Added: Sep 3, 2008
From: raymondcrooke
Duration: 2:26
Written in 1949, this song, also known as "The Hammer Song," was first recorded by The Weavers. It did not achieve popular success probably because the world was not ready for such overt political commentary in their music. It did much better when covered by Peter, Paul and Mary in 1962, when it reached the Top 10. Later recordings include versions by Trini Lopez (1963), Leonard Nimoy (1968), Debbie Reynolds and Sam Cooke. It has been translated into many languages, including a French version, "Si j'avais un marteau," by Claude François (1963), a watered-down Italian version, "Datemi un martello," by Rita Pavone (1963), a Chilean version, "El Martillo," by Víctor Jara (1969) cover and one from Nicaragua, "Dame Aquel Martillo," by Hernaldo Zúñiga, (1991). It became an anthem of the American Civil Rights movement and was also used in church services.
Channel: Music
Tags: bell folk freedom hays justice love seeger song weavers
Rating: 4.81 (16 ratings) Views: 1539' favoriteCount='1 Comments: 25
raymondcrooke Says:
Sep 4, 2008 - Yes. Well done, Weavers!
raymondcrooke Says:
Sep 4, 2008 - Thank you. Glad you liked it.
raymondcrooke Says:
Sep 4, 2008 - Thanks, Marcie.
raymondcrooke Says:
Sep 4, 2008 - Such a chestnut I took a long time to get around to it!
raymondcrooke Says:
Sep 4, 2008 - I must be reading your mind. I'm a bit surprised no one has requested it before!
raymondcrooke Says:
Sep 4, 2008 - Thanks, ghostgal.
Colognefgfg Says:
Sep 4, 2008 - oh wow very nice song mr crooke!
stewballmax Says:
Sep 7, 2008 - Hello Raymond... You do realize that you have just performed my favorite folk song PERIOD,don't you? It ahs personal meaning for me. Mr. Hays (with whom I would correspond by letter in the mid seventies (and have had the pleasure to meet @ a Clearwater Festval long ago),had told me that he had been living on the royalties to this song at the time. TRO (the small company handeling the copyrights to both "Hammer " as well as Woody's "This Land Is Your Land",...continued
stewballmax Says:
Sep 7, 2008 - are two of the most recorded songs all around the globe. When Lee had written this song (in less than half an hour,according to him)..his intention was for it to be a universal message. It tickled hims so (and surprised him) that it would reach so many millions around the globe. He wanted the song to be on the lips of all around the world... His original lyrics were modified from all of my brothers to my brothers and my sisters with Lee's personal blessing..continued
stewballmax Says:
Sep 7, 2008 - The song is timeless and is performed as the show-stopper at every Peter,Paul and Mary concert (as well as by Pete Seeger). With your sterling showcase presented here,you have carried on this all-time bonifide classic to a new generation. Long live the Folk process,Raymond! Peace, Stewball
stewballmax Says:
Sep 7, 2008 - The sheet music to "The Hammer Song" was printed on the front cover of the premiere issue of "Sing Out!" magazine in 1950. I treasure my copy...signed by Mr. Lee (my musical mentor then,now and forever). Peace, Stewball p.s. I had wondered why it has taken you 550 songs to get to this gem...but it was VERY WELL worth the wait,indeed. David Holness-Dimple Diamond had performed the song back in July of '07 (at my request). Now hopefully,lewdite will soon follow suit.:)
jaravive Says:
Sep 7, 2008 - afina bien la guitarra...
raymondcrooke Says:
Sep 7, 2008 - I guess it took me so long because it is such a well-known song and I wasn't sure I could do it justice. It is indeed a great song, and its very simplicity is perhaps part of that greatness. Thanks for all the information you have provided here, and I'm glad I got around to doing your favourite song. I remember "Sing Out" magazine very well, but I never got hold of the first issue.
broncose1 Says:
Sep 8, 2008 - This is very good.You do a great job. 5*****'s and thank you stewballmax for sending. Shirley
raymondcrooke Says:
Sep 8, 2008 - gracias
raymondcrooke Says:
Sep 8, 2008 - Thank you, Shirley, and to Max for sharing my rendition of his favourite song.
kestorz Says:
Sep 9, 2008 - 5 Stars from me :)
raymondcrooke Says:
Sep 9, 2008 - Thank you.
DBD1787 Says:
Sep 16, 2008 - Excellent song. Your version is great. My mom said that in the 70s, they used to sing it during Mass. I have heard in some places they still do in many "progressive" Catholic churches. Time to revive it, I think. :)
raymondcrooke Says:
Sep 16, 2008 - I'm pleased to hear it. A church is an appropriate place for a song with such a message of peace.
stewballmax Says:
Sep 18, 2008 - Hi DBD1787... As a song and guitar leader of our church's Folk Mass,"If I Had A Hammer" is on our set list and is perfomed with reularity...taking turns with "Day Is Done" and "Where Have All The Flowers Gone?". Peace, Max
DBD1787 Says:
Sep 18, 2008 - Wish I could get to one of those masses. I love those two songs too. My mom told me that they used to do those as well, along with Blowing in the Wind.
SirCoughsalot Says:
Oct 18, 2008 - If I sang this at church, I don't think it would go over too well. After all, it makes no mention of Jesus or the Bible... But what could be more Christian than a song about peace and love between everyone in the world?
raymondcrooke Says:
Oct 18, 2008 - It depends on the church. I'm sure many churches would happily include this in their service.
raymondcrooke Says:
Sep 4, 2008 - Thanks Colleen, and thanks for subscribing.