
Keep my love with you even in my sadness and solitude.
I've given you my onliness, give me your tomorrow.
I've given you all my time alone, please give me your love and future.
If I worked my hands in wood, would you still love me?
If I were a woodworker, would you still love me?
Answer me, baby, yes, I would, I'd put you above me.
Please reply, my love, and say yes, I would love you more than anything.
If I were a miller, at a mill wheel grinding
If I worked as a mill operator, grinding at the mill wheel
Would you miss your coloured box and those soft shoes shining?
Would you regret giving up your fancy lifestyle and comfy shoes?
Give me your tomorrow.
Please promise me your future.
Writer(s): JAMES TIMOTHY HARDIN
Contributed by Violet P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.