Peter, Paul and Mary’s Stirring Performance of ‘If I Had A Hammer’

“If I Had a Hammer (The Hammer Song)” is a folk song written by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays. It was popularized by the American folk group Peter, Paul and Mary and released on their 1962 self-titled debut album.

The song’s lyrics convey a message of hope, unity, and social justice. It expresses the idea that if the narrator had a hammer, they would use it to bring about positive change, including ringing out danger, warning against injustice, and spreading love between their brothers and sisters. The song became an anthem for the civil rights and labor movements of the 1960s.

Peter, Paul and Mary’s rendition of “If I Had a Hammer” featured their signature harmonies and acoustic folk sound. The song quickly became a hit, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning the group a Grammy Award for Best Folk Recording.

The song’s enduring message of peace and social change, along with its memorable melody, has solidified its place as a classic folk and protest song. It remains a powerful and inspirational anthem that continues to resonate with audiences and is often associated with the social and political movements of the 1960s.