Scarborough is a coastal town in England that was once home to the famous “Scarborough Fair.” This gathering was a significant event in Medieval times, beginning annually on August 15th and lasting for 45 days, drawing merchants and performers from across the nation. The town’s nature changed in the 1600s with the discovery of mineral waters, transforming it into a resort destination. Today, Scarborough is a peaceful town with a deep historical legacy.
During Medieval England, “Scarborough Fair” evolved into a popular folk song, often performed by traveling bards. The original author remains unknown, which has led to many different versions of the song existing over time. The traditional version of the song contains significantly more lyrics than the one most commonly known today.
Paul Simon discovered the song while touring in England, where he heard a rendition by the acclaimed folk singer Martin Carthy. When Simon & Garfunkel released their version, Carthy accused Paul Simon of appropriating his specific arrangement without credit. The two artists were estranged until 2000, when Simon invited Carthy to perform the song with him at a concert in London, a performance Carthy accepted, setting aside their past differences. Martin Carthy himself had learned the song from an Ewan MacColl songbook and had featured it on his debut album.
In a July 2011 interview with Mojo magazine, Paul Simon addressed the controversy, admitting: “The version I was playing was definitely what I could remember of Martin’s version… Really, it was just naivety on my part that we didn’t credit it as his arrangement of a traditional tune. I didn’t know you had to do that.” Simon explained that a “substantial monetary settlement” was later arranged with Carthy’s publisher to be shared with the folk singer, but added, “unbeknown to me, Martin got nothing.”
Lyrics
Are you going to Scarborough Fair
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Remember me to one who lives there
She once was a true love of mineTell her to make me a cambric shirt (deep forest green)
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Without no seams nor needle work (blankets and bedclothes the child of the mountain)
Then she’ll be a true love of mine (sleeps unaware of the clarion call)Tell her to find me an acre of land (a sprinkling of leaves)
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme (washes the grave with silvery tears)
Between the salt water and the sea strand (A soldier cleans and polishes a gun)
She’ll be a true love of mineTell her to reap it with a sickle of leather (War bellows blazing in scarlet battalions)
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme (General order their soldiers to kill)
And gather it all in a bunch of heather (And to fight for a cause they’ve long ago forgotten)
Then she’ll be a true love of mineAre you going to Scarborough Fair
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Remember me to one who lives there
She once was a true love of mine