There is a context to remember. This was written during the Vietnam War. Every evening, we were seeing scenes of incredible violence on the evening news. Thousands of young men eighteen, nineteen, twenty years old were being returned to their families in coffins. Many of them so badly mutilated that the coffins had to be kept closed during the funerals. Other young men had disappeared without a trace, some assumed to have been taken prisoner, others left to rot away in some jungle place. To me this song represented a young soldier pausing during the battle to remember the girl he had loved back home and realizing that the possibility of his returning home to her alive and undamaged was as unlikely as her chances of reaping a field with a leather sickle.
I was always curious about why the particular herbs chosen in the refrain, so I look into it. In medieval times Rosemary was associated with love & remembrance; Thyme was associated with bravery and courage; Parsley for comfort and Sage was symbolic of wisdom and strength. So in Scarborough Fair these herbs made sense. These also with the Canticle. I always thought that both parts speak to love that can never be fulfilled. The Simon & Garfunkel arrangement is simply beautiful. Thank you for teaching me the reasons why this piece is so special.
This was my introduction to Simon Garfunkel, when my parents bought the album for me in the 1960s; we sat and listened to the whole thing together. Our father, who was a Spaniard of views so conservative we said they were pre-1492, instantly recognized two groups as great: the Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel. This has, for so long, been a favorite tear-wringing song for me.
Scarborough had importance in Medieval times as a major Royal Castle , half way between London & Edinburgh, with a safe harbour created in the shelter of the Castle headland. Hemmed in by a range of hills the town had little agricultural hinterland so it's economy was based on sea going trade. The town had an unusual double borough, with a 'Newborough' added to it's original walled area in the early 13th century. Scarborough Fair was an annual event held over 40+ days through August & September, one of the longest of such fairs, which in most towns lasted for 1 week only. In effect this made the place a summer resort, the role it has played 'officially' since the 17th century. The Fair was held on the seafront below the cramped streets of the early settlement of fishers cottages. (Between the salt water & the sea strand). Among the goods traded at the Fair were spices (Parsley Sage Rosemary & Thyme) & exotic items from all over Europe & beyond, including cloth of silk & other sorts (a Cambric shirt). It was a major landing place for the red wines from the English Kings fiefdom in Aquitaine & Gascony , & salted fish in great quantity, for the many monasteries & religious houses across the north of England, who needed these for their Mass & food regulations. For export was the massive production of wool, the mainstay of the English economy, from those monastic & Lordly estates that comprised much of the country. In Scarborough itself was produced a fine green glazed pottery, decorated with figures of knights & horses etc which was traded out of the place, to be found in ports & settlements scattered all around the North Sea & coasts of Europe, through the 13th & 14th centuries. So it is a suitable place for such a famous song to belong to, especially as the setting of the town itself is very fair & beautiful. As a Scarborian I would ask you to pronounce the name of my home town correctly. It is 'Scarbrah' Fair, not to be called Scarborrow, please.
Worthwhile correction on the pronunciation of Scarborough as "Scarbrah". But parsley, sage rosemary and thyme are herbs not spices, ("'erbs" to Americans)
I always wondered why I had such a fascination with Great Britain. When I did my DNA test I found out the largest percentage of my ancestry was 34% mix of English/Scottish/Irish. The rest was Polish and more European mix. So yes, I’m a mutt. But a mutt with a Brit, Scot, Irish heart. As I was born in the USA, please don’t hold that against me, to parents who didn’t want me, I was adopted so my info is limited as to exactly where my British heritage comes from. I’m still trying to find out and being almost 70 I’m running out of time. Thank you for the correct pronunciation of the name of the town. If I say it enough, I’ll remember it.
Thanks for such a lovely and picturesque description of the whereabouts of Scarborough and its fair providing both insight, perspective and a scent of herbal mixtures in the air. Made me both curious of the site and wanting to make a visit. Is the fair still present? Cheers from Stockholm, Sweden
Thanks for such a lovely and picturesque description of the whereabouts of Scarborough and its fair providing both insight, perspective and a scent of herbal mixtures in the air. Made me both curious of the site and wanting to make a visit. Is the fair still present? Cheers from Stockholm, Sweden
Wonderful information and THANK YOU for taking your time to share it! Two small points: 1) Parsley, sage etc are herbs, not spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardomom, cloves etc) and 2) were we to honor your request and pronounce the name of your fair city properly, it would not fit the melody: your pronunciation has two syllables, whereas the melody has three notes. Shall we agree that poetic license be allowed in the song, whereas in normal speech, we will try to use the correct pronunciation?
This was the first song I ever fell in love with. I was in grade school when our music teacher played it for the class. All five albums from Simon & Garfunkel are excellent and belong in every music-lover's collection, but this one is still is my favorite.
Three part harmony even better - S&G performed this with Andy Williams on the Andy Williams show ... goes to 11. There are several versions available on YT.
@@tkengathegrateful4844 "goes to 11" from spinal tap lol. just watched that yesterday. 3 part harmony didn't work out well when they were at elvis' grave. will check out S and G with williams,thanks. i was quoting art from their reunion on SNL in 1975.
"John Barleycorn Must Die" is another traditional English folk tune recorded by Traffic in 1970. Not as melodic as S&G but worth the listen none the less.
It is such a beautiful melody. The guitar play weaves a magical spell upon the listener. Paul's and Art's vocals also weave their spell upon our ears. The lyrics of the two songs are also weaved in a way that the two very different songs... somehow become one. Amy - you are so right... "It's an old thing - and a new thing... all at once. And to me that's just incredible. It's beautiful - it's amazing... and a real treasure. It's a gem - in my book... and one that I will enjoy returning to many times." I agree with everything you had to say about this wonderful track. I fell in love with it the first time I heard it back in late 1966... and have come back to it hundreds of times over the last 59 years. The song still thrills me... and leaves me with a sweet joy that is tinged with a melancholy sadness. In the end... I think the thing that touches my soul the most deeply - is the wonderful vocal performances by both Art and Paul. They were truly magical together.
