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Simon & Garfunkel — El Condor Pasa (If I Could)
Album: Bridge Over Troubled Water
Avg rating:
7.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2165









Released: 1969
Length: 3:03
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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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
Comments (114)add comment
 Kaw wrote:

Then this should have been her great grandfather:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
If true very interesting. He is credited though!



Thank You for the info!
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 nohaybanda wrote:

I had a lovely Peruvian girl couch surfing with  here on the Caribbean island of Roatan and this  came on Radio Paradise I and she started crying she said her great grandfather wrote it and never got credited. It was genuine emotion  it was and is a very personal family song  to her 


Then this should have been her great grandfather:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
If true very interesting. He is credited though!
Posted 1 year ago by Kaw    [ Reply ]
 rhlrstn wrote:

I wonder how they got the eagle to wear the go-pro...


I think the video is taken by a hobbit riding 
on the eagle's back.
Posted 1 year ago by NickDanger    [ Reply ]
 nohaybanda wrote:

I had a lovely Peruvian girl couch surfing with  here on the Caribbean island of Roatan and this  came on Radio Paradise I and she started crying she said her great grandfather wrote it and never got credited. It was genuine emotion  it was and is a very personal family song  to her 



According to Wikipedia, Daniel Alomía Robles is now co-listed as a songwriter, after an amicable lawsuit settled the issue in 1970.
Posted 2 years ago by ba2kell    [ Reply ]
 uksminas wrote:

I wonder how they got the eagle to wear the go-pro...
Posted 2 years ago by rhlrstn    [ Reply ]
 Stratocaster wrote:

If you put your finger on Paul’s face, it looks like Artie has a massive handlebar mustache.




Yes!! Too Funny!!   GREAT SONG!!  
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
 Stratocaster wrote:

If you put your finger on Paul’s face, it looks like Artie has a massive handlebar mustache.




lol. Well, that's about the dumbest comment I've seen in awhile, but it gave me a chuckle. And what does that say about me, eh?
Posted 2 years ago by ExpatLarry    [ Reply ]
If you put your finger on Paul’s face, it looks like Artie has a massive handlebar mustache.
Posted 2 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
 uksminas wrote:


El Cousin of Condor Pasa 
Posted 2 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
GODLIKE!!!  ICONIC!!!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
 Edweirdo wrote:

I voted it down because gifs are truly fucking annoying.

Additionally, the bird in the gif isn't even a condor. Just sayin'...
Posted 2 years ago by Ok_Sobriquet    [ Reply ]
 jacopo777 wrote:


I think this is flipping Awesome! The thumbs down vote must be from a lefty soy tard.  Not that there's anything wrong with being a lefty soy tard, mind you.

I voted it down because gifs are truly fucking annoying.
Posted 3 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
 uksminas wrote:


I think this is flipping Awesome! The thumbs down vote must be from a lefty soy tard.  Not that there's anything wrong with being a lefty soy tard, mind you.
Posted 3 years ago by jacopo777    [ Reply ]
 nohaybanda wrote:

I had a lovely Peruvian girl couch surfing with  here on the Caribbean island of Roatan and this  came on Radio Paradise I and she started crying she said her great grandfather wrote it and never got credited. It was genuine emotion  it was and is a very personal family song  to her 



Definitely Credited - Leo Rojas
Posted 3 years ago by dduric7296    [ Reply ]
I just lost my beloved Kazoo after 33 years and this song is strangely affecting.
The simplicity was not lost on me but I've been thinking a lot about I'd rather in the past few days and would rather Kazoo had the earth beneath his feet right now.

Still believe he is in a better place and will come for me when my time is up. My biggest comfort. Love you forever, Dude.
Posted 3 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
Posted 4 years ago by uksminas    [ Reply ]
a 9 here from me....LOVE this song.  Its a shame those two's egos wouldn't let them stay together longer......
Posted 6 years ago by photolew    [ Reply ]
 enkay wrote:

Speaking of dentist's drills, would you please stop whining about this song every time it plays? Thanks.

 
I can tag team with them to spread the disappointment. Simon's written so many wonderful songs, this cover isn't fun to hear.
Posted 7 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
 jchrise wrote:
OK, I've heard this twice in less than 18 hours. It's such an annoying hippie throwback, especially when the wobbly pan flute follows the vocals.

 
Oh dear ... best get your coat then.
Posted 7 years ago by Toke    [ Reply ]
My LEAST favorite Si & Gar song, and it still deserves an 8
Posted 7 years ago by Emwolb    [ Reply ]
 enkay wrote:

Speaking of dentist's drills, would you please stop whining about this song every time it plays? Thanks.

