"If I Were a Carpenter" is a song originally written by Tim Hardin in 1966, but it gained popularity when covered by various artists, including Waylon Jennings. The song explores themes of love, sacrifice, and devotion. In the song, the narrator imagines himself as a carpenter, while the person he addresses is portrayed as a lady. The carpenter symbolizes a working-class individual, while the lady represents someone of higher social status. Despite their differences, the narrator expresses a deep desire to be with her and start a family. The song suggests that love should transcend societal norms and expectations. The narrator asks whether the lady would still marry him and have his child, regardless of their different backgrounds. He wonders if she would still love him if his occupation were less prestigious, like being a miller or a thinker. The lyrics emphasize the sacrifices the narrator is willing to make for love, as he promises to save his love through sorrow and asks the lady to save her love through loneliness. He offers his whole future, represented by the word "tomorrow," if she would just love him in return. Overall, "If I Were a Carpenter" conveys a message of love's ability to overcome social barriers and showcases the willingness to give up one's own comforts and status for the sake of true love.
