Simon & Garfunkel – Scarborough Fair

Few songs capture the essence of both melancholy and beauty quite like “Scarborough Fair/Canticle,” Simon & Garfunkel’s haunting rendition of a traditional English ballad. Originally released in 1966 on their Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme album, “Scarborough Fair” merges Paul Simon’s lyrical introspection with the medieval simplicity of folk tradition. Its unique blend of historical roots and modern re-imagination has cemented it as an enduring classic that resonates deeply with audiences across generations.

Origins of “Scarborough Fair”

“Scarborough Fair” is a song with a storied past, stretching back to the British Isles in the 17th century or even earlier. It was traditionally sung as a ballad, a type of song that narrates a story, often of love, longing, or sorrow. The fair itself, held in Scarborough, a coastal town in Yorkshire, England, was a significant medieval event where traders from across England gathered to sell their wares. Over time, the phrase “Scarborough Fair” became synonymous with the song, which tells the tale of a lover setting impossible tasks for a romantic partner as proof of their devotion.

“Are You Going to Scarborough Fair?”

The lyrics of “Scarborough Fair” are both inviting and elusive, beginning with the line, “Are you going to Scarborough Fair? / Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.” This introductory line serves as a question, an invitation to a journey — but it is quickly followed by a list of herbs, which may appear nonsensical at first glance. However, parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme were not only popular herbs in medieval Europe but also symbolized virtues in folk tradition. Parsley represented comfort, sage symbolized strength, rosemary for remembrance, and thyme for courage, suggesting that the song speaks to these values as part of the romantic quest.

The herbs add a layer of mystique, inviting the listener to interpret their deeper meaning. As a form of coded language, they represent qualities that could restore a fractured relationship or serve as metaphors for traits needed in love and life. The refrain repeats the list, grounding the song in its timeless appeal, weaving together both the ordinary (herbs used in daily life) and the profound (love, loss, and longing).

The Art of Impossible Tasks

Central to “Scarborough Fair” is the idea of impossible tasks set by the narrator for their lover, echoing an old folk motif where lovers test each other’s devotion. The narrator asks their beloved to “make me a cambric shirt, without no seams nor needlework,” and similarly, other tasks such as finding an acre of land between the salt water and the sea strand. These demands are not merely physical but symbolic — they reflect the emotional toll and commitment that love can require. By asking for impossible feats, the singer implies a desire for something rare and beautiful, a love that transcends the ordinary and endures beyond tangible boundaries.

In Simon & Garfunkel’s version, these traditional elements are preserved but presented with a more introspective twist. The song contrasts the romanticized demands of the narrator with a sense of introspective melancholy, conveyed through haunting harmonies and delicate guitar arrangements. This adds emotional depth, making the listener ponder whether the narrator’s requests are genuine or a reflection of inner doubts and insecurities about love and loss.

The Interwoven “Canticle”

What makes Simon & Garfunkel’s rendition distinct is the addition of the “Canticle,” a counter-melody that Paul Simon wrote based on the anti-war song “The Side of a Hill.” This additional layer juxtaposes the traditional lyrics of “Scarborough Fair” with new, somber lyrics that reflect on the devastation of war: “Generals order their soldiers to kill / And to fight for a cause they’ve long ago forgotten.”

The “Canticle” serves as a haunting counterpoint to the main melody, enhancing the song’s emotional range. By combining themes of love and war, Simon & Garfunkel create a juxtaposition that reflects the complexities of the 1960s, when anti-war sentiment was rising in response to the Vietnam War. While the traditional lyrics speak to timeless themes of love and longing, the “Canticle” brings a contemporary relevance, contrasting personal relationships with broader societal concerns.

The two narratives intertwine, each complementing the other — the romantic lament and the anti-war sentiment become inseparable. The result is a layered song that speaks to the personal and the universal, to intimate connections and collective sorrows. It asks whether love can withstand the weight of outside forces and whether ideals can remain untainted in the face of harsh realities.

Simon & Garfunkel’s Haunting Harmonies and Arrangement

The arrangement of “Scarborough Fair/Canticle” is as distinctive as its lyrics. Simon & Garfunkel’s harmonies are ethereal, elevating the song’s folk roots to a place of haunting beauty. Their vocal interplay, with Garfunkel’s angelic voice blending seamlessly with Simon’s, creates an otherworldly experience, as if the listener has stepped into a timeless, mystical landscape. This vocal harmony, coupled with Simon’s delicate guitar work, makes for an arrangement that feels ancient yet fresh, familiar yet hauntingly foreign.

The sparse instrumentation — primarily Simon’s acoustic guitar — keeps the song grounded in folk tradition while allowing the melody to breathe and echo in the listener’s mind. There’s a gentle ebb and flow to the music, mirroring the lyrics’ sense of longing and unattainability. This balance of simplicity and sophistication gives the song its power, allowing the listener to feel both grounded in tradition and transported to a realm of reflection and contemplation.

Legacy and Impact of “Scarborough Fair/Canticle”

Since its release, “Scarborough Fair/Canticle” has become one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most enduring songs, and its appeal has spanned generations and genres. Its influence can be felt in the folk-rock movement, and its haunting quality has made it a staple of pop culture, featured in numerous films, television shows, and even inspiring covers across musical genres.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the song remains relevant because it speaks to universal human emotions. Its themes of love, longing, and impossible expectations are timeless, while the addition of the “Canticle” gives it a resonance that feels particularly poignant in times of social unrest and political uncertainty. It reminds listeners that while love can be a source of great joy, it can also be fraught with challenges and expectations that may be impossible to meet. The inclusion of the anti-war message further suggests that personal and political struggles are often intertwined, each affecting the other in unseen ways.

In conclusion, Simon & Garfunkel’s “Scarborough Fair/Canticle” is more than just a song; it’s a bridge between past and present, a poetic meditation on love, loss, and societal expectations. Its haunting melody and intricate layers continue to captivate listeners, inviting them to ponder not only the beauty of love but also the burdens that come with it. This song remains an enduring classic, not just for its musical beauty but for its ability to evoke deep emotion and introspection in anyone who listens.