About the song
“El Condor Pasa (If I Could)” is a captivating song by the legendary American folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, featured on their fifth and final studio album, *Bridge Over Troubled Water*, released in 1970. This track, which beautifully melds traditional Peruvian folk music with contemporary folk rock, stands as a testament to the duo’s innovative approach to music and their ability to transcend cultural boundaries.
The song’s origins lie in the Peruvian composition “El Cóndor Pasa” by Daniel Alomía Robles, written in 1913. It is based on traditional Andean folk melodies and has become a quintessential piece of Peruvian music. The adaptation by Simon & Garfunkel came about after Paul Simon was introduced to the song by Jorge Milchberg of the Andean folk group Los Incas. Impressed by its haunting melody and cultural significance, Simon penned English lyrics to accompany the original tune, transforming it into “El Condor Pasa (If I Could).”
Upon its release, the song quickly resonated with audiences worldwide. It features delicate instrumentation, including the quena (a traditional Andean flute), charango (a small Andean stringed instrument), and Simon’s gentle guitar strumming, complemented by Art Garfunkel’s serene vocals. This combination of traditional Andean music with the duo’s folk rock sensibilities created a unique and memorable sound.
“El Condor Pasa (If I Could)” reached impressive chart positions, including No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Its success was not confined to the U.S.; it also garnered significant popularity in various countries, further cementing Simon & Garfunkel’s status as global musical icons.
The song’s lyrics, reflective and poignant, express a yearning for freedom and simplicity, themes that resonate deeply with listeners. Simon’s introspective writing, combined with the evocative Andean melody, creates a song that is both timeless and transcendent.
“El Condor Pasa (If I Could)” remains a beloved track in Simon & Garfunkel’s discography. It exemplifies their ability to draw inspiration from diverse musical traditions and craft songs that speak to universal human experiences. As part of the critically acclaimed *Bridge Over Troubled Water* album, which won multiple Grammy Awards and remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, this song continues to captivate and inspire listeners across generations.
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Lyrics
I’d rather be a sparrow than a snail
Yes, I would
If I could
I surely would
I’d rather be a hammer than a nail
Yes, I would
If I only could
I surely would
Away, I’d rather sail away
Like a swan that’s here and gone
A man gets tied up to the ground
He gives the world its saddest sound
Its saddest sound
I’d rather be a forest than a street
Yes, I would
If I could
I surely would
I’d rather feel the earth beneath my feet
Yes, I would
If I only could
I surely would