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{{short description|1960s single by Tim Hardin}}
{{short description|1960s song by Tim Hardin}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox song
| name = If I Were a Carpenter
| type = song
| artist = [[Tim Hardin]]
| album = [[Tim Hardin 2]]
| cover = Tim hardin If i were a Carpenter.jpg
| caption = 1967 French EP
| alt =
| released = April 1967
| recorded =
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Folk music|Folk]]
| writer = Tim Hardin
| length = 2:41
| label = [[Verve Forecast Records|Verve Forecast]]
| producer = Charles Koppelman, Don Rubin
}}
"'''If I Were a Carpenter'''" is a folk song written by [[Tim Hardin]] in the 1960s, and re-recorded with commercial success by various artists including [[Bobby Darin]], [[The Four Tops]] and [[Johnny Cash]].<ref name="ft">{{cite web |url=https://www.ft.com/content/f48dcbce-b585-11e7-8007-554f9eaa90ba |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221212001238/https://www.ft.com/content/f48dcbce-b585-11e7-8007-554f9eaa90ba |archive-date=December 12, 2022 |url-status=live |title='If I Were a Carpenter' – the folk singer whose song went on to become a Motown classic |last=Morris |first=Charles |publisher=Financial Times |date=October 23, 2017 |website=ft.com |access-date=October 19, 2021 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> Hardin's own recording of the piece appeared on his 1967 album ''[[Tim Hardin 2]]''. It was one of two songs from that release (the other being "Misty Roses") performed by Hardin at [[Woodstock]] in 1969.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eO8oChHYDhMC&q=if+i+were+a+carpenter+woodstock&pg=PA84 | title=Woodstock: Three Days that Rocked the World | publisher=Sterling | author=Evans, Mike | year=2010 | isbn=9781402780349}}</ref> The song, believed by some to be about male romantic insecurity, is rumored to have been inspired by his love for actress Susan Morss, as well as the construction of Hardin's recording studio (in the home of [[Lenny Bruce]]).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Songfacts|title=If I Were A Carpenter by Bobby Darin - Songfacts|url=https://www.songfacts.com/facts/bobby-darin/if-i-were-a-carpenter|access-date=2020-06-17|website=www.songfacts.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name="ft" />
"'''If I Were a Carpenter'''" is a folk song written by [[Tim Hardin]] in the 1960s, and re-recorded with commercial success by various artists including [[Bobby Darin]], [[The Four Tops]] and [[Johnny Cash]].<ref name="ft">{{cite web |url=https://www.ft.com/content/f48dcbce-b585-11e7-8007-554f9eaa90ba |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221212001238/https://www.ft.com/content/f48dcbce-b585-11e7-8007-554f9eaa90ba |archive-date=December 12, 2022 |url-status=live |title='If I Were a Carpenter' – the folk singer whose song went on to become a Motown classic |last=Morris |first=Charles |publisher=Financial Times |date=October 23, 2017 |website=ft.com |access-date=October 19, 2021 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> Hardin's own recording of the piece appeared on his 1967 album ''[[Tim Hardin 2]]''. It was one of two songs from that release (the other being "Misty Roses") performed by Hardin at [[Woodstock]] in 1969.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eO8oChHYDhMC&q=if+i+were+a+carpenter+woodstock&pg=PA84 | title=Woodstock: Three Days that Rocked the World | publisher=Sterling | author=Evans, Mike | year=2010 | isbn=9781402780349}}</ref> The song, believed by some to be about male romantic insecurity, is rumored to have been inspired by his love for actress Susan Morss, as well as the construction of Hardin's recording studio (in the home of [[Lenny Bruce]]).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Songfacts|title=If I Were A Carpenter by Bobby Darin - Songfacts|url=https://www.songfacts.com/facts/bobby-darin/if-i-were-a-carpenter|access-date=2020-06-17|website=www.songfacts.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name="ft" />