 
Curly and Shorty ruined what used to be a very good Andean folk tune. Ok, it still is a very good Andean folk song.
Posted 7 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 jchrise wrote:
I'd rather be dentist's drill than listen to this song

 
Speaking of dentist's drills, would you please stop whining about this song every time it plays? Thanks.
Posted 7 years ago by enkay    [ Reply ]
I don't think I've heard this song in over 30 years.
Posted 7 years ago by smackiepipe    [ Reply ]
Whatever happened to those Andean guys playing this stuff on the subway? I miss them. Not this. 
Posted 7 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
A long way from their best, but still more than good enough to highlight the travesty of the Disturbed cover played a moment ago. pxd
Posted 8 years ago by pxd    [ Reply ]
OK, I've heard this twice in less than 18 hours. It's such an annoying hippie throwback, especially when the wobbly pan flute follows the vocals.
Posted 8 years ago by jchrise    [ Reply ]
{#Meditate}
Posted 8 years ago by mardisoninnc    [ Reply ]
I'd rather be dentist's drill than listen to this song
Posted 8 years ago by jchrise    [ Reply ]
Another perfect segue (Santaolalla into El Condor Pasa). Thanks Bill!
Posted 8 years ago by rocklandlove    [ Reply ]
I still can't believe he got Edie Brickell in the sack.   And that has been ages now.  Bastard.
Posted 8 years ago by GolfRomeo    [ Reply ]
 nohaybanda wrote:

probably because she hilked the Andes and that's where the song is crom
 
It sure wasn't the Andes — it was the Cal. desert to the Washington border of Canada.  And it's officially called the Pacific Crest Trail (not Coast).  Sorry 'bout that, hikers.
Posted 8 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]

This exchange below is found on Gustavo Santaolalla — Deportation/Iguazu but it really belongs here. Love TerryS's story. 

chinaski wrote:
El Condor Pasa...Simon and Garfunkel...no?
 

TerryS wrote:

That song was made famous prior to WW1 when a Peruvian composer orchestrated an ancient folk song and our guide spat when hearing another tourist say it was a copy of S & G's El Condor Pasa.
He said (and I quote as best my memory will allow) "my grandfather's grandfather was young when he learned this song at the feria".
Then he surprised the hell out us and pulled out a wooden flute, playing the original while we struggled up over Dead Woman Pass. (13,800 feet) I live at sea level btw.

  
Posted 8 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 treatment_bound wrote



probably because she hilked the Andes and that's where the song is crom



For some reason, this song was used as pretty much the recurring theme song for that recent Reese Witherspoon movie "Wild", where she walks the Pacific Coast Trail as a young woman in the mid-90's trying to find herself and the meaning of life. 

 

Having not read the book, If anyone knows if it was referenced there and/or why it was used in the movie, please do post here.



 


Posted 8 years ago by nohaybanda    [ Reply ]
I had a lovely Peruvian girl couch surfing with  here on the Caribbean island of Roatan and this  came on Radio Paradise I and she started crying she said her great grandfather wrote it and never got credited. It was genuine emotion  it was and is a very personal family song  to her 
Posted 8 years ago by nohaybanda    [ Reply ]
Having heard this song for most of my life I was amazed many years ago travelling through Ecuador to find out that it was an Andean melody appropriated by Paul Simon. Always loved it and now especially so as it takes me back to a country that occupies a special place in my heart.
Posted 9 years ago by Andybob    [ Reply ]

For some reason, this song was used as pretty much the recurring theme song for that recent Reese Witherspoon movie "Wild", where she walks the Pacific Coast Trail as a young woman in the mid-90's trying to find herself and the meaning of life. 

 

Having not read the book, If anyone knows if it was referenced there and/or why it was used in the movie, please do post here.


Posted 9 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 skooba wrote:


I didn't even realize there was a segue until I heard Paul Simon's voice.  Spectacular!  {#Dance}

 
One your best segue moments, Billiam!  Seamless!
Posted 9 years ago by NorthernLad    [ Reply ]
"I'd rather be a bucket than a pail..."
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 Dinges,_the_Dude wrote:
8 for the sake of the memories of my happy childhood... {#Yes}

 
...... same here :)
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
8 for the sake of the memories of my happy childhood... {#Yes}
Posted 10 years ago by Dinges,_the_Dude    [ Reply ]
 alwaysoffline wrote:
Whoa Bill!  Are you trying to punish us or what, man?!!  After last night's awesome set, this is like cold water in the face...{#Headache}

 
Welcome to the WIDE variety of RP - for better (or worse) depending on your range of musical taste! {#Cowboy}
Posted 10 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Whoa Bill!  Are you trying to punish us or what, man?!!  After last night's awesome set, this is like cold water in the face...{#Headache}
Posted 11 years ago by alwaysoffline    [ Reply ]
"...And here's a story about being free..."

