About the song
Simon & Garfunkel’s “Scarborough Fair/Canticle” is a song that beautifully blends folk music with poetic storytelling. Released in 1966 as part of their album *Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme*, this track is a stunning example of the duo’s ability to intertwine complex themes with haunting melodies.
At its heart, “Scarborough Fair” is a traditional English ballad. The song’s origins trace back to medieval times, and it tells a tale of a lover who is asked to perform seemingly impossible tasks to win back their estranged partner. This narrative is set against the backdrop of Scarborough Fair, a historic market fair in North Yorkshire, England. The fair, once a bustling event full of vibrant colors and lively interactions, provides a nostalgic and romantic setting for the song’s story.
Simon & Garfunkel’s version of “Scarborough Fair” is notable for its rich arrangement and evocative lyrics. Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel incorporate both the traditional verses and their own unique touch. The song features a gentle melody, layered harmonies, and a delicate arrangement that highlights the duo’s vocal strengths.
The song also includes a counterpoint, known as “Canticle,” which adds a reflective and sometimes somber tone. “Canticle” features a counter-melody that complements the main song, creating a rich, textured listening experience. The juxtaposition of these elements reflects broader themes of love, longing, and the passage of time.
“Scarborough Fair/Canticle” stands out not only for its beautiful music but also for its timeless lyrics and evocative storytelling. It invites listeners to explore themes of love and longing through a blend of historical and personal narratives. The song remains a beloved classic, showcasing Simon & Garfunkel’s unique ability to craft songs that resonate across generations.
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Lyrics
Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme
Remember me to one who lives there
She once was a true love of mine
Tell her to make me a cambric shirt
(On the side of a hill, in the deep forest green)
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme
(Tracing of sparrow on snow-crested ground)
Without no seams nor needle work
(Blankets and bedclothes the child of the mountain)
Then she’ll be a true love of mine
(Sleeps unaware of the clarion call)
Tell her to find me an acre of land
(On the side of a hill, a sprinkling of leaves)
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
(Washes the grave with silvery tears)
Between the salt water and the sea strands
(A soldier cleans and polishes a gun)
Then she’ll be a true love of mine
Tell her to reap it with a sickle of leather
(War bellows blazing in scarlet battalions)
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme
(Generals order their soldiers to kill)
And gather it all in a bunch of heather
(And to fight for a cause they’ve long ago forgotten)
Then she’ll be a true love of mine
Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme
Remember me to one who lives there
She once was a true love of mine