Great background info Vlad, and great history lesson Amy on the preservation of old folk tunes. Interesting connection you have with the English folk song itself through performing and teaching it. I agree, the harpsichord and guitar worked so well together. Great reflections on the lyrics, both the original and secondary layer of the Canticle lyrics, and how they blended well together thematically and sonically, with the absurdity of the impossible tasks in the original and the absurdity of fighting a war over a forgotten cause in Canticle. Great reaction and I'm glad you found this to be a gem that you will return to again, which is certainly a personal benefit to you in going on this journey discovering new music.
Typical of you, Lee: leaving a thoughful comment. Here's a link to a 6+ minute version: Simon & Garfunkel - Scarborough Fair/Canticle (Original Long Version) 6.19: ua-cam.com/video/lkpMr8CG9dQ/v-deo.html
English traditional folk song which Paul Simon picked up from folk musician Martin Carthy while playing the folk circuit in England. Pre S&G, he wrote "Homeward Bound" while waiting for a train on Wigan station. Bob Dylan also picked up on this song while exploring the folk scene in England and he re worked it into "Girl from the North Country". Its worth a listen. Scarborough is a seaside town in North Yorkshire. The original song sets out a list of impossible tasks set out for a former lover who lives in said town. The song has its roots in the mid 1800's when songs were still in the "oral tradition" passed from town to town and added to and changed on its journey. As you know that much of American folk and country music's roots can be traced to England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme are herbs found native in England. The list of impossible tasks. Are you going to Scarborough Fair? Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme Remember me to one who lives there He once was a true love of mine Tell him to make me a cambric shirt Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme Without no seams nor needle work Then he'll be a true love of mine Have him wash it in yonder dry well Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme Where ne'er a drop of water e'er fell And then he'll be a true love of mine Tell him to find me an acre of land Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme Between salt water and the sea strands Then he'll be a true love of mine Tell him to reap it with a sickle of leather Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme And gather it all in a bunch of heather Then he'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 He once was a true love of mine
Martin Carthy's version is starkly beautiful with a simple guitar comp. I heard him several times in my youth at Falkirk Folk Song Club. This was before The Graduate. God, I'm old 😂
@@TheNordicharps Yes, Martin's version is the one to have. This one is rather sugary in comparison, notable however for bringing this arrangement into the public domain, but also for showing Paul Simon in a rather poor light personally..........
Not quite sure what the "bad light" refers to. Some critisize him for "taking credit" for the song. Maybe he "borrowed" arrangements from others? However, the credit is probably for the counter melody "On the side of a hill", which was Simon's work.
I want to give props to Carol Kaye, who tastefully played the bass on this song. I wouldn't know where to start or how to handle this piece as a bass player. She could have easily overwhelmed this song if you've listened to the thousands of other songs she recorded with various artists during this era, but she held back and gave this song a good foundation.
Flower Symbolic Parsley stands for : doing something nice for the love interest Sage stands for : Wisdom + Clarity Rosemary stands for : Love + Commitment + Devotion Thyme stands for : reviving long dead love In the Original lyrics which has 11 stanzas it is a back and forth between man (4 stanzas/2nd - 5th stanza) and woman (4 stanzas/7th -10th stanza) both demanding things from each other in order to revive their lost love for each other + 3 stanzas sung together (1st stanza, 6th stanza, 11th stanza). Basically the whole song is solely about "demanding from the partner something nice (actually unsolvable tasks) to be done (=Parsley) done with wisdom and clarity (=Sage) and done with love and commitment&devotion (=Rosemary) in order to revive our long dead love for each other (=Thyme)" Ending with the words sung by both together in the last stanza: If you say that you can´t, then I shall reply Parsley, Sage Rosemary and Thyme Oh let me know at least you will try Or you´ll never be a true love of mine.
To me it's always been just another simple S & G masterpiece. I never before considered all the complexities behind it. Another old traditional (Irish) folk song that was adapted into a popular rock track and international hit by the Irish rock group Thin Lizzy was "Whiskey in the Jar". I think you would enjoy that as well.
i'VE LOVED THIS FOR ALMOST A LIFETIME. ONE OF THEIR MOST BEAUTIFUL SONGS. i'M IN THE UK SO SO SCARBOROUGH IS A REAL PLACE FOR ME. GIVES A PERIOD OF HOW THINGS WERE IN THE PAST - A KINDER ERA!
This was the first time many of the general public were exposed to beautiful traditional folk music. The weaving of Canticle into the song is just brilliant in concept and execution.
To see your delight and amazement in this song was so fulfilling. This song is about as old as I am, and I grew up knowing the song because it was popular in the sixties and seventies. Back then, I had no idea it was two songs melded together. As a child, I thought that the secondary lyrics echoed and augmented the first. For instance, I took the line "blazing in scarlet battallion" to be a poetic metaphor for fall foliage, since that fit with the earlier lines "sprinkling of leaves" and "deep forest green." It wasn't until I was an adult that I learned that it was this traditional folk song and Simon and Garfunkel's "Canticle" combined, and it wasn't until you pointed out the thematic similarities line by line that I fully appreciated how appropriate the two songs are to be layered together. Wonderful analysis. Thank you so much. You are a true teacher.
I'm watching and hadn't realized you just posted this! What a touching and detailed analysis and reaction to what i have always thought is one of the most beautiful contemporary songs ever written.
boy I haven't listened to that since I was a kid, incredibly moving music. yes, disappointed you didn't jam along, would love to hear you do a cover of this arrangement for harp! something to consider. I knew you'd dig this. it is a gem. holy cow. anyone who doesn't love this needs therapy or something.
