Simon & Garfunkel’s “Scarborough Fair / Canticle” – A 1966 Revival of Medieval Melody and Poetic Protest
In 1966, Scarborough Fair / Canticle by Simon & Garfunkel introduced folk music lovers to a haunting, ethereal rendition of a traditional English ballad blended with modern poetic counterpoint. Included on their groundbreaking album Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, the song captivated audiences with its delicate harmonies, intricate guitar work, and atmospheric production. Though never released as a single in the U.S., it became one of the duo’s most recognized songs, later gaining further prominence when it was featured in the 1967 film The Graduate. Its combination of ancient folk tradition with a contemporary anti-war message gave it a unique place in the history of popular music.
Simon & Garfunkel, the legendary folk-rock duo consisting of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, had already begun making a name for themselves by the mid-1960s. Rising from the Greenwich Village folk scene, they blended poetic lyricism with intricate vocal harmonies, setting them apart from other acts of the era. Their breakthrough came with The Sound of Silence, but it was Scarborough Fair / Canticle that demonstrated their ability to take an old-world melody and infuse it with modern meaning, a hallmark of their artistic identity.
The origins of Scarborough Fair date back to at least the 17th century, though its roots may be even older. The song tells the story of a lost love, with the singer requesting impossible tasks from a former lover in order to win them back. Paul Simon reportedly learned the song from British folk musician Martin Carthy while traveling in England, and it was Carthy’s arrangement that Simon adapted for the duo’s recording. However, what set Simon & Garfunkel’s version apart was the addition of Canticle, a counter-melody that Paul Simon had originally written as The Side of a Hill, a protest song reflecting on the devastation of war. The intertwining of these two melodies created an eerie juxtaposition—while one voice mourned a lost romance, the other mourned the tragedy of conflict.
The production of Scarborough Fair / Canticle was a meticulous process, with Paul Simon’s fingerpicked guitar weaving an intricate tapestry of sound beneath Art Garfunkel’s soaring harmonies. The song’s atmospheric reverb and delicate orchestration gave it an almost dreamlike quality, transporting listeners to another time and place. Unlike many folk recordings of the time, which leaned toward raw minimalism, this version embraced a lush, almost classical elegance, reinforcing Simon & Garfunkel’s reputation for sonic innovation.
When Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme was released in 1966, the song quickly became one of the album’s standout tracks. Though it did not chart as a single in the United States, it became a staple of their live performances and was widely embraced by folk enthusiasts. In the UK, where the melody was already familiar, the song resonated deeply with audiences who appreciated Simon & Garfunkel’s modern reinterpretation.
The song’s impact extended beyond the folk community. It bridged the gap between traditional and contemporary music, showing that old melodies could be revitalized with new meanings. By intertwining Canticle into the arrangement, Simon & Garfunkel elevated the song into a quiet but powerful anti-war statement, mirroring the growing disillusionment of the Vietnam War era. Without being overtly political, the song’s haunting duality allowed it to be interpreted in multiple ways, making it both timeless and timely.
For Simon & Garfunkel, Scarborough Fair / Canticle marked an important moment in their artistic evolution. While their earlier work had focused on introspective songwriting, this track demonstrated their ability to rework existing material into something fresh and socially relevant. It also showcased their meticulous attention to musical detail, an approach that would define their later masterpieces such as Bridge Over Troubled Water.
Over the years, the song has been covered by countless artists, though few versions capture the hypnotic beauty of Simon & Garfunkel’s rendition. Martin Carthy’s original folk version remains respected in traditional circles, while later artists like Sarah Brightman and Celtic Woman have offered their own ethereal takes on the ballad. However, the haunting counterpoint of Canticle remains uniquely tied to Simon & Garfunkel, setting their version apart as the definitive one.
By the late 1960s, the song had taken on new cultural significance with its inclusion in The Graduate, where it underscored the film’s themes of alienation and longing. Alongside The Sound of Silence, it played a crucial role in defining the film’s melancholy atmosphere, bringing Simon & Garfunkel’s music to an even wider audience. The song’s presence in the film cemented its status as a defining sound of the 1960s.
Throughout the decades, Scarborough Fair / Canticle has remained a staple of folk and popular music. Its seamless blend of the old and the new continues to inspire musicians exploring the intersection of history and innovation. The song has also been sampled and reimagined in various forms, proving its adaptability across different musical genres.
Simon & Garfunkel’s recording not only revived an ancient folk tune but also infused it with contemporary meaning, allowing it to remain relevant long after its initial release. Its haunting beauty, intricate harmonies, and poetic depth ensure that it endures as one of their most beloved works.
As folk traditions continue to evolve, Scarborough Fair / Canticle serves as a reminder that music has the power to transcend time. Whether interpreted as a simple ballad of lost love or as a quiet cry against the tragedies of war, the song retains its emotional pull. Even today, its delicate balance of nostalgia and urgency makes it one of the most memorable and evocative tracks in Simon & Garfunkel’s legendary catalog.
Decades after its release, Scarborough Fair / Canticle still stands as a testament to Simon & Garfunkel’s ability to bridge the past and present. It remains a song of mystery, beauty, and quiet defiance—an enduring masterpiece that continues to enchant and inspire.