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{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
|type=Single
|type=Single
|cover=Bobby darin If i Were a Carpenter.jpg
⚫
|artist=Bobby Darin
|caption=Artwork for German, Swedish, and French releases
⚫
|artist=[[Bobby Darin]]
|album = [[If I Were a Carpenter (Bobby Darin album)|If I Were a Carpenter]]
|album = [[If I Were a Carpenter (Bobby Darin album)|If I Were a Carpenter]]
|B-side=Rainin'
|B-side=Rainin'
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|next_year=1966
|next_year=1966
}}
}}
The first notable version of "If I Were a Carpenter" was released by Bobby Darin in September 1966.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Rodriguez |first1=Robert |title=Revolver: How the Beatles Re-Imagined Rock 'n' Roll |date=2012 |publisher=Backbeat Books |location=Montclair |isbn=978-1-61713-009-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/revolverhowbeatl0000rodr |url-access=registration |page=251}}</ref> The song was produced by [[Charles Koppelman]] and Don Rubin at Darin's insistence. Darin played the acoustic guitar on the recording. Darin took some time to record the song in his recording session, and did not finish the recording until 7 o'clock in the morning.<ref name=darin>{{cite book|title=Bobby Darin: A Life |first= Michael Seth|last= Starr |date= 2011|url={{Google Books |IUYCMSnVH-oC|page=153|plain-url=yes}}|isbn=9781589795983|page=153|publisher=Taylor Trade Publishing|via=Google Books}}</ref> The song was released by Atlantic Records, whose executives were reluctant to release the song until it received enthusiastic response by radio audience on the West Coast when Koppelman manage to get the song played there.<ref name=darin />
The first notable version of "If I Were a Carpenter" was released by [[Bobby Darin]] in September 1966.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Rodriguez |first1=Robert |title=Revolver: How the Beatles Re-Imagined Rock 'n' Roll |date=2012 |publisher=Backbeat Books |location=Montclair |isbn=978-1-61713-009-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/revolverhowbeatl0000rodr |url-access=registration |page=251}}</ref> The song was produced by [[Charles Koppelman]] and Don Rubin at Darin's insistence. Darin played the acoustic guitar on the recording. Darin took some time to record the song in his recording session, and did not finish the recording until 7 o'clock in the morning.<ref name=darin>{{cite book|title=Bobby Darin: A Life |first= Michael Seth|last= Starr |date= 2011|url={{Google Books |IUYCMSnVH-oC|page=153|plain-url=yes}}|isbn=9781589795983|page=153|publisher=Taylor Trade Publishing|via=Google Books}}</ref> The song was released by Atlantic Records, whose executives were reluctant to release the song until it received enthusiastic response by radio audience on the West Coast when Koppelman managed to get the song played there.<ref name=darin />


The song became the biggest hit for Darin since his 1963 song "[[You're the Reason I'm Living]]", reaching No. 8 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref>{{cite book |title= The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits: Eighth Edition |last=Whitburn |first=Joel |author-link=Joel Whitburn |year=2004 |publisher=Record Research |page=162}}</ref> It also peaked at No. 9 in the UK.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/bobby%20darin/ | title=Bobby Darin | publisher=www.officialscharts.com | access-date=18 March 2014}}</ref> Darin's recording received a Grammy nomination for [[Grammy Award for Best Contemporary (R&R) Performance|Best Contemporary Rock and Roll Solo Vocal Performance]] at the [[9th Annual Grammy Awards]], but lost to "[[Eleanor Rigby]]" by [[Paul McCartney]].<ref name=darin />
The song became the biggest hit for Darin since his 1963 song "[[You're the Reason I'm Living]]", reaching No. 8 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref>{{cite book |title= The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits: Eighth Edition |last=Whitburn |first=Joel |author-link=Joel Whitburn |year=2004 |publisher=Record Research |page=162}}</ref> It also peaked at No. 9 in the UK.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/bobby%20darin/ | title=Bobby Darin | publisher=www.officialscharts.com | access-date=18 March 2014}}</ref> Darin's recording received a Grammy nomination for [[Grammy Award for Best Contemporary (R&R) Performance|Best Contemporary Rock and Roll Solo Vocal Performance]] at the [[9th Annual Grammy Awards]], but lost to [[Paul McCartney]]’s vocal performance on [[The Beatles]]’ "[[Eleanor Rigby]]".<ref name=darin />