I love Simon and Garfunkel's music. They unabashedly introduced beauty into Rock's musical conversation. And I love your insightful commentary. And your joy in good music. Greetings from Eastern Washington State
So, so complete that even with your wonderful dissection of the piece, locating the fullness and beauty that this song conveys is nigh impossible. This is a 'butterfly' of a song and sets a high standard for folk arrangement and sentiment.
Thank you for all the hard work you put into your reactions. I love how you understand that music can (even without words) evoke our laughter and our fears and touch our hearts and souls. Paul Simon lived and played in England as a young man.
Being in my late teens in the late 60's, I was entranced by the beauty and complexity of Scarborough Fair, but I mainly concentrated on the music and its feel. Only later did I dig into the second text and its meaning. Again, thank you for an insightful and delightful analysis of part of the sound track of my life. 🙂
One thing that stands out to me among the sadness and (regret?) in this song is that he sets out all the impossible tasks for her in order to be a true love of his and then, she once was a true love of mine. In other words she performed the impossible and still they are not together. And the deepness of the why for me. This juxtaposed with the soldiers song makes me wonder if one or the other of them is not already passed, or so ruined by the experience of war that they can no longer connect to even, or especially, this perfect and impossible love. The effect of this song has for me upon listening is so often tears at the beauty and tragedy of it. Thank you for covering it so thoughtfully. One another note, While you are on Simon and Garfunkel folk songs. El Condor pasa might be a lovely next choice .
Elizabeth My Dear by The Stone Roses uses the same melody, but turns it into a sort of protest song against the monarchy. I think Amy needs to hear their, I Am The Resurrection!
Such a powerful song. I think the anti-war message of Canticle is stronger in couterpoint to the pastoral innocence of Scarborough. Even though it was written about the Vietnam war, they use the images of war from a time consistent with the folk song. I love Skyboat song, too.
I first came across Martin Carthy in a BBC folk music programme called Singalong in the early 1960s. His guitar playing was on a different level to anybody else's I'd seen. Knocked my socks off. He's an uncompromising character & something of a folk purist (which I believe is why he left Steeleye Span - their Please To See The King album is terrific). I've seen him live once, & can confirm he is a miserable (but highly talented) bar steward😆
Martin isn't often miserable. He can be extremely amiable and witty and above all very approachable. I've lost count of how many times I've seen him over 50+ years. He is still a bit annoyed about not getting any royalties from Paul Simon pinching his guitar arrangement for Scarborough fair though.
This song reminds me of the phrase 'All's Fair in Love and War'. How people do outrageous things in both contexts which the lyrics encapsulate. And obviously in a facile way 'fair' is in the song's title.
I really love to see how extra you get when the subject is closer to your heart. You are always great, but again you put an extra bit of zeal in this review. Thanks as always!
Fantastic video, I have known this song all these years as just a S&G cover of an old English tale, it sounds good, it's on the album, it's in the movie. I have never paid attention to Paul Simon's underlying lyrics and put it all together as Amy did. Very enriching, Thanks
I am looking forward to Simon and Garfunkel. Two extremely tallented musicians, Art Garfunkel with his beautiful voice! I hope and lookforward to an analysis by you Amy of the Moody Blues, inparticular Nights in white satin, complete with the poem at the end. Although Forever Autumn wasn't writen by the Moody Blues, this is another song performed by the Moody Blues. This beautiful song, beautifuly performed by Justin Hayward with amazing musical arrangements, from the album, War of the Worlds by Jef Wayne is a must listen, I believe, Amy you will give these songs all the credit they deserve. I Await in anticipation🥂
I was a young child when this came out and yet, I had forgotten hoe much I love this song and production. I took flute for awhile and this was one of the few songs I learned to play by heart. Thanks for reminding me of it..
We sang this song in our public school chorus class and were going to use it in our concert for the public. Even though our teacher’s arrangement had nothing offensive in it that I could see at the time, early 70’s, we had to take that song that we had worked so hard on, out of the songs we were going to sing. Being a first soprano, I was bummed out. I loved singing it. I’m nearing 70 now and I finally find out why. It was the anti-war stuff evidently. I never even thought of that. At 16 years old I was used to hearing anti-war stuff in so much of the 60’s and 70’s music that I never gave it another thought. It’s a beautiful song and the way Simon and Garfunkel arranged it and presented it, I believe this as well as the original will stand the test of time.
I was wondering when you would get to this masterpiece of modern music. Despite it's ancient origins it remains a melody that never feels old. It is a timeless piece and love how you inspire your viewers to be as respectful in the treatment of older music; as Simon & Garfunkel were in this more modern version of Scarborough Fair. The duo has always been one of my favorites as well, even after they split both artists made incredible contributions to music.
Absolutely fascinating. I've listened to this tune for over four decades. I've always loved it but never understood it as an interconnected story. The story of a young man who is being drafted to go to war. He's a simple kid from the country who now has to go be a soldier. He must follow orders to kill and he doesn't even know why. I suspect that in the traditional lyrics, he's dying and is pleading with the medic or even a fellow soldier to tell his girl - whom he'll never see again - that he loves her. I hope not but I suspect so. The thing is that it works for all soldiers. Ever.
The herbs are symbols of qualities such as love, courage, strength, loyalty. In the Canticle part, in some lines Art starts the line & Paul finishes the line. I clearly hear it at least twice.
I suggest two songs…Autumn Almanac by The Kinks and A Case of You by Joni Mitchell. I’m really enjoying your reaction to the ‘rock’ classics…so refreshing and enjoyable! I also highly suggest any of Luke Haines’ work. Maybe start with his medley Das Capital Overture.
