Emerging from the vibrant folk revival scene of the mid-1960s, “Scarborough Fair” by Simon & Garfunkel stands as a timeless enigma, captivating listeners with its haunting melody, cryptic lyrics, and evocative atmosphere. Released in 1966 on their album Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, the song reimagined a traditional English folk ballad, breathing new life into its narrative and propelling it into the realm of popular consciousness.
Composed by Paul Simon, the song draws inspiration from various sources, including the Child Ballads, a collection of traditional English and Scottish ballads, and a specific variant titled “The False Lady of Scarboro.” The lyrics, delivered with the duo’s signature vocal harmonies, paint a picture of a heartbroken lover pleading with a former partner to perform seemingly impossible tasks, such as gathering “parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme” without rain or sun. The meaning and purpose of these tasks remain open to interpretation, adding to the song’s enigmatic nature and sparking countless theories and analyses over the years.
Musically, “Scarborough Fair” blends elements of folk and pop. The song features a sparse arrangement with just acoustic guitar and vocals, highlighting the traditional folk ballad roots of the song. Simon’s fingerpicking guitar style adds a melancholic beauty to the soundscape, while the intertwined vocals of Simon and Garfunkel create a sense of intimacy and longing.
“Scarborough Fair” achieved remarkable success, reaching number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a staple of Simon & Garfunkel’s early repertoire. The song earned them a Grammy Award nomination for Best Folk Recording and cemented their place as one of the leading folk-pop acts of the era.
Beyond its commercial success, “Scarborough Fair” transcended the genre of folk-pop to become a cultural touchstone**. The song’s ambiguous lyrics, haunting melody, and timeless themes of love, loss, and longing resonated with listeners across generations and cultural backgrounds. It served as a bridge between traditional folk music and contemporary pop, introducing a wider audience to the beauty and complexity of the ballad form.
With its enduring mystery, captivating melody, and enduring themes, “Scarborough Fair” continues to be a beloved classic**. It serves as a testament to Simon & Garfunkel’s ability to reimagine and revitalize traditional songs, while creating a work that resonates with audiences on both an emotional and intellectual level.