About the song
## Simon & Garfunkel’s “Scarborough Fair/Canticle”: A Folk Classic
Simon & Garfunkel’s “Scarborough Fair/Canticle” is a timeless folk song that has captivated audiences for generations. Released in 1966 as the lead single from their album “Sounds of Silence,” this iconic piece combines the traditional English folk song “Scarborough Fair” with a newly composed canticle penned by Paul Simon.
The original “Scarborough Fair” is a child’s rhyme that dates back centuries. It tells a tale of a young woman who is tasked with a seemingly impossible series of chores as a condition for her love. The song’s simple melody and repetitive lyrics have made it a popular choice for folk musicians throughout the years.
Simon & Garfunkel’s interpretation of “Scarborough Fair” is both faithful to the original and uniquely their own. The duo’s harmonies, which have become their signature sound, add a layer of depth and emotion to the song. In addition to the traditional melody, Simon has added a new verse that introduces a more personal and introspective element.
The canticle that follows “Scarborough Fair” is a beautiful and haunting piece of music. Simon’s lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The melody is both simple and evocative, and the harmonies between Simon and Garfunkel are breathtaking.
One of the most striking aspects of “Scarborough Fair/Canticle” is the contrast between the two parts of the song. The traditional folk song is light and playful, while the canticle is more serious and introspective. This juxtaposition creates a sense of tension and release that keeps the listener engaged throughout.
The song’s popularity can be attributed to several factors. First, the duo’s harmonies are simply irresistible. Second, the lyrics are both poetic and thought-provoking. Third, the song’s timeless themes of love, loss, and the passage of time resonate with audiences of all ages.
“Scarborough Fair/Canticle” is a masterpiece of folk music that continues to inspire and delight listeners. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions and transport listeners to a different time and place. Whether you are a longtime fan of Simon & Garfunkel or are just discovering their music for the first time, this iconic song is a must-listen.
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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