This was my first S&G album, when I was about 9 years old (1969). I heard the album at a cousin's house, and fell in love with the song "Homeward Bound". I listened to the album so many times that my cousin finally gave me my own copy for Christmas that year. It was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with S&G.
As you say, there were quite a few popular versions of traditional music in the 1970s and early 80s. Certainly here in the UK. For anyone looking for something similar (yet diversely different!) here are a few: Sky - Toccata. A take on Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor, with harpsichord and amazing classical guitar playing. Bach really did write the best rock tracks. Steeleye Span - All Around My Hat. Another English folk rock band, with an incredibly catchy track. Another sad undertone of "Its all for my true love who is far, far away". Also Steeleye Span - Gaudete. A medieval Christmas song written and sung in Latin. Made number 14 in the UK charts in 1973
Are you going to Scarborough Faire? Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. Remember me to one who lived there. She once was a true love of mine. Have her make me a cambric shirt Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. Without no seams, nor fine needle work. Then she'll be a true love of mine. Tell her to weave it in a sycamore wood lane. Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme Gather it up in a basket of flowers Then she'll be a true love of mine Have her wash it in yonder dry well Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme Where water ne'er sprung, nor drop of rain fell. Then she'll be a true love of mine Tell her to to find me an acre of land. Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme Between the sea foam and over the sand. Then she'll be a true love of mine Plow the land with the horn of a lamb. Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme Then sow some seeds from north of the dam. Then she'll be a true love of mine Have her reap it with a sickle of leather. Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme Gather it up in a bunch of heather. Then she'll be a true love of mine If she tells me she can't, then I'll reply. Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme Let me know, that at least she will try. Then she'll be a true love of mine Love imposes impossible tasks Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme Though not more than any heart asks. And I must know she's true love of mine When thou has finished thy task. Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme Come to me my hand for to ask. For then you'll be a true love of mine Additional verses: Tell her to dry it on yonder thorn, Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme, Which never bore blossom since Adam was born, And then she'll be a true love of mine. Ask her to do me this courtesy, Parsely, sage, rosemary, and thyme, And ask for a like favor from me, And then she'll be a true love of mine. Have you been to Scarborough Fair? Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme, Remember me from one who lives there, For he once was a true love of mine. When he has done and finished his work, Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme, Ask him to come for his cambric shirt, For then he'll be a true love of mine.
I like that the various traditional lyrics ask her to perform impossible things & that is the only way she could be loved. A bit of a nasty message to send to a former love. A bitter humor. Simon & Garfunkel are Beautiful & ethereal as the round of multiple voices weave in like sewing without a needle 😥
You listened all the way through without pausing. Don't think I've seen that before. It's a mesmerizing piece.
And as a result, this video is almost certain to get copyright blocked.
This song is SO difficult to pause partway through, though! I take that as her being truly immersed in it (which is the correct response, hah!)
@@briantrash Not so sure, we'll see. The suffocation on reaction videos only happened with certain copyright holders and artists
No its not@@briantrash
She's done that before
This song has waited 59 years for someone with your knowledge and musical scholarship to appreciate it as well as you do. ❤
There is a context to remember. This was written during the Vietnam War. Every evening, we were seeing scenes of incredible violence on the evening news. Thousands of young men eighteen, nineteen, twenty years old were being returned to their families in coffins. Many of them so badly mutilated that the coffins had to be kept closed during the funerals. Other young men had disappeared without a trace, some assumed to have been taken prisoner, others left to rot away in some jungle place.
To me this song represented a young soldier pausing during the battle to remember the girl he had loved back home and realizing that the possibility of his returning home to her alive and undamaged was as unlikely as her chances of reaping a field with a leather sickle.
Paul Simon is a musical genius
Amy never ceases to amaze me, the way she connects with the songs and the reading she does. It's a fantastic sensitivity.
we are so lucky to have her
A gem is being revealed before us.
I was always curious about why the particular herbs chosen in the refrain, so I look into it. In medieval times Rosemary was associated with love & remembrance; Thyme was associated with bravery and courage; Parsley for comfort and Sage was symbolic of wisdom and strength. So in Scarborough Fair these herbs made sense. These also with the Canticle. I always thought that both parts speak to love that can never be fulfilled. The Simon & Garfunkel arrangement is simply beautiful. Thank you for teaching me the reasons why this piece is so special.
Old songs and poems often had a double meaning: a surface innocent meaning, and a deeper, more trenchant meaning.
This was my introduction to Simon Garfunkel, when my parents bought the album for me in the 1960s; we sat and listened to the whole thing together. Our father, who was a Spaniard of views so conservative we said they were pre-1492, instantly recognized two groups as great: the Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel. This has, for so long, been a favorite tear-wringing song for me.
Scarborough had importance in Medieval times as a major Royal Castle , half way between London & Edinburgh, with a safe harbour created in the shelter of the Castle headland. Hemmed in by a range of hills the town had little agricultural hinterland so it's economy was based on sea going trade. The town had an unusual double borough, with a 'Newborough' added to it's original walled area in the early 13th century. Scarborough Fair was an annual event held over 40+ days through August & September, one of the longest of such fairs, which in most towns lasted for 1 week only. In effect this made the place a summer resort, the role it has played 'officially' since the 17th century. The Fair was held on the seafront below the cramped streets of the early settlement of fishers cottages.
