If I Had a Hammer

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For other uses, see If I Had a Hammer (disambiguation).

'"If I Had a Hammer" is a song written by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays. It was written in support of progressive movements in 1949 and has since become known around the world. It was first recorded in 1949 by the folksinging quartet that Seeger and Hays were one half of, The Weavers (the other two members being Ronnie Gilbert and Fred Hellerman). The political climate was such that The Weavers didn't have success with it, but those who later covered it certainly did.

A cover released by Peter, Paul, and Mary in August 1962 became a top 10 hit. Trini Lopez released a successful cover on the album Trini Lopez at PJ's in 1963, and Leonard Nimoy also recorded a version that was released in 1968 on his third album, The Way I Feel.

It was an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement and covered by dozens of major artists. It also was a common selection for "folk" Masses in Catholic Churches.