Simon and Garfunkel's Perfect Song

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Күн бұрын

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@thesisypheanjournal1271 4 жыл бұрын

You missed the way they weave their voices. Rather than Paul singing one song and Art the other, they switch back and forth. At one point I can recall they switch in the middle of a line. Art begins the line "And to fight for a" then Art's voice fades out as Paul's comes in on "cause" and Paul finishes "they have long ago forgotten." All seamless.

@93Current 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, seamless with no needlework.

@normadom3715 2 жыл бұрын

@@93Current That's lovely. Achieving in song what the fair maiden failed in her attempt to win back the affections of an estranged lover.

@N_IRL Жыл бұрын

@@93Current Yes, and it's very clean and polished

@cynthiagonzalez658 Жыл бұрын

I used to listen to the song endlessly. No drugs needed.

@peterkizer6163 5 жыл бұрын

I have loved this song for over 40 years; but I never understood it. Many thanks for your analysis. Yes, timeless.

@NotRiansLuke 2 жыл бұрын

The singer of Scarborough Fair is a ghost. That's why he asks for impossible things from his true love -- it's to reflect the impossibility of them ever reuniting. Canticle works so well with it because it implies the singer has died in a war without a proper goodbye -- and thus he and his true love will not only remain forever separated, but eternally without closure.

@N_IRL Жыл бұрын

Another thing that supports this point is the fact that herbs (such as parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme) often represented death. However, I still think that the line "then she'll be a true love of mine" makes the other interpretation more likely in my opinion

@artymowski Жыл бұрын

You are confusing the two songs, Scarborough Faire is a girl listing what she want's from a male suiter before she give her hand in marriage. S & G mashes up the original folk song with Simons new folk song.

@NotRiansLuke Жыл бұрын

@@artymowski I'm aware. The S&G song is called "Canticle," which is why I said "Canticle works so well with it..." ;)

@glastonbury4304 Жыл бұрын

The song "Scarborough Fair," is said to originate over 400 years ago, but was popularised in the United States by the 1960s singer-songwriting duo Simon & Garfunkel, however it's an English folk song about a market fair that took place in the town of Scarborough in Yorkshire England during medieval times. Like any fair, it attracted traders, entertainers and food vendors, along with other hangers-on. The fair peaked in the late 14th century but continued to operate until the end of the 1700s. Now, several fairs are held in remembrance of the original. The lyrics for "Scarborough Fair" talk about unrequited love. A young man requests impossible tasks from his lover, saying that if she can perform them, he will take her back. In return, she requests impossible things of him, saying she will perform her tasks when he performs his. It's also possible that this tune was derived from a Scottish song called "The Elfin Knight" (Child Ballad No. 2), wherein an elf kidnaps a woman and tells her that, unless she can do these impossible things, he will keep her as his lover. The use of the herbs "parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme" in the lyrics has been debated and discussed. It's possible that they were just put there as a placeholder, as people forgot what the original line was. In traditional folk music, songs grew and evolved over time, as they were passed down through the oral tradition. That's the reason there are so many versions of so many old folk songs, and possibly why these herbs have become such a prominent part of the verse. However, herbalists will tell you of the symbolism and functions of herbs in healing and health maintenance. There's also a possibility that these meanings were intended as the song evolved (parsley for comfort or to remove bitterness, sage for strength, thyme for courage, rosemary for love). There's some speculation that these four herbs were used in a tonic of some sort. Paul Simon learned the song in 1965 while visiting British folk singer Martin Carthy in London. Art Garfunkel adapted the arrangement, integrating elements of another song Simon had written called "Canticle," which in turn was adapted from yet another Simon song, "The Side of a Hill." The pair added some anti-war lyrics that reflected the times. Simon & Garfunkel gave Carthy no credit on their recording for the arrangement of a traditional folk song, and Carthy accused Simon of stealing his work. Many years later, Simon settled the issue with Carthy, and in 2000 they performed together in London. 😉👍

@DerekDerekDerekDerekDerekDerek 8 ай бұрын

It was populised by English folk artists in the UK...

@T-borG 7 ай бұрын

Oh, please mate! I mean, you just wrote ewerything that narrator of this video said and just added one or two lines of words😂😂. I don't hate smart people, i hate when people are pretending and acting like they are smart. And THAT is you, in this case, smartass.