(Between the salt water & the sea strand). Among the goods traded at the Fair were spices (Parsley Sage Rosemary & Thyme) & exotic items from all over Europe & beyond, including cloth of silk & other sorts (a Cambric shirt). It was a major landing place for the red wines from the English Kings fiefdom in Aquitaine & Gascony , & salted fish in great quantity, for the many monasteries & religious houses across the north of England, who needed these for their Mass & food regulations. For export was the massive production of wool, the mainstay of the English economy, from those monastic & Lordly estates that comprised much of the country. In Scarborough itself was produced a fine green glazed pottery, decorated with figures of knights & horses etc which was traded out of the place, to be found in ports & settlements scattered all around the North Sea & coasts of Europe, through the 13th & 14th centuries. So it is a suitable place for such a famous song to belong to, especially as the setting of the town itself is very fair & beautiful. As a Scarborian I would ask you to pronounce the name of my home town correctly. It is 'Scarbrah' Fair, not to be called Scarborrow, please.
Worthwhile correction on the pronunciation of Scarborough as "Scarbrah". But parsley, sage rosemary and thyme are herbs not spices, ("'erbs" to Americans)
I always wondered why I had such a fascination with Great Britain. When I did my DNA test I found out the largest percentage of my ancestry was 34% mix of English/Scottish/Irish. The rest was Polish and more European mix. So yes, I’m a mutt. But a mutt with a Brit, Scot, Irish heart. As I was born in the USA, please don’t hold that against me, to parents who didn’t want me, I was adopted so my info is limited as to exactly where my British heritage comes from. I’m still trying to find out and being almost 70 I’m running out of time. Thank you for the correct pronunciation of the name of the town. If I say it enough, I’ll remember it.
Thanks for such a lovely and picturesque description of the whereabouts of Scarborough and its fair providing both insight, perspective and a scent of herbal mixtures in the air. Made me both curious of the site and wanting to make a visit. Is the fair still present?
Cheers from Stockholm, Sweden
Thanks for such a lovely and picturesque description of the whereabouts of Scarborough and its fair providing both insight, perspective and a scent of herbal mixtures in the air. Made me both curious of the site and wanting to make a visit. Is the fair still present?
Cheers from Stockholm, Sweden
Wonderful information and THANK YOU for taking your time to share it!
Two small points: 1) Parsley, sage etc are herbs, not spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardomom, cloves etc) and
2) were we to honor your request and pronounce the name of your fair city properly, it would not fit the melody: your pronunciation has two syllables, whereas the melody has three notes. Shall we agree that poetic license be allowed in the song, whereas in normal speech, we will try to use the correct pronunciation?
This was the first song I ever fell in love with. I was in grade school when our music teacher played it for the class. All five albums from Simon & Garfunkel are excellent and belong in every music-lover's collection, but this one is still is my favorite.
Totally agree.
Beautiful song. Another gorgeous piece no one ever listens to but should is called “For Emily, Wherever I May Find Her.”
Probably the most perfect song i have ever heard. And I am 70 years old.
I listen to it! It’s the first one I thought of as a recommendation after this one!
"Two part harmony is the best" - Art Garfunkel ...couldn't agree more.
Three part harmony even better - S&G performed this with Andy Williams on the Andy Williams show ... goes to 11. There are several versions available on YT.
@@tkengathegrateful4844 "goes to 11" from spinal tap lol. just watched that yesterday. 3 part harmony didn't work out well when they were at elvis' grave. will check out S and G with williams,thanks. i was quoting art from their reunion on SNL in 1975.
It isn’t often that we’ll see a UA-cam reaction video this deep and edifying. Thank you. ❤
Paul McCartney and Paul Simon are two living legends and true treasures for all music lovers.
Couldn’t agree more…. Funny how maybe the 2 best songwriters of the 20th century are Pauls
I've been to Scarborough many times, and have heard this song often over the years, but I've never ... REALLY LISTENED ... to it before. Wonderful.
There is manic in this music. Beauty in your omniscient understanding. Joy in you giving moments to us
Her face looks extra beautiful in this vid, I don't know how or why
"John Barleycorn Must Die" is another traditional English folk tune recorded by Traffic in 1970. Not as melodic as S&G but worth the listen none the less.
It is such a beautiful melody.
The guitar play weaves a magical spell upon the listener.
Paul's and Art's vocals also weave their spell upon our ears.
The lyrics of the two songs are also weaved in a way that the two very different songs... somehow become one.
Amy - you are so right... "It's an old thing - and a new thing... all at once. And to me that's just incredible. It's beautiful - it's amazing... and a real treasure. It's a gem - in my book... and one that I will enjoy returning to many times."
I agree with everything you had to say about this wonderful track. I fell in love with it the first time I heard it back in late 1966... and have come back to it hundreds of times over the last 59 years. The song still thrills me... and leaves me with a sweet joy that is tinged with a melancholy sadness. In the end... I think the thing that touches my soul the most deeply - is the wonderful vocal performances by both Art and Paul. They were truly magical together.
Outstanding analysis of a beautiful song. Thank you.
This song helped The Graduate be a fantastic movie. A must see film!
yep great soundtrack, though glad I heard the album before seeing it
What an enjoyable reaction. Thank you!
I can’t help but remember the song resonated with the protests of the Vietnam war.
Great background info Vlad, and great history lesson Amy on the preservation of old folk tunes. Interesting connection you have with the English folk song itself through performing and teaching it. I agree, the harpsichord and guitar worked so well together. Great reflections on the lyrics, both the original and secondary layer of the Canticle lyrics, and how they blended well together thematically and sonically, with the absurdity of the impossible tasks in the original and the absurdity of fighting a war over a forgotten cause in Canticle. Great reaction and I'm glad you found this to be a gem that you will return to again, which is certainly a personal benefit to you in going on this journey discovering new music.
Typical of you, Lee: leaving a thoughful comment. Here's a link to a 6+ minute version:
Simon & Garfunkel - Scarborough Fair/Canticle (Original Long Version) 6.19: ua-cam.com/video/lkpMr8CG9dQ/v-deo.html
For Emily, Wherever I May Find Her -- a MUST!!!
