Hammer and the Anvil
The Longest Johns Lyrics

I thought to make a horseshoe and asked my hammer thus
The singer had an idea to create a horseshoe and consulted his hammer for its thoughts.

He said, "I’ll ask the anvil what you require of us"
The hammer agreed and said it would inquire with the anvil to see if it is on board with their plan.

The hammer asked the anvil and she at once agreed
The anvil quickly consented to the idea presented by the hammer.

That they should meet together in the way that I decreed
The artist instructed the hammer and anvil to work together to bring his vision to life.

And it's sparks a-flying, passion strong
The creative process involves intense energy and enthusiasm.

I am the blacksmith singing
The singer is the blacksmith and celebrates his craft through song.

The hammer and the anvil song
The process of forging involves collaboration between the hammer and the anvil, which is celebrated through song.

I thought to make an anchor, for taking on the main
The artist then had an idea to create an anchor, which is used for seafaring.

The hammer and the anvil relented once again
The hammer and anvil agreed to work together once again to bring the artist's new idea to life.

So they sat there together, as I prepared the cast
The hammer and anvil worked together as the artist prepared to create the anchor.

They braced themselves for impact like a sailor on the mast
The hammer and anvil prepared for the force of the creation process, as if they were sailors preparing for rough seas.

I thought to make a broadsword, for fighting on the field
The artist's next idea was to create a broadsword, a weapon used in battle.

Much as I know the hammer is a nobler thing to wield
Although the singer believes the hammer is a superior tool, he acknowledges that swords are sometimes necessary.

For though us humble tradesfolk choose a quiet life
Even though the singer is a modest tradesperson, they recognize that war can enter their world.

The gods of war come to the door of the hammer and his wife
War often disrupts the peace of the blacksmith and their loved ones.

They asked me for a statue of the general who died
The artist was asked to make a statue of a deceased general.

A sword raised in his iron fist and a warhorse sat astride
The statue was to depict the general on a warhorse, holding a sword in his hand.

And though I knew they’d try me for what I did decide
The singer understood that their choice to include a hammer and anvil in the statue could cause controversy.

I stuck a hammer in his fist and an anvil by his side
The singer bravely included a hammer and anvil in the statue, despite potential criticism for doing so.

Now all you merry blacksmiths, a warning take by me
The artist offers a cautionary message to other blacksmiths.

Stick to your country horseshoes and your anchors for the sea
The artist suggests that blacksmiths should stick to making simpler items like horseshoes and anchors.

When the gods of war come calling, promising you gold
The artist warns that the temptation of money from war shouldn't distract blacksmiths from their values.

They’ll take your hammer, take your anvil, take your very soul
War can consume a blacksmith's craft and spirit, leaving them with nothing.