@emmetkeire 3 жыл бұрын

I always imagine Scarborough fair as being sung by the ghost of a soldier killed in battle. Asking that his love be told of his passing. While the canticle is telling of the events before, during, and after of the battle that the soldier died in. The one where the "generals ordered their solders to kill, and to fight for a cause they've long ago forgotten."

@co20ca05 2 жыл бұрын

I you suppose this offers some insight into the impossible tasks- however hard the woman tries, she can never get her love back

@StellaWaldvogel Жыл бұрын

It does seem to be one of those deceased narrator songs. But the impossible tasks hint at old fairy lore - not the cute little Tinkerbell types people think of these days, but the old, dangerous fae that could lure people and get them lost in a kind of no-place. When you read up on this stuff, the old burial mounds are strongly associated with the fae, and the line between them and the spirits of the dead blurs. So the two songs work together in that way, that kind of ambiguity.

@MotownGal Жыл бұрын

It was written in the midst of the VietNam conflict. I'm not surprised you get that image.

@laurarules3642 Жыл бұрын

Interesting point of view. One of my favourite songs is Galveston and it wasn't until recently somebody told me it was about a war and a soldier and his death I had completely missed that

@StellaWaldvogel Жыл бұрын

@@laurarules3642 I've heard the same thing about "Last Train To Clarksville" and "Leaving on a Jet Plane", but those are simple goodbye songs that might or might not be about a guy going to Vietnam. But I think "Galveston" really is about getting drafted, Campbell mentions his gun a couple of times.

@ollelundin5567 6 жыл бұрын

Well Scarborough fair is not thymeless

@willherondale6367 6 жыл бұрын

Sage wisdom

@MephLeo 6 жыл бұрын

I wonder how would it sound in the voice of Elvis Parsley.

@bekircanozturk41 6 жыл бұрын

Sorry,couldnt find anything to Thyme with rosemary

@SteamvilleQuintet 6 жыл бұрын

Leo Las Vegas-y

@sean1419 6 жыл бұрын

Get out

@murraymusic2633 Жыл бұрын

I quite agree that Scarborough Fair is one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs ever written and recorded...

@paisleyprincess7996 5 жыл бұрын

Three reasons why I LOVE Scarborough Fair/Canticle: 1. It’s a perfect amalgamation of two good songs that makes a great song, with extraordinary lyricism 2. It not only speaks to the turbulence of human nature but to the turbulence of the late sixties, like the summer of love in 1967 and the Societal unrest of 1968. If free love and hippies can’t bring love to people then how can we ever have world peace? 3. The Graduate. Best movie ever and this song is the backdrop to an illicit love affair with an older woman. Classic.

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

I've just uploaded my own video on the history of Scarborough Fair which will answer some questions! It includes over 30 traditional recordings of variants of the ballad, and discusses the actual origin of the famous melody. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5XPeZp8rcmifNk

@stephallan2543 3 жыл бұрын

I have to say as an Indigenous Native American Woman but my two parents attended a Job Corp. in “Middle California” , then experiencing the Hippie days and then attending Woodstock as my parents took me along.... All I have to SAY is that it was “CHAOS” for me personally but the Music 🎼 was Incredible. I remember all of the CRAZY 😜 NESS. 🙇🏻‍♀️🔍😆😊🙋🏻‍♀️

@moniquemurphy4851 Жыл бұрын

@@stephallan2543🩷

@majorronaldmandell7835 Жыл бұрын

I agree!

@majorronaldmandell7835 Жыл бұрын

Yup! You’re right on!

@MJEvermore853 5 жыл бұрын

My God, this was truly amazing...I could never figure out the lyrics to the Canticle part, nor why they were included in the first place. This is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard in my life, beginning when I was just a toddler listening to 'Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits' on vinyl. Thank you for this video 👍❤️

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

I've just uploaded my own video on the history of Scarborough Fair which will answer some unanswered questions! It includes over 30 traditional recordings of variants of the ballad, and discusses the actual origin of the famous melody. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5XPeZp8rcmifNk

@carolynking5470 3 жыл бұрын

I loved this song by S&G since the album first came out. Then I saw them sing it on the Andy Williams Show, with 3-part harmony, and it took my breath away! kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4CrgH-Xi5uIarM

@StellaWaldvogel Жыл бұрын

It's good to have the Canticle lyrics, but I can remember hearing this when I was a kid, hearing it on not-great car speakers back when it got AM airplay. Only being able to catch snatches of lyric added to the ghostliness of it.