It's "Whenever"
One of my all time favorite songs. I get chills still. First heard it in high school. Am now 63.
One of the favorite songs of my life. Utter beauty to me.
English traditional folk song which Paul Simon picked up from folk musician Martin Carthy while playing the folk circuit in England. Pre S&G, he wrote "Homeward Bound" while waiting for a train on Wigan station. Bob Dylan also picked up on this song while exploring the folk scene in England and he re worked it into "Girl from the North Country". Its worth a listen. Scarborough is a seaside town in North Yorkshire. The original song sets out a list of impossible tasks set out for a former lover who lives in said town. The song has its roots in the mid 1800's when songs were still in the "oral tradition" passed from town to town and added to and changed on its journey. As you know that much of American folk and country music's roots can be traced to England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme are herbs found native in England.
The list of impossible tasks.
Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Remember me to one who lives there
He once was a true love of mine
Tell him to make me a cambric shirt
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Without no seams nor needle work
Then he'll be a true love of mine
Have him wash it in yonder dry well
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Where ne'er a drop of water e'er fell
And then he'll be a true love of mine
Tell him to find me an acre of land
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Between salt water and the sea strands
Then he'll be a true love of mine
Tell him to reap it with a sickle of leather
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
And gather it all in a bunch of heather
Then he'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
He once was a true love of mine
Martin Carthy's version is starkly beautiful with a simple guitar comp. I heard him several times in my youth at Falkirk Folk Song Club. This was before The Graduate. God, I'm old 😂
@@TheNordicharps
Yes, Martin's version is the one to have. This one is rather sugary in comparison, notable however for bringing this arrangement into the public domain, but also for showing Paul Simon in a rather poor light personally..........
This is beautiful, but garbles the lyrics - Martin Carthy's version makes much more sense.
yes well done for the facts...which Simon acknowledges
Not quite sure what the "bad light" refers to. Some critisize him for "taking credit" for the song. Maybe he "borrowed" arrangements from others? However, the credit is probably for the counter melody "On the side of a hill", which was Simon's work.
I want to give props to Carol Kaye, who tastefully played the bass on this song. I wouldn't know where to start or how to handle this piece as a bass player. She could have easily overwhelmed this song if you've listened to the thousands of other songs she recorded with various artists during this era, but she held back and gave this song a good foundation.
Thanks for that piece of info. I know her from many songs, but never knew she played this. What great songs of the 60s did she NOT play on? Lol
Flower Symbolic
Parsley stands for : doing something nice for the love interest
Sage stands for : Wisdom + Clarity
Rosemary stands for : Love + Commitment + Devotion
Thyme stands for : reviving long dead love
In the Original lyrics which has 11 stanzas it is a back and forth between man (4 stanzas/2nd - 5th stanza) and woman (4 stanzas/7th -10th stanza) both demanding things from each other in order to revive their lost love for each other + 3 stanzas sung together (1st stanza, 6th stanza, 11th stanza).
Basically the whole song is solely about "demanding from the partner something nice (actually unsolvable tasks) to be done (=Parsley) done with wisdom and clarity (=Sage) and done with love and commitment&devotion (=Rosemary) in order to revive our long dead love for each other (=Thyme)"
Ending with the words sung by both together in the last stanza:
If you say that you can´t, then I shall reply
Parsley, Sage Rosemary and Thyme
Oh let me know at least you will try
Or you´ll never be a true love of mine.
To me it's always been just another simple S & G masterpiece. I never before considered all the complexities behind it.
Another old traditional (Irish) folk song that was adapted into a popular rock track and international hit by the Irish rock group Thin Lizzy was "Whiskey in the Jar". I think you would enjoy that as well.
i'VE LOVED THIS FOR ALMOST A LIFETIME. ONE OF THEIR MOST BEAUTIFUL SONGS. i'M IN THE UK SO SO SCARBOROUGH IS A REAL PLACE FOR ME. GIVES A PERIOD OF HOW THINGS WERE IN THE PAST - A KINDER ERA!
It's just as magical as the first time I heard it. And now more special because it brings me back to that time.
You should react to Simon and Garfunkel's "The Dangling Conversation". I know you'll enjoy it.
This was the first time many of the general public were exposed to beautiful traditional folk music. The weaving of Canticle into the song is just brilliant in concept and execution.
To see your delight and amazement in this song was so fulfilling. This song is about as old as I am, and I grew up knowing the song because it was popular in the sixties and seventies. Back then, I had no idea it was two songs melded together. As a child, I thought that the secondary lyrics echoed and augmented the first. For instance, I took the line "blazing in scarlet battallion" to be a poetic metaphor for fall foliage, since that fit with the earlier lines "sprinkling of leaves" and "deep forest green." It wasn't until I was an adult that I learned that it was this traditional folk song and Simon and Garfunkel's "Canticle" combined, and it wasn't until you pointed out the thematic similarities line by line that I fully appreciated how appropriate the two songs are to be layered together. Wonderful analysis. Thank you so much. You are a true teacher.
I'm watching and hadn't realized you just posted this! What a touching and detailed analysis and reaction to what i have always thought is one of the most beautiful contemporary songs ever written.
In Middle Ages the spices such as: parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme were connected to personality traits.
It's the angelic voice of Art Garfunkel that creates the atmosphere.
Not only that. Guitar arrangement, harpsichord, the xilophone, reverb effect on voices etc...
Instantly made me remember The Graduate. S&G were so beloved by we Boomers, their music was so special.
Ewan McColl is really important. He wrote “Dirty Old Town” and “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face”. Very important pieces of music.
I was going to post that. He was also Kirsty McColl’s father.