The song is the title song of Bobby Darin's album ''[[If I Were a Carpenter (Bobby Darin album)|If I Were a Carpenter]]'', also produced by Koppelman and Rubin.
The song is the title song of Bobby Darin's album ''[[If I Were a Carpenter (Bobby Darin album)|If I Were a Carpenter]]'', also produced by Koppelman and Rubin.
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| album = [[Reach Out (Four Tops album)|Reach Out]]
| album = [[Reach Out (Four Tops album)|Reach Out]]
| B-side = Wonderful Baby
| B-side = Wonderful Baby
| released = [[1968 in music|1968]]
| released = April 11, 1968
| recorded =
| recorded =
| studio =
| studio =
| genre = [[Folk music|Folk]], [[Soul music|soul]]
| genre = [[Folk music|Folk]], [[Soul music|soul]]
| length = 2:47
| length = 2:47
| label = [[Motown]]<br><small>M 1124</small>
| label = [[Motown]]
| writer = [[Tim Hardin]]
| writer = [[Tim Hardin]]
| producer = [[Brian Holland]], [[Lamont Dozier]]
| producer = [[Brian Holland]], [[Lamont Dozier]]
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| next_year = 1968
| next_year = 1968
}}
}}
In 1968, [[Four Tops|The Four Tops]] hit the Top 20 on both the pop and soul charts with their version.<ref>{{cite book |title= Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004|last=Whitburn |first=Joel |author-link=Joel Whitburn |year=2004 |publisher=Record Research |page=212}}</ref> It also reached No. 7 in the [[UK Singles Chart|UK charts]] in 1968 staying in the charts for 11 weeks.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/four%20tops/ | title=Four Tops | publisher=www.officialscharts.com | access-date=18 March 2014}}</ref> It reached No. 4 in the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dutch Charts: The Four Tops|url=http://dutchcharts.nl/search.asp?search=four+tops&cat=s|publisher=Hung Medien|access-date=2014-04-03}}</ref>
In 1968, [[Four Tops|The Four Tops]] hit the Top 20 on both the pop and soul charts with their version, released as the seventh and final single from their 1967 studio album, ''[[Reach Out (Four Tops album)|Reach Out]]''.<ref>{{cite book |title= Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004|last=Whitburn |first=Joel |author-link=Joel Whitburn |year=2004 |publisher=Record Research |page=212}}</ref> It also reached No. 7 in the [[UK Singles Chart|UK charts]] in 1968 staying in the charts for 11 weeks.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/four%20tops/ | title=Four Tops | publisher=www.officialscharts.com | access-date=18 March 2014}}</ref> It reached No. 4 in the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dutch Charts: The Four Tops|url=http://dutchcharts.nl/search.asp?search=four+tops&cat=s|publisher=Hung Medien|access-date=2014-04-03}}</ref>


''[[Cash Box]]'' said that "Excellent arrangements put a punch into the rhythmic serving, and the vocal brilliance of the quartet transforms the ballad into molten blues with monster potential."<ref>{{cite magazine |title=CashBox Record Reviews |date=April 27, 1968 |page=22|access-date=2023-06-08 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/60s/1968/CB-1968-04-27.pdf|magazine=Cash Box}}</ref>
''[[Cash Box]]'' said that "Excellent arrangements put a punch into the rhythmic serving, and the vocal brilliance of the quartet transforms the ballad into molten blues with monster potential."<ref>{{cite magazine |title=CashBox Record Reviews |date=April 27, 1968 |page=22|access-date=2023-06-08 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/60s/1968/CB-1968-04-27.pdf|magazine=Cash Box}}</ref>
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|}
|}


