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Arrangement: Ian J. Watts / Mike Wilbury · Singalongasong Band / ClassicRocks
Lyrics
Peter hammers with one hammer,
One hammer, one hammer,
Peter hammers with one hammer,
All day long.
Peter hammers with two hammers,
Two hammers, two hammers,
Peter hammers with two hammers,
All day long.
Peter hammers with three hammers,
Three hammers, three hammers,
Peter hammers with three hammers,
All day long.
Peter hammers with four hammers,
Four hammers, four hammers,
Peter hammers with four hammers,
All day long.
Peter hammers with five hammers,
Five hammers, five hammers,
Peter hammers with five hammers,
All day long.
Peter's very tired now,
Tired now, tired now,
Peter's very tired now,
So he's going to sleep.
Peter's waking up now, up now, up now,
Peter's waking up now,
And now he's hammering again.
Traditional lyrics — public domain. Arrangement © Singalongasong Band / ClassicRocks.
History & Background
History & Origin
"Peter Hammers" is a traditional action song designed for young children, in which the number of hammers increases from one to five as the song progresses. The "hammers" correspond to body parts: one hand, then two hands, then hands and feet, until the whole body is involved in the hammering motion. This cumulative physical engagement makes it an ideal nursery and playgroup song, keeping children active and counting at the same time.
The song follows a satisfying arc — the working sequence builds to an energetic five-hammer peak, then resolves into tiredness and sleep before Peter wakes and begins hammering again. This structure mirrors the natural rhythm of active play followed by rest, making it useful for managing energy levels in a nursery setting.
The origins of the song are not well documented. Like many action songs, it was likely transmitted orally through generations of nursery nurses and early years teachers before being written down. Our recording gives it an appropriately busy, rhythmic treatment that matches the physical energy the song invites.
