El Condor Pasa Lyrics
Pan Pipes
Lyrics
Simon and Garfunkel - El Condor Pasa If I Could
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 could,
I surely would.
Away, I'd rather sail away
Like a swan that's here and gone
A man gets tied his feet to the ground
It gives the world
It's saddest sound,
It's 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,
Song & Lyrics Facts
The classic Pan Pipes song "El Condor Pasa" was released on the album, The Ultimate Collection by Simon & Garfunkel in 1990. It is a folk rock song written by Paul Simon and produced by Bob Johnston.
The song features the traditional Peruvian melody of El Condor Pasa composed by Daniel Alomía Robles. The lyrics are based on an old Peruvian folk song which tells the story of a condor soaring through the mountains. The band members for this release include Art Garfunkel (vocals), Paul Simon (guitar), Joe Osborn (bass) and Hal Blaine (drums). This single was one of Simon & Garfunkel's most successful hits, reaching number 18 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming their first top 40 hit in the UK Singles Chart. It has also been covered by numerous artists over the years, including José Feliciano, Los Incas and even Andean new age musician Yanni. The lyrics to the song have become iconic, with its simple yet powerful message about freedom and the beauty of nature.