== Johnny Cash version ==
== Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash’s duet version ==
{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song|type=Single|artist=[[Johnny Cash]] and [[June Carter Cash]]|B-side='Cause I Love You|released=1970|studio=[[Quonset Hut Studio|Columbia]], [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]], U.S.|genre=[[Folk music|Folk]], [[Country music|country]]|length=3:00|label=[[Columbia Records|Columbia]]|writer=Tim Hardin|producer=Bob Johnston}}
|type=Single

|cover=Johnny and June Carter Cash If i Were a Carpenter.jpg
⚫
In 1970, [[Johnny Cash]] and [[June Carter]] recorded a duet of the song, which went to No. 2 on the country chart and No. 36 on pop.<ref>{{cite book|last=Whitburn|first=Joel|title=The Billboard Book Of Top 40 Country Hits: 1944-2006, Second edition|publisher=Record Research|year=2004|page=74|author-link=Joel Whitburn}}</ref> Their recording won Cash and June a [[Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal|Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group]] at the [[13th Annual Grammy Awards|1971 Grammy]].<ref>{{cite book|first=John M.|last= Alexander|title=The Man in Song|url={{Google Books |e0NEDwAAQBAJ|page=128|plain-url=yes}}|date=2018|isbn=9781682260517|page=128 |publisher=University of Arkansas Press|via=Google Books}}</ref>
|caption=Artwork for Norwegian and Japanese releases
|artist=[[Johnny Cash|Johnny]] and [[June Carter Cash]]
|album=[[Hello, I'm Johnny Cash]]
|B-side='Cause I Love You
|released=December 22, 1969
|recorded=1969
|studio=
|genre=[[Folk music|Folk]], [[Country music|country]]
|length=3:00
|label=[[Columbia Records|Columbia]]
|writer=Tim Hardin
|producer=Bob Johnston
|chronology=[[Johnny Cash]]
| prev_title = [[See Ruby Fall]]
| prev_year = 1969
| next_title = [[Rock Island Line]]
| next_year = 1970
| misc = {{Extra chronology
| artist = [[June Carter Cash]]
| type = single
| prev_title = [[Long-Legged Guitar Pickin' Man]]
| prev_year = 1967
| title = Don't Know Much
| year = 1969
| next_title = A Good Man
| next_year = 1971
}}
}}
⚫
In 1969, [[Johnny Cash]] and [[June Carter]] recorded a duet of the song, which went to No. 2 on the country chart and No. 36 on pop, released as the third and final single off of Cash's thirty-third studio album, ''[[Hello, I'm Johnny Cash]]''.<ref>{{cite book|last=Whitburn|first=Joel|title=The Billboard Book Of Top 40 Country Hits: 1944-2006, Second edition|publisher=Record Research|year=2004|page=74|author-link=Joel Whitburn}}</ref> Their recording won Cash and June a [[Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal|Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group]] at the [[13th Annual Grammy Awards|1971 Grammys]].<ref>{{cite book|first=John M.|last= Alexander|title=The Man in Song|url={{Google Books |e0NEDwAAQBAJ|page=128|plain-url=yes}}|date=2018|isbn=9781682260517|page=128 |publisher=University of Arkansas Press|via=Google Books}}</ref>


===Charts===
===Charts===
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| name = If I Were a Carpenter
| name = If I Were a Carpenter
| type = single
| type = single
| cover = Robert Plant If i Were a Carpenter.jpg
| artist = [[Robert Plant]]
| artist = [[Robert Plant]]
| album = [[Fate of Nations]]
| album = [[Fate of Nations]]
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| writer = Tim Hardin
| writer = Tim Hardin
| producer = {{hlist|Chris Hughes|Robert Plant}}
| producer = {{hlist|Chris Hughes|Robert Plant}}
| prev_title = Calling To You
| prev_year = 1993
| next_title = [[The Battle of Evermore]]
| next_year = 1994
}}
}}
In 1993 former [[Led Zeppelin]] vocalist [[Robert Plant]] released a version on his studio album ''[[Fate of Nations]]''. Plant's version reached No. 63 on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name="Plant"/>
In 1993 former [[Led Zeppelin]] vocalist [[Robert Plant]] released a version on his studio album ''[[Fate of Nations]]'', released as the fourth and final single off that record. Plant's version reached No. 63 on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name="Plant"/>


