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“If I had a hammer”

Older readers of this website might know the song “If I had a hammer”. The song was originally written by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays in 1949. The French version, titled “Si j’avais un marteau”, was popularized by Claude François, a highly influential French singer and songwriter. Claude François adapted the song to fit a French audience, both in terms of lyrics and style, making it resonate with the cultural mood of the 1960s.

Si j’avais un marteau

Claude François recorded Si j’avais un marteau in 1963, at a time when he was emerging as one of France’s most popular performers. Like the original version by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays, the French adaptation retains themes of social justice and freedom. However, it also reflects Claude François’ more upbeat and rhythmic style, turning it into a lively and danceable hit. “Si j’avais un marteau” became one of Claude François’ early hits and helped cement his status as a major star in France. The song also reflected the global wave of social consciousness that characterized the 1960s.

Today, “Si j’avais un marteau” remains a classic of French pop music and is remembered as one of the key songs that launched Claude François’ illustrious career. François himself is regarded as one of the most iconic figures in French music history, known for hits like “Comme d’habitude” (the original version of “My Way”) and “Alexandrie Alexandra.”

The original

The song was initially recorded by The Weavers in 1950. At the time, it didn’t gain widespread popularity but later became significant during the social movements of the 1950s and 1960s. The most well-known and influential cover of “If I Had a Hammer” is by Peter, Paul and Mary. Their 1962 version is widely regarded as the definitive interpretation of the song. The single became a major hit, reaching #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on the Easy Listening chart.

Cacofonix

In the French version of Asterix and the Falling Sky (Le ciel lui tombe sur la tête) Cacofonix (Fr. Assurancetourix) sings “Si j’avais un marteau”. He immediately gets what he asked for.

The line from the French song was used as a quote on the fifth mug from the Asterix Mugs released by Hachette Collections in 2024.

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