This hand drawn animated film is based on the classic song If I Were a Carpenter and sung by the great Bobby Darin. How can love conquer the social divide? This film is a tender slightly tongue in cheek story of how love can transform us and ultimately bridge our differences.

Review by Victoria Angelique:

The music video, IF I WERE A CARPENTER,  utilizes a long lost art style to animate the lyrics and bring new life to this 1966 song written by Tim Harden and sung by Bobby Darin. It’s quite rare to see hand drawn animation anymore, much less in the form of pencil sketches. It worked for this particular song, not only to give it the vintage feeling, but to add another layer of symbolism to the lyrics.

The lyrics are heavy about the carpenter longing for a woman that looks like a lady. He’s insecure, wondering if she would want a man that works with his hands. Each frame of the film being drawn with pencil emphasizes the importance of crafts that involve developing unique skills that are appreciated much more if they are done by hand. It brings a new level of respect for the carpenter that longs for his own family.

The animated video and the corresponding lyrics have strong family themes. A carpenter dreams of marrying a lady, but his insecurities make him wonder if she would want to marry a tradesman. He knows he could make her happy and make her emotionally rich by being a devoted husband. The second he sees the lady, he pictures her as a mother and wants to be the man that can provide a living for her so that they can raise a family. 

This music video has a timeless feeling. It asks the questions about what one looks for in a spouse and a partner to raise a family with, while allowing minor insecurities to hold them back. It gives into daydreams, allowing the carpenter to fantasize about what his life would be like if he could marry this beautiful lady.