@marcscordato4385 6 жыл бұрын

It’s almost like entering another dimension the song seems to move you through space and time. The singer song writer era was such a unique time in history .I can’t imagine music this dark, cathartic and introspective toping the charts in modern times.

@geneobrien8907 6 жыл бұрын

Marc Scordato knowing that, gives you a glimpse of the mindset of the youth in the 1960's.

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

@jimclarke8260 2 жыл бұрын

The culture was more 'reality-based' back then. Today, noting is real. Everything is digital, virtual and narcistic, especially the music.

@flagmichael Жыл бұрын

@@geneobrien8907 I think we can say the "hippie" movement brought with it a resurgence of folk music.

@StellaWaldvogel Жыл бұрын

And yet people still like it. I know a lot of younger people who are into old music. Blame the industry. The good stuff is still being made, but it doesn't get promoted properly. I've seen some great bands playing in little clubs with a $15 cover charge.

@siemonblidener652 5 жыл бұрын

Great content. One note though: counterpoint actually is a melody that accompanies another main melody called cantus firmus. The form that combines two songs or pieces that stand on their own is called Quodlibet.

@nickdryad 4 жыл бұрын

you could also say melody and countermelody.

@alejandrorobert6789 4 жыл бұрын

@Samantha Harris says in the video "The Side Of A Hill" (about halfway)

@Refrigescere 3 жыл бұрын

But aren't Quodlibets mostly made for comedic purposes and have a counterpunctual form?

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

I've just uploaded my own video on the history of Scarborough Fair which includes over 30 traditional recordings of variants of the ballad, and discusses the actual origin of the famous melody. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5XPeZp8rcmifNk

@Jimi_Lee 3 жыл бұрын

Ok, but they refer to it as "counterpoint" on the album, if I'm not mistaken. It could have been in a songbook.

@nathanielpranger7370 6 жыл бұрын

I'd been overlooking Simon & Garfunkel for a long time, but Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme has become one of my favourite 60s albums recently. Great timing with this video!

@jakenap7184 6 жыл бұрын

You gotta check out Bridge Over Troubled Water, their best album in my opinion.

@nathanielpranger7370 6 жыл бұрын

Jake Nap yeah I own that one. it's very good but I like the sheer weirdness of PSR&T

@MattBargain 6 жыл бұрын

The 1981 Live in Central Park concert is possibly the best live concert ever. This song is also on there.

@a7fog324 4 жыл бұрын

The herbs album is my favorite of theirs too, with Cloudy and A Dangling Conversation as the best songs on there by far, and stuck in my head constantly.

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

@Codex7777 6 жыл бұрын

It was already a timeless song, dating back to medieval times, which many 20th century artists had covered. Theirs was merely another cover, albeit a very good one...

@shibolinemress8913 4 жыл бұрын

Indeed. I compare it to Bobby Hatfield (Righteous Brothers)'s cover of Unchained Melody, or The Animals' version of House of the Rising Sun. In other words, it eclipses all earlier versions, so that most think of it as the original, because it's so beautiful.

@rla1000 4 жыл бұрын

@@shibolinemress8913 Point. Few people know the origin of Unchained Melody. And its initial rendition in the scene in "Unchained" is so much more poignant than any interpretation attributed to Hatfield or others.

@svalentine4667 4 жыл бұрын

Shiboline M'Ress Honestly I don’t even know if the Animal’s House of the Rising Sun is better than the others. It’s just so ingrained in pop culture now that the old versions sound like YT covers

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

@UltimateBreloom 3 жыл бұрын

That's kind of completely dismissive of Canticle. The combination of Scarborough Fair and Canticle is greater than the parts too. It's really more than just another cover.

@bennymalone 5 жыл бұрын

The lyrics ’washes the grade with silvery tears’ are followed by ’between the salt water...’ which fit together because of tears being salty.

