Almost everybody today knows the popular song 'Scarborough Fair' recorded by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, especially in the famous 'Canticle' version. But what about the story behind this song and how did all the particular elements that make up this famous version materialize?
Well, only few people know that the actual tune of 'Scarborough Fair' as we know it today dates back to the 16th or 17th century. And so do the lyrics. Even though the actual 'date of birth' and the original author are unfortunately completely unknown, one knows that it stems from England and there actually is and was a town called 'Scarborough.'
Merchants, traders, and business people from all over England used to meet there for a trade fair. It took place every year at the same time - on August 15th and lasted for 45 days. And this fair actually was called 'Scarborough Fair'.
It is uncertain, if the actual tune and verses were an independent creation, since the traditional verses show a big similarity to the ancient Scottish folk-ballad 'The Elfin Knight.'
One thing is but for sure - the song 'Scarborough Fair' literally has gone quite a distance. After it was handed down from town to town over many years, it has undergone quite some changes and gained so many verses that they meanwhile count umpteen.
Nevertheless, only very few of them really caught on and became famous. The most popular verse would be:
'Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme,
Remember me to one who lives there,
For she/he once was a true Love of mine.'
Though the lyrics originally concern a man who has lost a true love of his, the song oftentimes is sung as a duet consisting of a man and a woman, in which they both sing the above mentioned verse altering 'he' and 'she' in the last line, but otherwise separately sing the remaining verses.
The song especially became world-famous through the version by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel recorded in 1966. Interestingly, the very beautiful and famous picking pattern used by Paul Simon was taught him in 1965 in London by Martin Carthy.
Another very special quality or characteristic with Simon & Garfunkel's version is the so-called 'Canticle' part (their version is actually called 'Scarborough Fair/Canticle'). Their version has five verses and with the three middle ones they added some own lines thrown in between the original ones that but tell an own story - the 'Canticle' lines.
By the way, the herbs parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme are actually not randomly put together. Each one has a well-defined meaning. Parsley ever since is a spiritual herb and it both, helps the stomach and it removes the bitterness (from food). Sage is a symbol of strength, energy, and power. Rosemary stands for faithfulness, love, and memories. Thyme at last symbolizes courage and heart.
There still is this custom or tradition in England that women have twigs of rosemary in their hair, and earlier knights oftentimes had shields with thyme painted on them.
Well, only few people know that the actual tune of 'Scarborough Fair' as we know it today dates back to the 16th or 17th century. And so do the lyrics. Even though the actual 'date of birth' and the original author are unfortunately completely unknown, one knows that it stems from England and there actually is and was a town called 'Scarborough.'
Merchants, traders, and business people from all over England used to meet there for a trade fair. It took place every year at the same time - on August 15th and lasted for 45 days. And this fair actually was called 'Scarborough Fair'.
It is uncertain, if the actual tune and verses were an independent creation, since the traditional verses show a big similarity to the ancient Scottish folk-ballad 'The Elfin Knight.'
One thing is but for sure - the song 'Scarborough Fair' literally has gone quite a distance. After it was handed down from town to town over many years, it has undergone quite some changes and gained so many verses that they meanwhile count umpteen.
Nevertheless, only very few of them really caught on and became famous. The most popular verse would be:
'Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme,
Remember me to one who lives there,
For she/he once was a true Love of mine.'
Though the lyrics originally concern a man who has lost a true love of his, the song oftentimes is sung as a duet consisting of a man and a woman, in which they both sing the above mentioned verse altering 'he' and 'she' in the last line, but otherwise separately sing the remaining verses.
The song especially became world-famous through the version by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel recorded in 1966. Interestingly, the very beautiful and famous picking pattern used by Paul Simon was taught him in 1965 in London by Martin Carthy.
Another very special quality or characteristic with Simon & Garfunkel's version is the so-called 'Canticle' part (their version is actually called 'Scarborough Fair/Canticle'). Their version has five verses and with the three middle ones they added some own lines thrown in between the original ones that but tell an own story - the 'Canticle' lines.
By the way, the herbs parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme are actually not randomly put together. Each one has a well-defined meaning. Parsley ever since is a spiritual herb and it both, helps the stomach and it removes the bitterness (from food). Sage is a symbol of strength, energy, and power. Rosemary stands for faithfulness, love, and memories. Thyme at last symbolizes courage and heart.
There still is this custom or tradition in England that women have twigs of rosemary in their hair, and earlier knights oftentimes had shields with thyme painted on them.
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