DJ Shadow
Posted 11 years ago by Euskadita    [ Reply ]
One of my least favorite S&G songs. World music forerunner or not.
Posted 11 years ago by zoopmama    [ Reply ]

Everybody in my churches loves this song...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]

Posted 11 years ago by milleronic    [ Reply ]
 newbaby wrote:
i'd rather be a anything that an accounting manager
 

How about a statistician?  They're also good with numbers, but don't quite have the personality for accounting.
Posted 11 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 bev wrote:
Oh, NICE segue from Gustavo Santaolalla...very very nice...
 
agreed.
Posted 11 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
It's twilight on Christmas Eve, big snowflakes are falling gently outside my window, the house is unusually quiet, and this is on.

Allow me to pause for a moment to take it in. 
Posted 11 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
 oscar_driver wrote:
I'm Bolivian and this a original Bolivian song, it gives me such mix feelings of happines and sadness ... i love this song, now i'll cry in my desk .. bye LOL
Oscar
 
Yeah! Rah! Rah! Bravo! to S&G for exploring the music of other cultures!   {#Pray}  {#Bananasplit}
Posted 11 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
 rockpommel16 wrote:

....agreed....simply perfect....
 

I didn't even realize there was a segue until I heard Paul Simon's voice.  Spectacular!  {#Dance}
Posted 11 years ago by skooba    [ Reply ]
 lindergr55 wrote:
I've just GOT to compliment Gustavo Santaolalla's piece segued into El Condor Pasa.  Bravo!
 