@elizabeths4371 6 жыл бұрын

Fascinating! Never realized that Scarborough Fair was an folk song or that the underlying harmony was a different song altogether

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

@michaelmerck7576 3 жыл бұрын

I just thought Scarborough fair was a town in New England for some unknown reason

@TonyEnglandUK 2 жыл бұрын

@@michaelmerck7576 It's Scarborough in Yorkshire, England - the fair no longer exists, unfortunately.

@shariwelch8760 6 жыл бұрын

I was born in the 60's and grew up listening to S&G. I'm so glad that they haven't been forgotten.

@DerekDerekDerekDerekDerekDerek 8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for mentioning Martin Carthy!

@neilmclanaghan4980 3 жыл бұрын

How is this song so timeless? In so many tongues. Possibly the best song ever written for people...

@rebelalien5523 6 жыл бұрын

Very glad you included Martin Carthy in this, since he wasn't originally credited.

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

@DrSanity7777777 4 жыл бұрын

“The bird a nest, the spider a web, man friendship.” - William Blake

@1999bmwm3baby 2 жыл бұрын

Paul Simon was genius in incorporating these two songs....who knew? I didn't 'til now!

@GabeOli1231 3 жыл бұрын

I agree how you saw each of the herbs symbolize, but I also think that they show something else. I had researched about this and realized that the herbs could symbolize that... 1. Parsley alludes to the man wanting to have kids with the woman 2. Sage alludes that he is dependable 3. Rosemary alludes for the woman to always remember her former loved one. 4. Thyme alludes that the man will always belong to that specific woman You may like this theory or not. I love these allusions, but you can see whatever you prefer about the herbs.

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

@MichaelWellman1955 6 жыл бұрын

I'm old enough to remember this song when it came out. I agree with you that this is one of S&G best songs. It is such a haunting and beautiful melody with the lyrics and wonderful vocals of S&G it is perfect. I knew that there were two songs blended in here but I've never heard the story behind it or have been able to decipher. Thank you for this wonderful explanation

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

@carolynking5470 3 жыл бұрын

I loved it back then, too. Then I saw them do it on TV, a version that I liked even better! See what you think... kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4CrgH-Xi5uIarM

@JWentu 5 ай бұрын

Have been listening to this since my long past childhood and never knew that it was actually TWO songs mixed together. a heartfelt and deeply grateful hug

@BookofIsaiah 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent insight into one of the most beautiful songs of a generation!!!

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

@SeaTurtle515 6 ай бұрын

Wow! This was great. Thank you for sharing this. I never knew that about this amazing song. And yes, it is thymeless!

@neilmclanaghan4980 3 жыл бұрын

Possibly the most beautiful tune ever created because it's a cantinale

@MarlonRichardson-si3em Жыл бұрын

I grew up up on this song and I'm 33. I love everything about it because it really peaceful and helps get through your troubles.

@gymbo7659 6 жыл бұрын

Simon and Garfunkel are Just my favourite Artists. My favourite Songs are April Come She Will, Peggy O, Scarborough Fair /Canticle, The Sun is Burning, Bleecker Street, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M, The Boxer, Kathys Song and of course For Emily, Whenever I May Find her

@ceejay1794 6 жыл бұрын

Gymbo Love their collaborations, always will. Speaks to me as classical music does.

@charliemiller4181 6 жыл бұрын

Wednesday morning 3 am is my all time favorite song!

@caseysmith544 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah and the best Paul Simon Song just him is, rare Sound of Silence with just him, it is creepy like he is talking straight to death himself. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqvWknhsba6Zjqs Another is Late in the Evening kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4vGeISObJaqbJo The song is about Paul and his childhood music influence and his early playing music.

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

@spacefanatic Жыл бұрын

Scarborough Fair is 2 songs in one. The first lines shown are a folk song about a market fair in Scarborough, UK in medievel times and the second set of lines sung are written by Paul Simon.

@rhocabrera6731 5 жыл бұрын

Paul simon is one of the greatest songwriters of all time. S&G are timeless.

@jerryvan-hees7130 2 жыл бұрын

He really didn't write it.

@TonyEnglandUK 2 жыл бұрын

@@jerryvan-hees7130 Someone please tell Google that he really didn't write it. I first told them six years ago that the song is centuries old but Google still gets "Who wrote Scarborough Fair?" wrong.