@@richardlovell4713 Never knew either of those things.
a beautifully done song that is timeless...
Anything Paul Simon touches is gold.
The world needs more harpsichord ornaments.
For me, this is the greatest thing they ever did that Paul Simon didn't completely write himself. It's HAUNTING.
They were something together, weren't they? Thank you for sharing another of their treasures, Amy.
I've always loved the finger picked intro, that guitar riff...! So beautiful
boy I haven't listened to that since I was a kid, incredibly moving music. yes, disappointed you didn't jam along, would love to hear you do a cover of this arrangement for harp! something to consider. I knew you'd dig this. it is a gem. holy cow. anyone who doesn't love this needs therapy or something.
I love how you break down why this piece is so beautiful. Thank you! 🩵
A masterful conception and performance. One of the loveliest songs ever.
Amy looks like shes channelling her inner Princess Leia
Not Lucy from Peanuts?
I love Simon and Garfunkel's music. They unabashedly introduced beauty into Rock's musical conversation.
And I love your insightful commentary. And your joy in good music. Greetings from Eastern Washington State
So, so complete that even with your wonderful dissection of the piece, locating the fullness and beauty that this song conveys is nigh impossible. This is a 'butterfly' of a song and sets a high standard for folk arrangement and sentiment.
Thank you for all the hard work you put into your reactions. I love how you understand that music can (even without words) evoke our laughter and our fears and touch our hearts and souls. Paul Simon lived and played in England as a young man.
Being in my late teens in the late 60's, I was entranced by the beauty and complexity of Scarborough Fair, but I mainly concentrated on the music and its feel. Only later did I dig into the second text and its meaning. Again, thank you for an insightful and delightful analysis of part of the sound track of my life. 🙂
How profoundly beautiful great music is , great reaction to a masterpiece by maestro`s Amy
When I first listened to this some sixty years ago I thought it was the most beautiful sound I had ever heard.
One thing that stands out to me among the sadness and (regret?) in this song is that he sets out all the impossible tasks for her in order to be a true love of his and then, she once was a true love of mine. In other words she performed the impossible and still they are not together. And the deepness of the why for me. This juxtaposed with the soldiers song makes me wonder if one or the other of them is not already passed, or so ruined by the experience of war that they can no longer connect to even, or especially, this perfect and impossible love. The effect of this song has for me upon listening is so often tears at the beauty and tragedy of it. Thank you for covering it so thoughtfully.
One another note, While you are on Simon and Garfunkel folk songs. El Condor pasa might be a lovely next choice .
I have always understood that the singer has died, probably killed in a war, which is why she can no longer be his true love.
"Dance me to the end of love" by Leonard Cohen also contains tragic dark elements, in a dance song. That's a masterpiece.
such a beautiful song....almost brings tears....
Almost?
It's been beautiful having you analyze something I've loved since I was a child.
An incredibly beautiful MUST HEAR Classic song which also provides us with a very important message,, Ralph McTell "Streets Of London" ❤
My fav song of theirs- its amazing :) I love the 2 overlapping stories and their amazing harmonies with each other.
Elizabeth My Dear by The Stone Roses uses the same melody, but turns it into a sort of protest song against the monarchy.
I think Amy needs to hear their, I Am The Resurrection!
That is probably the best review and analysis of this song I've ever heard. And yes this song is very magickal.
Such a powerful song. I think the anti-war message of Canticle is stronger in couterpoint to the pastoral innocence of Scarborough. Even though it was written about the Vietnam war, they use the images of war from a time consistent with the folk song. I love Skyboat song, too.
🎉🎉🎉 I adore this piece ❤️💐
I hope you will do the entire Graceland album. It's quite important.
I first came across Martin Carthy in a BBC folk music programme called Singalong in the early 1960s. His guitar playing was on a different level to anybody else's I'd seen. Knocked my socks off. He's an uncompromising character & something of a folk purist (which I believe is why he left Steeleye Span - their Please To See The King album is terrific).
I've seen him live once, & can confirm he is a miserable (but highly talented) bar steward😆
Martin isn't often miserable. He can be extremely amiable and witty and above all very approachable. I've lost count of how many times I've seen him over 50+ years. He is still a bit annoyed about not getting any royalties from Paul Simon pinching his guitar arrangement for Scarborough fair though.
Paul Simon also wrote a counter-melody called Canticle to weave through the verses of Scarborough Fair. The Canticle part often goes unmentioned
Thank you. I enjoyed this in depth analysis by you immensely. This is for me, your best work.
This song reminds me of the phrase 'All's Fair in Love and War'. How people do outrageous things in both contexts which the lyrics encapsulate. And obviously in a facile way 'fair' is in the song's title.
Brilliant analysis of a brilliant composition.
I really love to see how extra you get when the subject is closer to your heart. You are always great, but again you put an extra bit of zeal in this review. Thanks as always!
What coincidence, a piece with a harpsichord. Just before this I listened to a whole concert of solo clavicords.😀
One of a few perfect songs we had in this world.
You really need to listen to Martin Carthy's version after this in order to hear where Paul Simon took his adaptation from.
The line "Scarlet battalions" even alludes to the the British military of Victorian or earlier English times.
I learn so much from your analysis, Amy. Thank you for what you do on this channel. You’re treasured.
Fantastic video,
I have known this song all these years as just a S&G cover of an old English tale, it sounds good, it's on the album, it's in the movie.
I have never paid attention to Paul Simon's underlying lyrics and put it all together as Amy did.
Very enriching,
Thanks
I am looking forward to Simon and Garfunkel. Two extremely tallented musicians, Art Garfunkel with his beautiful voice!
