Introduction
“If I Were a Carpenter” is a folk song written by Tim Hardin in the 1960s. Hardin’s own recording of the piece appeared on his 1967 album Tim Hardin 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.
The first notable version of “If I Were a Carpenter” was released by Bobby Darin in September 1966. The song was produced by Charles Koppelman and Don Rubin at Darin’s insistence. Darin played the acoustic guitar on the recording. 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. It also peaked at No. 9 in the UK. Darin’s recording received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Rock and Roll Solo Vocal Performance at the 9th Annual Grammy Awards.
In 1968, The Four Tops hit the Top 20 on both the pop and soul charts with their version. 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. Their recording won Cash and June a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group at the 1971 Grammys.
Bobby Darin’s live performance of “If I Were a Carpenter” in 1973 showcases his enduring connection to the song and his ability to captivate audiences with his heartfelt delivery. This performance is a testament to Darin’s versatility and enduring appeal as an artist.