Scarborough Fair (Canticle)

The song 'Scarborough Fair (Canticle)' by Simon & Garfunkel is a rich tapestry of melody and metaphor, intertwining an old English ballad with new anti-war canticles. The traditional part of the song speaks of a man asking the listener to convey a message to a former lover in Scarborough. He sets her impossible tasks, such as making a shirt without seams, as a test of her true love. These tasks are symbolic and represent the unattainable, suggesting that their love cannot be rekindled or perhaps was never true. The refrain of herbs, 'parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme,' are thought to have symbolic meanings themselves, ranging from funeral rites to symbols of virtue.

The 'Canticle' part of the song, which is interwoven with the traditional lyrics, was written by Paul Simon and adds a layer of commentary on the futility of war. The peaceful imagery of the fair and the impossible tasks contrast sharply with the harsh realities of war described in the canticle. The juxtaposition of the two sets of lyrics creates a haunting reminder of the innocence lost to the ravages of war and the longing for a return to simpler times and loves that were once pure.

Simon & Garfunkel's rendition of 'Scarborough Fair (Canticle)' is a masterful blend of old and new, using the structure of a classic folk song to deliver a powerful message about love and war. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to resonate with listeners, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the past while also commenting on the timeless issues of love and conflict.