@flagmichael Жыл бұрын

@@jerryvan-hees7130 Paul Simon wrote "Canticle," originally titled "The Side of a Hill," in 1963. The two of them blended the songs into this composite.

@upturnedblousecollar5811 Жыл бұрын

@@flagmichael It's still an error. Paul Simon is not the composer of Scarborough Fair, it was written centuries before he was even born.

@robertbryant7771 2 ай бұрын

This song has haunted me since I heard it at the age of five in 1974. I learned to play Simon's arrangement of it in 2006. Simon and Garfunkel's version is still probably my most favorite song ever borrowed/ written/ re-written.

@flagmichael Жыл бұрын

Superb background! I had no clue about any of it.. lots of "aha!" moments in this video.

@jimlong653 5 жыл бұрын

This is one of my favorite songs, and your synopsis is excellent. It will help me enjoy the song even more. Thank you.

@tolbiny36 6 жыл бұрын

Wow. Fantastic commentary! I'll never listen to this song the same way again. Thanks!

@jnnx 5 жыл бұрын

I had no idea this song was that deep...

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

@forthrightgambitia1032 5 ай бұрын

Good video, I managed to make it through even though my British ear grated at everytime both you and the singers pronounced it as 'Scarboro'. 🤣

@rishithamamidala7448 3 жыл бұрын

I've been searching for the meaning of this song since an hr but this video has given an perfect explanation

@jmuraidajr 7 ай бұрын

I have loved that song since it came out back in the '60s when I was in college!

@ddmagee57 6 жыл бұрын

Good work! I remember hearing that "Parsley Sage Rosemary and Thyme" was an old love potion recipe.

@carlsaganlives6086 4 жыл бұрын

Me too! Maybe I was smoking too many banana peels.

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

@ssyarien 5 жыл бұрын

I love this song. Just realized it was from two different songs combined. What a genius work!

@ShiverMeTimbers70 6 жыл бұрын

The first time I heard this song I was about 6-7, listening randomly to my dad's CDs. I remember being mesmerized by the atmosphere it created. Up until now I was never able to put a finger on why the song was so magical. Thanks for the video!!

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

@chiopix2 6 жыл бұрын

Some day, you'll post a The Doors video, and it will be awesome.

@evanbeavis4665 6 жыл бұрын

chiopix2 the Doors are awesome on their own

@wickedacid9760 6 жыл бұрын

He just needs to break on through the other side

@frandanco6361 6 жыл бұрын

Break on "through" to the other side.. :)

@ggoat5883 6 жыл бұрын

I've been waiting so damn long for that Doors video

@lukaskapias5289 6 жыл бұрын

Yes Doors 😍Polyphonic pleaaase

@gracenote1837 3 жыл бұрын

Just ... Wow. Thank you for this.

@GiuliaViannas 6 жыл бұрын

amazing! simon and garfunkel sure are the definition of timeless

@charlesroberts3650 6 жыл бұрын

You're awesome and right on spot. Simon and Garfunkel did write many timeless songs in many genres, not just Folk and "Folk-Rock", there is the almost "Punk" flavored "Patterns", very existential and somewhat dissonant. You are a very insightful commentator and analyst with an excellent vocabulary who kept my interest through out. Here I go subscribing and looking forward to viewing more of your videos. Good job, young man!

@jaimealexisedades8871 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you ! What a great commentary on two songs !! It’s timeless !!

@carsonmcdonnell1536 6 жыл бұрын

The editing in this video was far beyond everything I have seen on this channel. Props to you. great job!

@worrywirt 6 жыл бұрын

This is such perfect timing, I’ve been constantly listening to this song and PSR&T for 2 weeks now. It’s so unbelievably good, it blows me away every time (also a clear inspiration to one of my favourite albums ever, Yellow House by Grizzly Bear)

@jackshymin7356 6 жыл бұрын

Am very happy to see a Paul Simon video on here, especially since his final tour just ended!

@James-bv4nu 2 жыл бұрын

A love song and an anti-war song. Scarborough Fair and the Canticle are about as far fetched as two songs can be; shoe-horned together. The one thing Simon did to make that work was to sing both songs in the same key, so that they melt together melodically. The harmony and the guitar work combined so beautifully that many people came to love the song without ever understanding the lyrics.

