Scarborough Fair

Description

Tenor, Bass, Piano — “Scarborough Fair” is a traditional English ballad, believed to date back to the late Middle Ages. The song is associated with the Yorkshire town of Scarborough, once a popular medieval fair destination. The lyrics tell the story of a lover asking their former partner to complete a series of impossible tasks, often in exchange for reconciliation. The refrain, “Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme,” is symbolic and has various interpretations, including associations with love, healing, and remembrance.Over the centuries, “Scarborough Fair” has been passed down orally, leading to many lyrical variations. The song became widely known in modern times through the 1966 rendition by Simon & Garfunkel, who adapted it from earlier folk versions. However, its roots lie in much older traditions of English and Scottish balladry. As a folk song, “Scarborough Fair” reflects common themes of love, loss, and the blending of myth with daily life, making it a lasting piece in the folk repertoire. Noah Reese’s arrangement of Scarborough Fair for TB choir breathes new life into this traditional English ballad. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the song tells of a lover’s impossible tasks, with the refrain “Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme” symbolizing love and healing. Passed down through generations, this haunting melody blends themes of love, loss, and folklore, offering singers a rich connection to the timeless folk tradition.

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