....agreed....simply perfect....
Posted 11 years ago by rockpommel16    [ Reply ]
I've just GOT to compliment Gustavo Santaolalla's piece segued into El Condor Pasa.  Bravo!
Posted 12 years ago by lindergr55    [ Reply ]
An angel walks among us, and his name is Art Garfunkel. BTW, six years is too long for this one to stay out of the RP rotation. Just sayin...
Posted 12 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Oh, NICE segue from Gustavo Santaolalla...very very nice...
Posted 12 years ago by bev    [ Reply ]
oscar_driver wrote:
I'm Bolivian and this a original Bolivian song, it gives me such mix feelings of happines and sadness ... i love this song, now i'll cry in my desk .. bye LOL Oscar
I feel your emotion! Now I am going to cry at my desk.
Posted 18 years ago by MrsAustin    [ Reply ]
Just what I need this afternoon. This song just takes me to a much better place the I physically find myself at now.
Posted 18 years ago by Janssen    [ Reply ]
First song I ever learned on the gee-tar!
Posted 18 years ago by punkbot    [ Reply ]
I'm Bolivian and this a original Bolivian song, it gives me such mix feelings of happines and sadness ... i love this song, now i'll cry in my desk .. bye LOL Oscar
Posted 18 years ago by oscar_driver    [ Reply ]
Somehow, I knew this one was coming right after Yoshida Brothers... Great.
Posted 18 years ago by babygirl614    [ Reply ]
There are some beautiful tracks on the soundtrack of Motorcycle Diaries (Gustavo Santaolalla) that would segue in very nicely here. 'Ushuaia' for one...
Posted 18 years ago by robadr    [ Reply ]
Dave_Mack wrote:
Like a lion tamer, maybe?
LOL I think that joke was lost on most people...
Posted 18 years ago by actarus000    [ Reply ]
No matter what, listening to Simon & Garfunkel always does it for me.
Posted 18 years ago by lester    [ Reply ]
moomatz wrote:
I second that.
Almost a year later ... still working for me, too
Posted 18 years ago by whitenoyse    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by freeone1    [ Reply ]
It seems every major city ive been to you find little men dressed in ponchos wearing their mothers shoes playing this song.
Posted 18 years ago by deanofox    [ Reply ]
Sweeeeet segue!
Posted 18 years ago by BluEyes    [ Reply ]
Dave_Mack wrote:
Like a lion tamer, maybe?
... or the lion's lunch, perhaps?
Posted 19 years ago by mojoman    [ Reply ]
Well, it's been mentioned before, but this is the best transition I've heard on RP so far. Fantastic Bill!
Posted 19 years ago by fahartle    [ Reply ]
This song reminds me a graffitti I saw in La Paz, Bolivia. 'El Condor pasa, la dictadura queda' which is roughly 'Condor passes, dictatorship remains'
Posted 19 years ago by tupicetti    [ Reply ]
newbaby wrote:
i'd rather be a anything that an accounting manager
Like a lion tamer, maybe?
Posted 19 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
"I'd rather be a hammer than a nail" I guess that sums up George Bush's attitude... I never would have thought he would have anything in common with Paul Simon.
Posted 19 years ago by jbtidwell    [ Reply ]
Yes, they're better together...I never really cared that much for this song years ago, but it sure sounds great to me now. I love this and all of their other albums.
Posted 19 years ago by radiomao    [ Reply ]
ChicagoEmily wrote:
He did it again today- amazing transition. I was listening with one ear as I finished up for the day, and then noticed the transition from the Yoshida Bros. to El Condor Pasa. Wow. THANKS!
What she said. It is always a pleasure to observe an artist at work.
Posted 19 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
ArbiterOfGoodTaste wrote:
Great set of transitions!!! Walking on Air -> Tabidachi -> El Condor Pasa. Wonderful work, Bill.
Agreed, most excellent transition...... :nodhead:
Posted 19 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
Their sum was greater than the parts.
Posted 19 years ago by dwa375    [ Reply ]
ChicagoEmily wrote:
He did it again today- amazing transition. I was listening with one ear as I finished up for the day, and then noticed the transition from the Yoshida Bros. to El Condor Pasa. Wow. THANKS!
Yeah, man... those three songs together are absolutely fantastic. I think Bill does transitions better than any DJ I've ever heard. So good.
Posted 19 years ago by mrselfdestruct    [ Reply ]
ArbiterOfGoodTaste wrote:
Great set of transitions!!! Walking on Air -> Tabidachi -> El Condor Pasa. Wonderful work, Bill.
He did it again today- amazing transition. I was listening with one ear as I finished up for the day, and then noticed the transition from the Yoshida Bros. to El Condor Pasa. Wow. THANKS!
Posted 19 years ago by ChicagoEmily    [ Reply ]
still a classic tune!!!!
Posted 19 years ago by Yozi    [ Reply ]
radiojunkie wrote:
ROAMING FLUTE BANDS ASSAULT DOWNTOWN AREA Dozens Hurt As Renegade Musicians Blow Indiscriminately FILM AT 11
Posted 19 years ago by winter    [ Reply ]
zburch wrote:
If you've ever spent anytime in Peru, you've heard this song more than anyone needs to in their life.
Never NEVER NEVER !!!!
Posted 19 years ago by Danny_G    [ Reply ]
zburch wrote:
If you've ever spent anytime in Peru, you've heard this song more than anyone needs to in their life. You hear it played by roaming flute bands at least three times a day. Makes me laugh and angry at the same time.
ROAMING FLUTE BANDS ASSAULT DOWNTOWN AREA Dozens Hurt As Renegade Musicians Blow Indiscriminately FILM AT 11
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
ArbiterOfGoodTaste wrote:
Great set of transitions!!! Walking on Air -> Tabidachi -> El Condor Pasa. Wonderful work, Bill.
I second that.
Posted 19 years ago by moomatz    [ Reply ]
i'd rather be a anything that an accounting manager
Posted 19 years ago by newbaby    [ Reply ]
I would rather be a forest than a street...Yes I would, If I could................... I would rather feel the earth beneath my feet... an anthem of the earth....timeless.
Posted 19 years ago by ecorunner    [ Reply ]