@juliocaesaralcaraz9891 4 жыл бұрын

What a fascinating story on a timeless song. 🙏 Thank you 🙏

@goodmanross 6 жыл бұрын

Interesting I never realized the connection in the line “remember me to the one who lives there, she was once a true love of mine” That’s a line in girl from the north country, too.

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

@schneiderdoom2960 11 ай бұрын

Heard this song as a six year old and thought it was beautiful, although i didn't speak English back then. The melody and softness really got me, i decided to get a tattoo of this song as soon as i knew the lyrics. Twelve years later i figured out not only the lyrics but also the meaning and i got the tattoo. The meaning is just plain beautiful.

@cockeyedoptimista 11 ай бұрын

Like, did you get the whole song tattooed on you or what?

@waterglas21 6 жыл бұрын

Such an amazing version of the song!

@reevesl96 6 жыл бұрын

Great vid, would love to see ones about fleet foxes/ bob dylan.

@dakotajohnson5009 6 жыл бұрын

he did one on dylan already, it's his tangled up in blue video

@brwi1 6 жыл бұрын

Fleet foxes album cover at 2:40

@ryanbach2748 6 жыл бұрын

@@dakotajohnson5009 there's never enough about Dylan.

@ThierryLeYeti 6 жыл бұрын

Yeah Bob Dylan was real good as a the singer of Fleet Foxes

@SunnyBear 6 жыл бұрын

Kobe Kush Tallest Man on Earth would be a better comparison with Dylan.

@AxxLundOlga 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks, always fun to learn something new!

@myozzio5025 5 жыл бұрын

Polyphonic that is amazing thank you so much.

@iSynthh 6 жыл бұрын

Tear me apart and boil my bones I'll not rest Till she's lost her throne My aim is true My message is clear It's curtains for you Elizabeth my dear

@spyros_ko 5 жыл бұрын

I've always been fascinated, by anything related to Medieval times, be it music or even literature and poetry. Scarborough Fair/Canticle might be the only piece of music that as said in the video, feels timeless! It could work well as either a fantasy story, an anti-war song or even as a medieval song/poem (as it actually is). But my point here is, that I've never felt such a repetitive feeling of joy and nostalgic happiness with anything else I have ever listened to throughout my life. We may have Led Zeppelin to thank for making Tolkien "fashionable" in another sense, but we have to acknowledge that Simon and Garfunkel created a masterpiece that reflects timelessness, as well as, a long lost era.

@tomasfigueroa8905 3 жыл бұрын

You'd love the Dubliners.

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

@CjbrkBrooks 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for explaining this song, which I’ve always loved.

@nedd.8479 6 жыл бұрын

I love this song. Its one of those songs that makes me feel nostalgic for a time I never lived in, and very few songs can do that.

@lgempet2869 2 жыл бұрын

It puts you into a dreamlike state where you’re tapping into scenes within history which may have actually taken place.

@HeyItsKora 5 жыл бұрын

Stunning video. Stunning music. Thank you ❤️

@alejandrogaleno4849 6 ай бұрын

One thing that’s missing to me in a lot of analysis’ of this song is the relationship between love and eventually war. I think that is pretty central to understanding why they combined these two songs. The overall impression I get is that in Scarborough fair, there is a narrator speaking to some sort of goddess/deity/lover and asking that their love be proved through miraculous acts. Sort of “give me this fortune and I’ll know our love is true”. While the interwoven canticle describes how these miraculous acts/fortunes actually come from acts of war. For it’s the desire to prove that love is true that asks all of these deeds to be done. In that way the “cause long ago forgotten” is actually the narrator wishing to prove their love is true through material means. I mean I think that fits pretty well with the anti-war, anti-materialist sentiment of the era, and I get hints of it from other Paul simon songs.

@dansknettv5147 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the interpretation - I bought their album but has never understood the lyrics of Art Garfunkels song on the song - thank you sooo much. The 60'ies was the Vietnam War era of War songs - Scarborough Fair / Canticle, 7 O'Clock News / Silent Night - is from the same album and all the other war songs, Ballad Of The Green Baret, Universal Soldier, Eve Of Destruction, Blowing in the wind. I am from Denmark born in 1955 and heard alle these war songs in the Radio. These songs has left me with very big memories of the Vietnam War era.

