Translation of proteins by the ribosome is intrinsically dynamic, involving specific assembly of ribosomes on an mRNA, elongation of the polypeptide chain through directional movement on that mRNA, and subsequent termination and recycling of the subunits. We have developed single-molecule approaches, combined with structural methods, to provide a real time view of translation and its control. We will show how translation elongation is controlled by RNA structure, nascent peptides and drugs.