'''Personnel'''
'''Personnel'''
* Robert Plant – lead vocals
* Robert Plant – lead vocals
* [[Maartin Allcock]] – mandolin
* [[Kevin Scott MacMichael]] – guitar
⚫
* [[Charlie Jones (musician)|Charlie Jones]] – bass guitar
* [[Chris Hughes (drummer)|Chris Hughes]] – drums
* [[Chris Hughes (drummer)|Chris Hughes]] – drums
* [[Phil Johnstone]] – [[Pump organ|harmonium]]
* [[Phil Johnstone]] – [[Pump organ|harmonium]]
* [[Maartin Allcock]] – [[mandolin]]
⚫
* [[Charlie Jones (musician)|Charlie Jones]] – bass guitar
* [[Kevin Scott MacMichael]] – guitar
* Lynton Naiff – string arrangement
* Lynton Naiff – string arrangement


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{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| name = Si j'étais un charpentier
| name = Si j'étais un charpentier
| cover =
| cover = Johnny hallyday Si j'étais un charpentier.jpg
| alt =
| alt =
| language = French
| type = single
| type = single
| artist = [[Johnny Hallyday]]
| artist = [[Johnny Hallyday]]
| album =
| album =
| released = {{Start date|1966|}}
| released = December 7, 1966
| recorded =
| recorded = late 1966
| studio =
| studio =
| genre =
| genre = [[Progressive rock]]
| length =
| length = 2:15
| label = [[Philips Records|Philips]]
| label = [[Philips Records|Philips]]
| writer = '''French adaptation''': Long Chris
| writer = '''French adaptation''': Long Chris
| producer =
| producer = Lee Hallyday
| prev_title = [[Noir c'est noir]]
| prev_title = [[Noir c'est noir]]
| prev_year = 1966
| prev_year = 1966
Line 184: Line 239:
}}
}}


French singer [[Johnny Hallyday]] covered the song in French in 1966. His version, titled "'''Si j'étais un charpentier'''", reached No. 3 in Wallonia (French Belgium).<ref name="ultratop.be - Johnny Hallyday - Si j'étais un charpentier" />
French singer [[Johnny Hallyday]] covered the song in French in December 1966. His version, titled "'''Si j'étais un charpentier'''", reached No. 3 in Wallonia (French Belgium).<ref name="ultratop.be - Johnny Hallyday - Si j'étais un charpentier" />


===Track listings===
===Track listings===
Line 204: Line 259:


==Other versions==
==Other versions==
* In 1967, Dutch-Swedish singer-songwriter [[Cornelis Vreeswijk]] wrote a Swedish translation of the song entitled "Om jag vore arbetslös", which he released as a single.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/7952564-Cornelis-Vreeswijk-Om-Jag-Vore-Arbetslös-Öreblues" |title=Cornelis Vreeswijk, ''Om jag vore arbetslös / Öreblues'' |publisher=Discogs |website=Discogs.com |date=November 26, 1967 |access-date=25 August 2023}}</ref>
* In 1969, Yugoslav band [[Crveni Koralji]] released a [[Serbo-Croatian]] version, entitled "Da sam drvosječa", on their EP ''Sam'', the song becoming a nationwide hit for the band.<ref name="janjatović49">{{cite book|last=Janjatović|first=Petar|title= EX YU ROCK enciklopedija 1960–2006|year=2007|publisher=self-released|location=Belgrade|page=49}}</ref>
* In 1969, Yugoslav band [[Crveni Koralji]] released a [[Serbo-Croatian]] version, entitled "Da sam drvosječa", on their EP ''Sam'', the song becoming a nationwide hit for the band.<ref name="janjatović49">{{cite book|last=Janjatović|first=Petar|title= EX YU ROCK enciklopedija 1960–2006|year=2007|publisher=self-released|location=Belgrade|page=49}}</ref>
*In 1972, a cover by [[Bob Seger]] reached No. 76 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Billboard Hot 100 Chart August 19, 1972|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1972-08-19|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=19 May 2016}}</ref> The single was released from his album ''[[Smokin' O.P.'s]]''.<ref name="AMS">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p123393|tab=charts-awards/billboard-singles|pure_url=yes}} |title=Bob Seger: Charts & Awards – ''Billboard'' Singles |work=[[AllMusic]] |location=United States |access-date=19 May 2016}}</ref>
*In 1972, a cover by [[Bob Seger]] reached No. 76 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Billboard Hot 100 Chart August 19, 1972|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1972-08-19|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=19 May 2016}}</ref> The single was released from his album ''[[Smokin' O.P.'s]]''.<ref name="AMS">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p123393|tab=charts-awards/billboard-singles|pure_url=yes}} |title=Bob Seger: Charts & Awards – ''Billboard'' Singles |work=[[AllMusic]] |location=United States |access-date=19 May 2016}}</ref>
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{{Johnny Cash}}
{{Johnny Cash}}
{{Four Tops singles}}
{{Four Tops singles}}
{{Bob Seger}}
{{Andy Kim}}
{{Andy Kim}}
{{authority control}}
{{authority control}}