I hope and lookforward to an analysis by you Amy of the Moody Blues, inparticular Nights in white satin, complete with the poem at the end. Although Forever Autumn wasn't writen by the Moody Blues, this is another song performed by the Moody Blues. This beautiful song, beautifuly performed by Justin Hayward with amazing musical arrangements, from the album, War of the Worlds by Jef Wayne is a must listen, I believe, Amy you will give these songs all the credit they deserve. I Await in anticipation🥂
I was a young child when this came out and yet, I had forgotten hoe much I love this song and production. I took flute for awhile and this was one of the few songs I learned to play by heart. Thanks for reminding me of it..
We sang this song in our public school chorus class and were going to use it in our concert for the public. Even though our teacher’s arrangement had nothing offensive in it that I could see at the time, early 70’s, we had to take that song that we had worked so hard on, out of the songs we were going to sing. Being a first soprano, I was bummed out. I loved singing it. I’m nearing 70 now and I finally find out why. It was the anti-war stuff evidently. I never even thought of that. At 16 years old I was used to hearing anti-war stuff in so much of the 60’s and 70’s music that I never gave it another thought. It’s a beautiful song and the way Simon and Garfunkel arranged it and presented it, I believe this as well as the original will stand the test of time.
Bravo! Best reaction. Ever.
Take Paul's genius arrangements and Art's composition, then throw in probably the finest two-part harmony of all time, and you have Scarborough Faire.
One of the most hauntingly beautifully pieces of music I know. So glad you liked it.
Lovely review and breakdown of this gem. Thank you!
I enjoy your channel so much. Keep 'em coming!
Love the 2 songs ❤ brilliant
Captivating Amy. I’ve already listened multiple times to your analysis!
I was wondering when you would get to this masterpiece of modern music. Despite it's ancient origins it remains a melody that never feels old. It is a timeless piece and love how you inspire your viewers to be as respectful in the treatment of older music; as Simon & Garfunkel were in this more modern version of Scarborough Fair. The duo has always been one of my favorites as well, even after they split both artists made incredible contributions to music.
Absolutely fascinating.
I've listened to this tune for over four decades. I've always loved it but never understood it as an interconnected story.
The story of a young man who is being drafted to go to war. He's a simple kid from the country who now has to go be a soldier. He must follow orders to kill and he doesn't even know why.
I suspect that in the traditional lyrics, he's dying and is pleading with the medic or even a fellow soldier to tell his girl - whom he'll never see again - that he loves her.
I hope not but I suspect so.
The thing is that it works for all soldiers. Ever.
The herbs are symbols of qualities such as love, courage, strength, loyalty. In the Canticle part, in some lines Art starts the line & Paul finishes the line. I clearly hear it at least twice.
This song blew her mind. She can just play it on repeat forever now with a big smile on her face and not bother making UA-cam videos ever again.
Paul Simon's opus is a treasure trove. You will find many a gem in it.
I suggest two songs…Autumn Almanac by The Kinks and A Case of You by Joni Mitchell. I’m really enjoying your reaction to the ‘rock’ classics…so refreshing and enjoyable! I also highly suggest any of Luke Haines’ work. Maybe start with his medley Das Capital Overture.
Good to hear something I can actually play. Thank you 🙂
This was my first S&G album, when I was about 9 years old (1969). I heard the album at a cousin's house, and fell in love with the song "Homeward Bound". I listened to the album so many times that my cousin finally gave me my own copy for Christmas that year. It was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with S&G.
As you say, there were quite a few popular versions of traditional music in the 1970s and early 80s. Certainly here in the UK. For anyone looking for something similar (yet diversely different!) here are a few:
Sky - Toccata. A take on Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor, with harpsichord and amazing classical guitar playing. Bach really did write the best rock tracks.
Steeleye Span - All Around My Hat. Another English folk rock band, with an incredibly catchy track. Another sad undertone of "Its all for my true love who is far, far away".
Also Steeleye Span - Gaudete. A medieval Christmas song written and sung in Latin. Made number 14 in the UK charts in 1973
Did Sky use harpsichords in it? I remember the keyboard player using a synth or electronic organ.
Had to watch the reaction twice 😊 brilliant!!!
Are you going to Scarborough Faire?
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.
Remember me to one who lived there.
She once was a true love of mine.
Have her make me a cambric shirt
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.
Without no seams, nor fine needle work.
Then she'll be a true love of mine.
Tell her to weave it in a sycamore wood lane.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Gather it up in a basket of flowers
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Have her wash it in yonder dry well
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Where water ne'er sprung, nor drop of rain fell.
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Tell her to to find me an acre of land.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Between the sea foam and over the sand.
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Plow the land with the horn of a lamb.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Then sow some seeds from north of the dam.
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Have her reap it with a sickle of leather.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Gather it up in a bunch of heather.
Then she'll be a true love of mine
If she tells me she can't, then I'll reply.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Let me know, that at least she will try.
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Love imposes impossible tasks
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Though not more than any heart asks.
And I must know she's true love of mine
When thou has finished thy task.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Come to me my hand for to ask.
For then you'll be a true love of mine
Additional verses:
Tell her to dry it on yonder thorn,
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme,
Which never bore blossom since Adam was born,
And then she'll be a true love of mine.
Ask her to do me this courtesy,
Parsely, sage, rosemary, and thyme,
And ask for a like favor from me,
And then she'll be a true love of mine.
Have you been to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme,
Remember me from one who lives there,
For he once was a true love of mine.
When he has done and finished his work,
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme,
Ask him to come for his cambric shirt,
For then he'll be a true love of mine.
I like that the various traditional lyrics ask her to perform impossible things & that is the only way she could be loved. A bit of a nasty message to send to a former love. A bitter humor. Simon & Garfunkel are Beautiful & ethereal as the round of multiple voices weave in like sewing without a needle 😥