In 1913 Daniel Robles wrote a play named El Condor Pasa (The Condor Goes By). The story was set in the Cerro de Pasco mines of Peru.
The play showed the struggle miners had surviving working conditions and corrupt mine owners. The symbolism of the play being-the Condor flying away to freedom-like the miners longed to do.
El Condor Pasa the title song was a huge hit. It was an instrumental and became popular worldwide. In 1970 Paul Simon wrote lyrics to go with the music. Simon and Garfunkel released the song on their 1970 album Bridge Over Troubled Water.
For those of you who have been visiting my blog from the beginning-you'll remember El Condor Pasa was my first Pickin & Grinnin Spot. I loved it so much I wanted to profile it again-for those who have recently began viewing the blog.
Before you start the video, go to the radio and pause it by clicking the first "button" starting on the left under the title. You need to do this-so you can hear the video. If you have dreaded dial up service (like I do)-I would suggest you click the button to start the video and then go do something else until it loads. Once it has downloaded then you can start it back to the beginning and watch it through.
Hope you enjoyed the song. Since I sort of made a request by going back to the first Pickin & Grinnin spot-I thought some of you might have a song you'd like to hear. If you do, leave me a comment and I'll see if Paul knows it.
Tipper
Beautiful song. it's great that you reposted it so all the newer folks could hear it.---Is that Mandolin Man and guitar Man---Love them both as well as Pap and Paul!
Posted by: Miss Cindy | June 24, 2008 at 09:28 PM
Lovely, thanks for bringing this one back! I love knowing the story behind the song. Requests - maybe Danny Boy for my mom, she'd love to hear that, and I could sit her down and let her watch. That's always been her favorite song.
Posted by: Jennifer in OR | June 24, 2008 at 02:14 PM
You're blogging on dial up? That's comittment. The song was beautiful.
Posted by: Renae du jour | June 23, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Tipper: This was a great post for those of us new to your sight. I bet the older visitors enjoyed it also.
Posted by: Fishing Guy | June 22, 2008 at 10:07 PM
I love this post! The photos, the music, and the writing -- it's a joy to open this page and dive right in!
Blessings!
Lacy
Posted by: Razor Family Farms | June 22, 2008 at 02:06 PM
This has always been one of my favorite songs. I never knew the back story on it. That makes it even more beautiful and mournful. I am always drawn to the sounds and stories of those trudging along: those trodden on. This world has made status and class so important, but I have to believe in the end those who consider themselves better will see and feel how mistaken they are. The music of this song makes me ponder the importance and beauty of every heart and mind, especially those forgotten and passed by.
And I was going to make this one short and sweet lol. That's what you do to me Tipper, make me ponder. Have a great Sunday. Tell the boys thanks again for this beautiful song!
Love Stacy
Posted by: Stacy A | June 22, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Yay! Beautiful music and a beautiful song. Thanks for the history behind it. I had no idea. I love stuff like that, although I tend to be more up on the history of old hymns than anything else. Ditto on the James Taylor - such color in his voice.
As for a request, I humbly request my favorite!! A traditional Irish ballad, "Molly Malone."
Posted by: City Mouse/Country House | June 21, 2008 at 10:39 PM
I had to listen to this 4 times before I could post my comment. Said this before ... Paul looks and sounds so much like James Taylor. The guys always play so well together and I enjoy hearing them.
Love the music of the Kingston Trio, especially Where Have All The Flowers Gone? and Tom Dooley. Maybe Paul knows those. Would love to hear their interpretation of them. xxoo
Posted by: Carolyn A. | June 21, 2008 at 06:55 PM
Hi Tipper,
I love it! Give Pap a hug from me, he just makes me smile from ear to ear.
As for a request, does Paul know
"That Good Old Gospel Ship"? I can't remember who sang it, but I could find out if needed.
Posted by: Beckynsc | June 21, 2008 at 05:52 PM
Beautiful. While my family never played string instruments, we often gathered around the piano together and sang. I LOVE this sound, this music. This is simply perfection. Family harmony, the way voices blend is just divine.
Posted by: Pam | June 21, 2008 at 04:46 PM
I echo what the previous folks have commented. Thanks for inviting me in to the circle of music and love.
Posted by: Dina in Jerusalem | June 21, 2008 at 03:41 PM
I had no idea the story behind the song. I think the miners are still protesting in Peru today.
Posted by: The Texican | June 21, 2008 at 11:54 AM
This is my very favorite, Tipper. It makes me cry (good tears!) when I watch your family play it together. What I wouldn't give to be in that living room with them with my bamboo flute from Peru ... why do we have to live so far from one another? :(
Posted by: Sarah | June 21, 2008 at 10:54 AM
I love anything Simon and Garfunkel...but no special requests. I watched and enjoyed this video all over again. One of my favorites here and the first I heard when I began to read your blog. It still warms my heart to see your family playing and singing together.
Posted by: Egghead | June 21, 2008 at 10:11 AM
How beautiful Tipper, I loved it. Happy Saturday!
Posted by: noble pig | June 21, 2008 at 09:56 AM