Latest revision as of 21:38, 20 September 2024

"If I Were a Carpenter"
1967 French EP
Song by Tim Hardin
from the album Tim Hardin 2
ReleasedApril 1967
GenreFolk
Length2:41
LabelVerve Forecast
Songwriter(s)Tim Hardin
Producer(s)Charles Koppelman, Don Rubin

"If I Were a Carpenter" is a folk song written by Tim Hardin in the 1960s, and re-recorded with commercial success by various artists including Bobby Darin, The Four Tops and Johnny Cash.[1] Hardin's own recording of the piece appeared on his 1967 album Tim Hardin 2. It was one of two songs from that release (the other being "Misty Roses") performed by Hardin at Woodstock in 1969.[2] The song, believed by some to be about male romantic insecurity, is rumored to have been inspired by his love for actress Susan Morss, as well as the construction of Hardin's recording studio (in the home of Lenny Bruce).[3][1]

Bobby Darin version

[edit]
"If I Were a Carpenter"
Artwork for German, Swedish, and French releases
Single by Bobby Darin
from the album If I Were a Carpenter
B-side"Rainin'"
ReleasedSeptember 1966
GenreFolk rock[4]
Length2:22
LabelAtlantic
Songwriter(s)Tim Hardin
Producer(s)Charles Koppelman, Don Rubin
Bobby Darin singles chronology
"Merci Cherie"
(1966) 		"If I Were a Carpenter"
(1966) 		"The Girl Who Stood Beside Me"
(1966)

The first notable version of "If I Were a Carpenter" was released by Bobby Darin in September 1966.[5] The song was produced by Charles Koppelman and Don Rubin at Darin's insistence. Darin played the acoustic guitar on the recording. Darin took some time to record the song in his recording session, and did not finish the recording until 7 o'clock in the morning.[6] The song was released by Atlantic Records, whose executives were reluctant to release the song until it received enthusiastic response by radio audience on the West Coast when Koppelman managed to get the song played there.[6]

The song became the biggest hit for Darin since his 1963 song "You're the Reason I'm Living", reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.[7] It also peaked at No. 9 in the UK.[8] Darin's recording received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Rock and Roll Solo Vocal Performance at the 9th Annual Grammy Awards, but lost to Paul McCartney’s vocal performance on The Beatles’ "Eleanor Rigby".[6]

The song is the title song of Bobby Darin's album If I Were a Carpenter, also produced by Koppelman and Rubin.

