Scarborough Fair: The Song and Its History
The history of the song "Scarborough Fair" with videos of Simon and Garfunkle, The Celtic Women, and Queensrythe.
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The Ballad of Scarborough Fair is about a man who assigns his former lover a list of impossible tasks. If she can fulfill these tasks he will take her back. Some of these tasks are making him a shirt without seams and washing it in a well that is dry. Almost like a defiant riddle, which suggests a bit of egotism on his part or a bitter irony. A riddle given her to prove herself no doubt. She possibly turned him down or was unfaithful, who knows? However this song has been made and crafted over the years into a powerful ballad. This song is one of my favorites from the Middle age period.
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Some suggest this song is about the Plague. The oldest discovered version of the ballad was around the early 1600’s called the “Elkin Knight”. Its meaning then was about an elf that threatened a young lady with being abducted as his lover, if she did not perform an impossible task. She responds with impossible tasks of her own. The plot is related to the work “Riddles Wisely Expounded” where the Devil threatens to carry off a woman unless she answers several riddles correctly.
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The song Scarborough Fair was made famous by the singing duo of Simon and Garfunkel in the 1960’s, which was included in the movie the Graduate. No doubt that there was some irony there as well.
My favorite version is though sung by a female from the group The Celtic Women.
And a powerful tune by the 1980’s Metal band Queensrythe. I love it
Liked it
Interesting history and I love the song.All three you included is liked but my favorite is sung by Celtic Woman.
Very interesting.
I love the Celtic Womens music as well, smiles
even my 14 year old finds the songs engaging – Simon and Garfunkel cross the generations
I’ve always been enchanted and by this song. I found the lyrics mysterious. Thanks for sharing its background.
Very interesting. I love the song and Simon and Garfunkel.
that’s sooo cool
Never knew this much about one song,an interesting article you wrote.But I would have a hard time picking since I like all singers you listed.
i love this song and interesting history listen
I love origins of songs. thanks for writing this article.
Thanks for writing this article! It’s simple amazing!
Very informative article. At least now I know whats the history about.;)
I like this. So interesting and an air of mystery. I enjoyed, Thanks for sharing.TU
came upon this website by chance…
You may be interested in the recent history of this song. When Paul Simon came over to UK in the early sixties, the song was part of the repertoire of Martin Carthy (who\’s been at the forefront of English folk for years). Paul Simon sought out Carthy, heard the song and took it home and the rest, as they say, is history…S&G changed the tone of the song from one of seeming revenge to one that is far more affectionate. A year later, Bob Dylan visited Carthy and again was inspired to take it away – it became the basis of his song \”girl from the north country\”.
Nice and interesting…
Pls. read my article and post some comments,
Thanks……..
http://authspot.com/poetry/largest-tree-of-mankind/