@TheSilvert8008 6 жыл бұрын

Another Masterful offering!!! Thank you again and please feel free to do more Simon and Garfunkel!!!

@otiebrown9999 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks - That explains so well - the Canticle part. So Paul wrote it. It so accurately describes the Vietnam War - that I detested.

@thepillarsofcreation9170 3 жыл бұрын

What an absolutely brilliant video! Thanks very much.

@sophiamaring3193 6 жыл бұрын

Wow amazing video. Please more Simon and Garfunkel

@TheWriterWalker 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this information. Even as a child, I knew this song was exquisite.

@davidangus3244 3 жыл бұрын

Hey, Polyphonic; I love your analysis of Scarborough Fair. What a terrific analysis you delivered. Insightful, too. Now we see why THE GRADUATE (1967) became a sudden hit. It spoke to the young generation and some of the music by Simon and Garfunkel added to the underlying message. It was: people need to do their own actions and be one in their own thinking. Without this, everything falls apart. There's even a protest of Vietnam in the song.Thank you, guys. DAVID ANGUS

@IavateIasmanos 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! Great insight into a beautiful song. I love Paul Simon, and I love this song. This just made me appreciate it even more...

@davidburnham2519 6 жыл бұрын

One of the best songs they ever done.

@annasolanis 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your analysis. I have loved this song since my childhood when it first arrived on the music scene. I had no idea of the complexity and history. I just find it a beautiful song. It is etched in my memory, as it is millions of others my senior age.

@bubbamom1 3 жыл бұрын

Love this about the story behind one of my favorite songs!

@jesselee772 Жыл бұрын

Excellent analysis, great job

@Kirke182 6 жыл бұрын

As Ralph Gleason pointed out in the liner notes of the vinyl album, the bass guitar signals where the antiwar lyrics are inserted.

@timothydillow3160 2 жыл бұрын

"Difficult to play impossible to grasp, Music Answers every question never asked. A shared common memory of divinity still resonates from our past." td

@KongKyrre 6 жыл бұрын

Best one yet, my dude - one of my favorite songs. My girl and I sing this duet together.

@sethinlow9389 6 жыл бұрын

Well analyzed! Saw Paul Simon recently on SNL, he's still writing great music! My favorite song is "only living boy in new york". Heard that for the first time during the movie Garden State and it was so well placed at like the apex of the movie, the crescendo of the song syncs up with the two main character's first kiss atop a mountain in the rain. Great now i'm crying...

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

@ryansutter4291 3 жыл бұрын

Should check out Davy Graham if you havent already been aware of him. Folk and Blues on the acoustic, all his records are from the 60's but he's not well known. I think he's right up your alley...

@carolynsilvers9999 3 жыл бұрын

thanks do much for sorting this out for me. I've always loved it but didnt understand it. Unbelievable that men so young had this skill and intent. How gifted they were!

@lopezb 5 жыл бұрын

Regarding originality, since Simon in at least some important cases, didn't give much if any credit for things, it's impossible to tell how much was really his. Listen to this film: Acoustic Routes about Bert Jansch and friends kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoCxp2ikps-Vqac Jan Leman director Narrator Billy Connolly 0:00 Bert playing: Anjie (written by Davie Graham) 2:40 Bert: Strolling down the highway 3:48 Hamish Imlach, Archie Fisher, Anne Briggs 2:25 Anne Briggs: Go Your Way 7:20 about Jimmy Page and Black Waterside 7:30 Anne Briggs and Bert doing Black Waterside 8:30 Hamish Imlach with Bert and Fisher: Solid Gone 10:15 Davey Graham 11:00 Bert about "Anjie" 11:45 Davey 12:50 Davey: Sita Ram 14:00 Davey: 40 ton parachute 15:15 about Bob Dylan 15:50 Bert: Needle of death 17:40 Wizz Jones (a bit of "Anjie") 18:40 Wizz: First Girl I loved (wow!!!) (this is the first third!) Anne Briggs, Bert Jansch, Davey Graham were the real geniuses- but too low-key to get famous and make $$$$$

