About the song
“El Cóndor Pasa” is a timeless melody that has captivated audiences worldwide, its haunting strains echoing through the Andes Mountains and across the globe. But the story behind this iconic song is as fascinating as the music itself.
Originally composed by Peruvian musician Daniel Alomía Robles in the early 20th century, “El Cóndor Pasa” was a testament to his love for his homeland and its rich musical heritage. The song’s evocative lyrics and soaring melody painted a vivid picture of the majestic Andean condor soaring high above the mountains.
In the 1960s, the American singer-songwriter Paul Simon encountered the song performed by the Peruvian band Los Incas in Paris. Impressed by its beauty, Simon sought permission to adapt the melody for his own purposes. However, a misunderstanding led to the belief that “El Cóndor Pasa” was a traditional Peruvian folk song, rather than a copyrighted original composition.
With English lyrics penned by Simon, the song was included on the Simon & Garfunkel album “Bridge Over Troubled Water” in 1970. Their version quickly became a global hit, reaching number 18 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart. The song’s success brought widespread recognition to the original melody, but also led to a legal dispute.
In 1970, Daniel Alomía Robles’ son, Armando Robles Godoy, filed a copyright lawsuit against Paul Simon, claiming that his father had composed the song and held the copyright. Despite the legal battle, the relationship between Simon and the Robles family remained amicable. Simon acknowledged the misunderstanding and expressed his respect for the original composer.
The legal resolution brought clarity to the song’s origins and ensured that Daniel Alomía Robles’ contribution to the musical world was properly recognized. Today, “El Cóndor Pasa” continues to be a beloved and enduring piece of music, a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the universal language of music.
Video
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