Charts

[edit]
Chart (1966) Peak
position
Canada (CHUM Chart)[9] 7
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[10] 8
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[11] 8
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[12] 7
New Zealand (Listener)[13] 8
UK Singles (OCC)[14] 9

Four Tops version

[edit]
"If I Were a Carpenter"
Single by Four Tops
from the album Reach Out
B-side"Wonderful Baby"
ReleasedApril 11, 1968
GenreFolk, soul
Length2:47
LabelMotown
Songwriter(s)Tim Hardin
Producer(s)Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier
Four Tops singles chronology
"Walk Away Renée"
(1968) 		"If I Were a Carpenter"
(1968) 		"Yesterday's Dreams"
(1968)

In 1968, The Four Tops hit the Top 20 on both the pop and soul charts with their version, released as the seventh and final single from their 1967 studio album, Reach Out.[15] It also reached No. 7 in the UK charts in 1968 staying in the charts for 11 weeks.[16] It reached No. 4 in the Netherlands.[17]

Cash Box said that "Excellent arrangements put a punch into the rhythmic serving, and the vocal brilliance of the quartet transforms the ballad into molten blues with monster potential."[18]

Personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]
Chart (1968) Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[19] 12
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[20] 21
Ireland (IRMA)[21] 6
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[22] 4
UK Singles (OCC)[23] 7
US Billboard Hot 100[24] 20
West Germany (GfK)[25] 34

Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash’s duet version

[edit]
"If I Were a Carpenter"
Artwork for Norwegian and Japanese releases
Single by Johnny and June Carter Cash
from the album Hello, I'm Johnny Cash
B-side"'Cause I Love You"
ReleasedDecember 22, 1969
Recorded1969
GenreFolk, country
Length3:00
LabelColumbia
Songwriter(s)Tim Hardin
Producer(s)Bob Johnston
Johnny Cash singles chronology
"See Ruby Fall"
(1969) 		"If I Were a Carpenter"
(1969) 		"Rock Island Line"
(1970)
June Carter Cash singles chronology
"Long-Legged Guitar Pickin' Man"
(1967) 		"Don't Know Much"
(1969) 		"A Good Man"
(1971)

In 1969, Johnny Cash and June Carter recorded a duet of the song, which went to No. 2 on the country chart and No. 36 on pop, released as the third and final single off of Cash's thirty-third studio album, Hello, I'm Johnny Cash.[26] Their recording won Cash and June a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group at the 1971 Grammys.[27]

Charts

[edit]
Chart (1970) Peak
position
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[28] 13
Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)[29] 11
Canada Country Tracks (RPM)[30] 1
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[31] 9
US Billboard Hot 100[32] 36
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[33] 2

Robert Plant version

[edit]
"If I Were a Carpenter"
Single by Robert Plant
from the album Fate of Nations
B-side"Ship of Fools" (Live from Montreaux)
"Tall Cool One" (Live from Montreaux)
ReleasedDecember 1993[34]
GenreRock
Length3:45
Label
Songwriter(s)Tim Hardin
Producer(s)
  • Chris Hughes
  • Robert Plant
Robert Plant singles chronology
"Calling To You"
(1993) 		"If I Were a Carpenter"
(1993) 		"The Battle of Evermore"
(1994)

In 1993 former Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant released a version on his studio album Fate of Nations, released as the fourth and final single off that record. Plant's version reached No. 63 on the UK Singles Chart.[35]

Personnel

Charts

Chart (1993) Peak
position
UK Singles Chart[35] 63

Johnny Hallyday version (in French)

[edit]
"Si j'étais un charpentier"
Single by Johnny Hallyday
LanguageFrench
ReleasedDecember 7, 1966
Recordedlate 1966
GenreProgressive rock
Length2:15
LabelPhilips
Songwriter(s)French adaptation: Long Chris
Producer(s)Lee Hallyday
Johnny Hallyday singles chronology
"Noir c'est noir"
(1966) 		"Si j'étais un charpentier"
(1966) 		"Hey Joe"
(1967)

French singer Johnny Hallyday covered the song in French in December 1966. His version, titled "Si j'étais un charpentier", reached No. 3 in Wallonia (French Belgium).[36]

Track listings

[edit]

7-inch EP Philips 437.281 BE (1966)

A1. "Si j'étais un charpentier" – 2:15
A2. "On s'est trompé" – 2:40
B1. "Je veux te graver dans ma vie" – 2:50
B2. "La fille à qui je pense" – 2:57[36]

Charts

[edit]
"Si j'étais un charpentier" / "Je veux te graver dans ma vie" / "La fille à qui je pense"[36][37][38]
Chart (1966–1967) Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[36] 3

