Folk Music

The song was written by Tim Hardin. It was released on Hardin’s 1967 album Tim Hardin 2 as the first track, and it was also released as a single in 1968, backed with “Wonderful Baby.” Hardin performed the song at the Woodstock Music & Art Fair in 1969. There have been numerous covers of the song, including versions by Bobby Darin, Johnny Cash and June Carter, The Four Tops, Leon Russell, Rod Stewart, Joan Baez, Robert Plant, Johnny Rivers, Leonard Nimoy (yes, that Leonard Nimoy), Bob Seger, and oh, so many more.

Tim Hardin was born James Timothy Hardin in Eugene, Oregon, in 1941. He was influential as a singer/songwriter in the folk music movement. He had success with many songs, including “Reason to Believe,” Don’t Make Promises,” and “Misty Roses,” to mention a few. He died at the age of 39 of a heroin overdose.

Here are the lyrics for “If I Were a Carpenter” by Tim Hardin:

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 for sorrow
Save my love for lonely
I’m giving you my tomorrow
Love me only

If I worked my hands in wood
Would you still love me?
The answer quick, Tim, I could
I’ll put you above me

If I were a miller
At a mill wheel grinding
Would you miss your color box
And your soft shoes shining?

Save my love for loneliness
Save my love for sorrow
I’ve given you my only-ness
You’ve given me your tomorrow

If I were a carpenter
And you were a lady
Would you marry me anyway?
Would you have my baby?

Check Out The Groove Pad for More 1960s Music

The Pass the Paisley Groove Pad is a resting stop, a place to chill out and listen to the featured song on the stereo. If the mood strikes you, click on the juke box to access and listen to the 50+ free online songs there. The TV has several channels, with selections updated twice a week. Every now and then, Pass the Paisley hosts an all-request of 1960s and 1970s songs for a Be-In at the juke box in the Groove Pad. Keep on truckin’. Hope you enjoyed “If I Were a Carpenter” by Tim Hardin.