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

@lopezb 5 жыл бұрын

As mentioned in the video, Simon took the brilliant arrangement from Martin Carthy: from Wikipedia: Carthy's debut solo album, Martin Carthy, was released in 1965, and also featured Dave Swarbrick playing fiddle on some tracks, although he was not mentioned in the album's sleeve notes. Carthy's arrangement of the traditional ballad "Scarborough Fair" was adapted, without acknowledgement, by Paul Simon on the Simon and Garfunkel album recording Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme in 1966. This caused a rift between the pair which was not resolved until Simon invited Carthy to sing the song with him on-stage at the Hammersmith Apollo in 2000 Now it is truly brilliant (as explained here) how the earlier song of Simon (far inferior musically to me) was woven in to Carthy's arrangement. And the harmonies are wonderful. But how could they have been such jerks as to not given him more credit at the time????

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

@jimwilliams1111 Жыл бұрын

Paul's version is FAR superior to Carthys. The melody is more haunting and better arranged and the guitar arrangement is a fully formed masterpiece. Carthys is the simplified arpeggio which Simon fully embellished. The addition of harpsichord and the melodic counterpoint of the glockenspiel sound in the verses elevates Paul's arrangement even further.

@kaatwangsnoisebunker775 6 жыл бұрын

I always thought of this as more of a call and response type song. I never realized there are two completely different songs going on here.

@brianeckes7minutesermonser840 5 жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks for the video. This song now has more meaning and depth for me, and it is much more haunting.

@Pedrock84 6 жыл бұрын

This is the better music explaining video I ever seen in my whole life.. without mention it my love for the song Scarborough Fair, that stay now in my life for at least 10 years. Just.. Awesome man! Thanks 4 doing it.

@GOD_NEON 6 жыл бұрын

I can’t believe you made a video on this song, I’m proud of your taste !!

@fprintf 6 жыл бұрын

I need to pay more attention when listening to songs. I had no idea what they were mumbling between the lines for 40 years now. Thanks for highlighting the brilliant counterpoint lyrics!

@jamesallard7223 6 жыл бұрын

Videos like this make me quite happy that I not only subscribed but rang the bell to stay in touch.

@danielmonan2625 Жыл бұрын

I have always loved this song, and I am grateful for you exclamation of the song

@alanatolstad4824 Жыл бұрын

I enjoyed this immensely.

@waterglas21 6 жыл бұрын

8:05 Great reflection! BTW I love the editing in this video.

@TheJanvicgwaps 6 жыл бұрын

This is my fav song of the duo

@johnfordjr.5718 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this lesson in music composition and it can help anyone dig deeper to find the roots of near Gothic origins.

@summysums 6 жыл бұрын

more simon & garfunkel plz

@ernestopalestino6310 5 жыл бұрын

My favorite song from S&G - and I adore much of their music. Timeless and alway evocative. Great video!

@TheFolkRevivalProject 3 жыл бұрын

@carolynking5470 3 жыл бұрын

You might like this version, with an unexpected third voice. Art must have arranged it - it's so perfect! kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4CrgH-Xi5uIarM

@stephen0793 6 жыл бұрын

One of the first songs I ever learned how to play. Brings back so many memories. Great video!

@zuzanajelinkova3568 10 ай бұрын

I always believed that the meaning of joining these songs together was to "speak between the lines" to the addressee - the woman who is being challenged by her lover to do all the impossible things. As he is challenging her, we are learning the hidden reason why he does so, and it is that he is being called to a war (because the call and the terrors of war seep through the main tune). So for her not to know that he is going to die, he creates the narrative that he is too proud to just meet her. She grows to despise him and responds by the same tone which is to create impossible challenges for him as well and so couple never meet again. The message that Simon creates for me is that we never know why is the man being mean - he might be hiding a more painful truth. It shows me not to judge (a message) by the cover and a song by its words. This way, he somehow rehabilitates the (later) original meaning of the song - from pride to a merciful lie.

@sinistergrey3 6 жыл бұрын

Really nice editing, I think this is my favorite video of yours, solely due to the excellent font choices and visual cues that go along with your narrative+reflection of the song in parallel with it's themes , great video polyphonic.

@DavidFlores-or8yi 6 жыл бұрын

sinistergrey3

@sinistergrey3 6 жыл бұрын

@@DavidFlores-or8yi ?