Other versions

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Morris, Charles (October 23, 2017). "'If I Were a Carpenter' – the folk singer whose song went on to become a Motown classic". ft.com. Financial Times. Archived from the original on December 12, 2022. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
  2. ^ Evans, Mike (2010). Woodstock: Three Days that Rocked the World. Sterling. ISBN 9781402780349.
  3. ^ Songfacts. "If I Were A Carpenter by Bobby Darin - Songfacts". www.songfacts.com. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
  4. ^ Hanson, William (1998). "Bobby Darin". In Graff, Gary; Durchholz, Daniel (eds.). MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide. Detroit: Visible Ink Press. pp. 309–310.
  5. ^ Rodriguez, Robert (2012). Revolver: How the Beatles Re-Imagined Rock 'n' Roll. Montclair: Backbeat Books. p. 251. ISBN 978-1-61713-009-0.
  6. ^ a b c Starr, Michael Seth (2011). Bobby Darin: A Life. Taylor Trade Publishing. p. 153. ISBN 9781589795983 – via Google Books.
  7. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits: Eighth Edition. Record Research. p. 162.
  8. ^ "Bobby Darin". www.officialscharts.com. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  9. ^ "CHUM Hit Parade - October 24, 1966".
  10. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 6822." RPM. Library and Archives Canada.
  11. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Bobby Darin" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  12. ^ "Bobby Darin – If I Were A Carpenter" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  13. ^ "NZ listener charts > Bobby Darin". flavourofnz.co.nz.
  14. ^ "Bobby Darin: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company.
  15. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 212.
  16. ^ "Four Tops". www.officialscharts.com. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  17. ^ "Dutch Charts: The Four Tops". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
  18. ^ "CashBox Record Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. April 27, 1968. p. 22. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  19. ^ "The Four Tops – If I Were A Carpenter" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  20. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 5774." RPM. Library and Archives Canada.
  21. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – If I Were A Carpenter". Irish Singles Chart.
  22. ^ "The Four Tops – If I Were A Carpenter" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  23. ^ "The Four Tops: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company.
  24. ^ "The Four Tops Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  25. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – The Four Tops – If I Were A Carpenter" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  26. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book Of Top 40 Country Hits: 1944-2006, Second edition. Record Research. p. 74.
  27. ^ Alexander, John M. (2018). The Man in Song. University of Arkansas Press. p. 128. ISBN 9781682260517 – via Google Books.
  28. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 3753." RPM. Library and Archives Canada.
  29. ^ "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 3778." RPM. Library and Archives Canada.
  30. ^ "Top RPM Country Tracks: Issue 3774." RPM. Library and Archives Canada.
  31. ^ "June Carter Cash Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard.
  32. ^ "June Carter Cash Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  33. ^ "June Carter Cash Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard.
  34. ^ The Great Rock Discography. 1995. p. 477. ISBN 9780862415419.
  35. ^ a b "if i were a carpenter | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 15, 2019.
  36. ^ a b c d "Johnny Hallyday – Si j'étais un charpentier" (in French). Ultratop 50.
  37. ^ "ultratop.be - Johnny Hallyday - Je veux te graver dans ma vie". Ultratop. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  38. ^ "ultratop.be - Johnny Hallyday - La fille à qui je penses". Ultratop. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  39. ^ Janjatović, Petar (2007). EX YU ROCK enciklopedija 1960–2006. Belgrade: self-released. p. 49.
  40. ^ "Billboard Hot 100 Chart August 19, 1972". Billboard. Retrieved May 19, 2016.
  41. ^ "Bob Seger: Charts & Awards – Billboard Singles". AllMusic. United States. Retrieved May 19, 2016.
  42. ^ "Leon Russell Chart History". Billboard.com. Billboard. Archived from the original on May 4, 2019. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
  43. ^ "Leon Russell, Stop All That Jazz". Allmusic.com. Allmusic. Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
  44. ^ "National Top 100 Singles for 1981". Kent Music Report. January 4, 1982. p. 7. Retrieved January 11, 2022 – via Imgur.
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