If you've ever spent anytime in Peru, you've heard this song more than anyone needs to in their life. You hear it played by roaming flute bands at least three times a day. Makes me laugh and angry at the same time.
Posted 19 years ago by zburch    [ Reply ]
Great set of transitions!!! Walking on Air -> Tabidachi -> El Condor Pasa. Wonderful work, Bill.
Posted 19 years ago by ArbiterOfGoodTaste    [ Reply ]
one of my all-time favorites from them. :goodvibes.gif:
Posted 19 years ago by Angloray    [ Reply ]
Classic
Posted 20 years ago by fusionmuze    [ Reply ]
Bonita canción :)
Posted 20 years ago by Danny_G    [ Reply ]
trekhead wrote:
Classics are classic for a reason. A 9.
exactly. :highfive:
Posted 20 years ago by Bodhisattva    [ Reply ]
trekhead wrote:
Classics are classic for a reason. A 9.
:nodhead:
Posted 20 years ago by Tritter    [ Reply ]
Where's Zamfir with his pan-flutes... god I hate the sound
Posted 20 years ago by Nuance    [ Reply ]
Classics are classic for a reason. A 9.
Posted 20 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Art_Carnage wrote:
Yeah, that really caught fire, eh? Can't count the number of times my friends have sat around saying, "Gee, I wish there was a Peruvian pipe music band in town right now."
It's true that people generally don't wonder whether there's a Peruvian pipe music band in town, any more than they wonder whether Big Head Todd and the Monsters is playing nearby. Anyway, thanks to "El Condor Pasa" and RP for providing the name of the geographical location, I'll be exploring Peruvian music.
Posted 20 years ago by jvalatka    [ Reply ]
nice transition from the the Japanese stuff before this.
Posted 20 years ago by ChardRemains    [ Reply ]
I'd rather hear this than that song that just samples the pipe part, which Bill also plays here. And how many people are disappointed when they order "Carly Simon's Greatest Hits" and don't find this song?
Posted 20 years ago by rcurrier    [ Reply ]
Not one of their best for me, but it does showcase their early willingness to look outside of the classic American influences and to experiment with their music.
Posted 20 years ago by Dirktooth    [ Reply ]
Eul0gy wrote:
Does Art Garfunkel remind anyone else of Sally Struthers? :P
He's much thinner.
Posted 20 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]
Does Art Garfunkel remind anyone else of Sally Struthers? :P
Posted 21 years ago by Eul0gy    [ Reply ]
Art_Carnage wrote:
Yeah, that really caught fire, eh? Can't count the number of times my friends have sat around saying, "Gee, I wish there was a Peruvian pipe music band in town right now."
you know.. some times.. you see things like this in RP and say... Bill should just close the thread for this song... cause you'd be hard pressed to top Art's comment.. !!!! I like the song even if the sound didn't catch on... and I hadn't known for sure it was S & G (but at least I suspected it) and have not heard it in probably 25 years.... it takes me back 25 - 30 years, to trips in the VW Van, up to the moutains with the family.. driving over the shenandoah and having my father play this in the eight track... wow.... what a time warp...
Posted 21 years ago by TreborG2    [ Reply ]
Art_Carnage wrote:
Yeah, that really caught fire, eh? Can't count the number of times my friends have sat around saying, "Gee, I wish there was a Peruvian pipe music band in town right now."
Posted 21 years ago by n4ku    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by ludwig7: Say what you will about it, this song introduced us all to Peruvian pipe music.
Yeah, that really caught fire, eh? Can't count the number of times my friends have sat around saying, "Gee, I wish there was a Peruvian pipe music band in town right now."
Posted 21 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
Even S&G can\'t enliven this stale chestnut.
Posted 21 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by ludwig7: Say what you will about it, this song introduced us all to Peruvian pipe music. Unfortunately, it's still the only tune anyone in our culture knows that's (more or less) from this region. As a result, any group of musicians across Latin America that incorporates these instruments is now essentially required to know this tune because it's always requested. At least Ladysmith Black Mambazo has escaped the Paul Simon curse.
Here's a link to some traditional Peruvian music available from Amazon. I have one of the albums and it's really good.
Posted 21 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]
Say what you will about it, this song introduced us all to Peruvian pipe music. Unfortunately, it\'s still the only tune anyone in our culture knows that\'s (more or less) from this region. As a result, any group of musicians across Latin America that incorporates these instruments is now essentially required to know this tune because it\'s always requested. At least Ladysmith Black Mambazo has escaped the Paul Simon curse.
Posted 21 years ago by ludwig7    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by GregX59: So very nice to hear this again.
ditto
Posted 21 years ago by orpheus    [ Reply ]
Not my cup of anything. Bleck!
Posted 21 years ago by Mot    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by Shimmer: While I have always loved Simon and Garfunkle (and this song and album), I have to wonder whether this song fits the RP format. It's a bit low energy.
As is much of this afternoon's programming. Someone send Bill a large coffee. And I'll have one, too. Much more of this stuff, and I'll end up face-down on the keyboard.
Posted 21 years ago by ChipStewart    [ Reply ]
Not one of S & G\'s better tunes.
Posted 21 years ago by KevinM    [ Reply ]
Hmmm.... just not my cup of tea this. :roll:
Posted 21 years ago by Heathen    [ Reply ]
While I have always loved Simon and Garfunkle (and this song and album), I have to wonder whether this song fits the RP format. It\'s a bit low energy.
Posted 21 years ago by Shimmer    [ Reply ]
So very nice to hear this again.
Posted 21 years ago by GregX59    [ Reply ]
A great selection from my favorite album of all time! (Every selection on that album is a great one.)
Posted 21 years ago by Blackjack    [ Reply ]