El Condor Pasa – English Lyrics

• By: Simon & Garfunkel

Lyrics & Translation

Delve into the poignant beauty of "El Condor Pasa (If I Could)" by Simon & Garfunkel, a song that transcends cultural boundaries. This adaptation of a Peruvian folk melody offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the fusion of traditional Andean sounds with English lyrics. You'll explore themes of freedom, longing, and connection to nature, making it a compelling piece for understanding English lyrical expression alongside a rich musical heritage.

[English]

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

...

Key Grammar Structures

• I'd rather be a sparrow than a snail

  ➔ Conditional with "would" + "rather...than"

  ➔ Expresses a preference using the conditional mood. "**I'd**" (I would) shows a hypothetical situation. "**rather...than**" is used to express preference.

• Yes, I would

  ➔ Ellipsis and Subject-Auxiliary Inversion

  ➔ This is a shortened version of "Yes, I would be a sparrow." The auxiliary verb "would" is retained to emphasize the confirmation. Ellipsis is the omission of words.

• If I could

  ➔ Conditional clause (Type 2)

  ➔ This is a second conditional sentence. The 'if' clause uses the past simple ('could') to express a hypothetical situation and its result, "I surely would."

• I surely would

  ➔ Modal verb ("would") + Adverb of certainty

  ➔ The modal verb "would" expresses a hypothetical situation, and "surely" emphasizes the certainty of the speaker's preference.

• Away, I'd rather sail away

  ➔ Inversion and ellipsis

  ➔ An example of inversion where "Away" the adverb of place precedes the subject and verb for emphasis. "I'd" (I would) is a contraction, so ellipsis is present.

• A man gets tied up to the ground

  ➔ Present Simple for a general truth and passive voice.

  ➔ Uses the present simple to describe a general truth. "gets tied up" is passive voice.