If I Were a Carpenter
Tim Hardin
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
If I were a carpenter, and you were a lady 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 give you my only-ness Give me your tomorrow If I worked my hands in wood, 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 color box, your soft shoes shining Save my love through loneliness Save my love through sorrow I give you my only-ness 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?
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
13 facts about this song
Song Moniker"If I Were a Carpenter" is often associated with Bobby Darin or Johnny Cash, but the song was originally written and performed by Tim Hardin.
|
ReleaseTim Hardin first released "If I Were a Carpenter" in 1966 on his album, "Tim Hardin 1."
|
CompositionThe song is a folk composition that displays Hardin's talent for poetic lyrics.
|
Song InsightsThe song explores a class barrier that could exist in relationships, asking if his lover would still be with him if he were a carpenter and she were a lady.
|
CoversIt was covered numerous times by various artists, such as Bobby Darin, who made the song popular in 1966, and Johnny Cash and June Carter, who won a Grammy for their version in 1970.
|
Chart PerformanceBobby Darin's version reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1966 and became a gold record.
|
Live PerformancesTim Hardin performed "If I Were a Carpenter" at the Woodstock festival in 1969.
|
Iconic StatusThe song is considered one of the 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll according to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
|
Tribute to HardinAs a tribute to Tim Hardin, Robert Plant recorded a cover of "If I Were a Carpenter" for the tribute album "Reason to Believe: The Complete Mercury Studio Recordings."
|
Wild VersionsThe Four Tops made an epic soul version while Bob Seger did an acoustic rock version.
|
Impact on Popular CultureThe song has been featured in many films and TV shows, including "How We Used To Live," "Heartbeat," and "Peak Practice."
|
Overseas VersionA French version of the song, "Si j'étais un charpentier," was sung by Johnny Hallyday.
|
LifespanThough Tim Hardin died relatively young, his music, especially "If I Were a Carpenter," has continued to resonate with listeners and musicians alike, being covered and re-imagined in various styles and genres.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"If I Were a Carpenter Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 20 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/942688/Tim+Hardin/If+I+Were+a+Carpenter>.
Discuss the If I Were a Carpenter Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In