Emerging from the English folk tradition and immortalized by the duo of Simon & Garfunkel, “Scarborough Fair” transcends its origins to become a song shrouded in mystery and longing. While the exact origins of the traditional ballad remain unclear, Simon & Garfunkel’s rendition, released in 1967 on their groundbreaking album Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, breathed new life into the song, propelling it to international fame. This particular version, captured live at their legendary Concert in Central Park in 1981, offers a unique perspective on this timeless folk song.
The beauty of “Scarborough Fair” lies in its simplicity. The song’s structure is a call-and-response dialogue, with Paul Simon’s melancholic vocals posing a series of seemingly impossible tasks to be completed by his former lover, played by Art Garfunkel. These tasks, such as gathering “parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme” without rain or using a single stitch, represent the insurmountable obstacles standing in the way of their rekindled love.
The song’s melody, a haunting and cyclical folk tune, perfectly complements the lyrics’ sense of yearning and despair. The sparse arrangement, featuring acoustic guitars and subtle percussion, allows the emotional weight of the lyrics to take center stage. In the live rendition from The Concert in Central Park, the added presence of a full band adds a layer of depth and intensity to the performance, without overshadowing the song’s core melody.
“Scarborough Fair” achieved significant commercial success for Simon & Garfunkel, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. However, the song’s true legacy lies in its enduring cultural impact. The ambiguity of the lyrics has sparked countless interpretations, with some viewing it as a lament for a lost love, while others see it as a metaphor for the unattainable nature of desire. This ambiguity allows listeners to connect with the song on a personal level, finding their own meaning within its evocative imagery.
The live performance from The Concert in Central Park adds another layer to the song’s mystique. The raw energy and passion of the performance breathe new life into the centuries-old ballad. Simon & Garfunkel’s seasoned vocals convey a depth of emotion that resonates with listeners across generations. “Scarborough Fair” (Live in Central Park) serves as a testament to the enduring power of folk music and the ability of a simple song to evoke complex emotions and leave a lasting impression.
Tam Le