Hammer and the Anvil

"Hammer and the Anvil" is a Longest Johns original, released as track 9 on Smoke + Oakum. It was written by Josh Bowker.
==Factoids==
Josh has said the inspiration for the song came from talking with an actual blacksmith in chat on a livestream. He also said the Johns' finished version is "pretty much a different song" from what he had originally imagined, but he is nonetheless pleased with how it turned out.https://youtu.be/9AiMEnDs9Lg?t=4611
For the sound of the hammer hits, the band took inspiration from The Lord of the Rings and Avengers: Infinity War to make a bigger, bassier sound than a real-life anvil would provide.https://youtu.be/9AiMEnDs9Lg?t=4611
==Lyrics==
Lyrics as listed in the album sleeve.
I thought to make a horseshoe, and asked my hammer thus
He said "I'll ask the anvil what you require of us"
The hammer asked the anvil, and she at once agreed
That they should meet together in the way that I decreed
[Chorus]
And it's - sparks are flying - passion strong
I am the blacksmith singing the hammer and the anvil song
I thought to make an anchor for taking on the main
The hammer and the anvil relented once again
So they sat there together as I prepared the cast
They braced themselves for impact like a sailor on the mast
[Chorus]
I thought to make a broadsword for fighting on the field
Much as I know the hammer is a nobler thing to wield
For though us humble tradesfolk live a quiet life
The gods of war come to the door of the hammer and his wife
[Chorus]
They asked me for a statue, of the general who died
A sword raised in his iron fist, and a warhorse sat astride
And though I knew they'd try me for what I did decide
I stuck a hammer in his fist and an anvil by his side
[Chorus]
Now all you merry blacksmiths, a warning take by me
Stick to your country horseshoes and your anchors for the sea
When the gods of war come calling, promising you gold
They'll take your hammer, take your anvil, take your very soul
[Chorus] x2
==Recordings==
====Streaming/Purchase====
*Amazon Music
*Apple Music/iTunes
*Deezer
*Pandora
*Spotify
====YouTube Videos====
*Music Video
*Smoke + Oakum version
====Gig Videos====
*Exeter Phoenix (26 Apr 2022)
*O2 Academy, Bristol (05 May 2022) - official live video
*The Studio at the Factory - Dallas, TX (23 Nov 2022)
*Jimmy's - Liverpool (9 Dec 2022)
*Kraków, Poland (26 Feb 2023)
*Cursus Festival 2023
*Colours of Ostrava (19 July 2023)
====Full Band Streams====
*Ex-Stream Sports (15 Feb 2022)
*Stream America (15 Mar 2022)
*Exstream Close-up (31 May 2022)
*In Space No One Can Hear You Stream (19 Oct 2022)
*Hark the Herald Angels Stream (21 Dec 2022)
*Davestream Beleaver (30 May 2023)
*JINGLE JAM DAY 8! The Longest Johns Live Jingle Jam Concert (8 Dec 2023)
*Stream (6 Mar 2024)
Category:Songs
Category:Longest Johns Originals
Category:Smoke_%2B_Oakum
Category:Shared Leads