26/07/2025
"If I Had a Hammer": A Folk Anthem for Change
Released in 1962, Peter, Paul and Mary's iconic rendition of "If I Had a Hammer" quickly became a cornerstone of the folk music movement. Written by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays, the song uses the powerful metaphors of a hammer, a bell, and a song to represent the essential tools for enacting societal change.
This track wasn't just a hit, climbing to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100; it was an anthem. Its release coincided with the civil rights movement and anti-war protests, resonating deeply with a generation actively pursuing justice and peace. "If I Had a Hammer" solidified its place as a timeless symbol of unity and a rallying cry for equality.