Scarborough Fair - Colm R. McGuinness

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#ScarboroughFair #simonandgarfunkel #folk #irish #celtic

[@Lerrae1908]

For those who do not know why the herbs are listed, the meaning behind them is this: -Parsley represents loss or death: usually a loved one or someone famous is honored with parsley, -Sage represents healing: it's an herb often used in tonics and salves, so physical healing, but also burned to represent spiritual healing and cleansing, -Rosemary represents remembrance: again for someone dead or long gone, usually it's a token of affectionate farewell, -Thyme represents strength or courage: used in garlands to ward evil and encourage bravery in the face of despair, -Heather represents luck or safety: it is believed that white heather flowers only bloom where fairies have been too so it has magical connotations. This is believed to help wishes come true. I wish the language of plants and flowers was still more commonplace, it's really lovely to use in art this way. Even for a sad song like this.

[@alvatoredimarco]

It's also useful to mention that although these herbs are in the lyrics of the song we know today, the song itself is far older than any written lyrics for it, and so we don't actually know if they're part of the original song, a corruption of the lyrics that were originally sung, or a placeholder for lyrics that have been lost entirely.

[@RivetHead999]

The herbs also represent death, and Heather, legend was that white heather would not grow near graves, so it represented life, so Scottish warriors would wear white Heather in battle. However, darker shades, pink, purple, we’re the opposite. The song is from the perspective of someone who has died (possible in battle) and never to return. To tell someone to do these impossible tasks for them to be reunited was an acceptance of the futility despite the longing to return. “Do these and we’ll be together again”. The acre of land covered in heather was sort of him saying “If you didn’t get the other clues, I’m dead”. What makes this version so much better is the growing swell of emotion you can hear, especially when you realize it’s about a man who desperately wants to tell his love that he has died.

[@suzannebuck9938]

To be​@@RivetHead999

[@HamnimationStudios]

Oh, thanks so much! We were wondering.

[@thedayb4tomorrow]

Just seeing the title "Scarborough Fair" next to the name of one of my absolute favourite singers, composers, and multi-instrumentalists has totally made my day 🙂

[@dolphingoreeaccount7395]

Ye

[@Vengeful_Octopus]

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 mine Tell her to make me a cambric shirt (On the side of a hill in the deep forest green) Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme (Tracing a sparrow on snow-crested ground) 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 (On the side of a hill a sprinkling of leaves) Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme (Washes the grave with silvery tears) Between the salt water and the sea strands (A soldier cleans and polishes a gun) Then she'll be a true love of mine Tell her to reap it with a sickle of leather (War bellows blazing in scarlet battalions) Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme (Generals 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 mine 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 mine

[@alexlegoboy3513]

Thanks

[@sinclari1]

I'm sure there's other meanings behind it, but this sounds like a guy making impossible tasks for a future wife so he can spend the rest of his life with his "Roommate"

[@Vengeful_Octopus]

@@sinclari1 Yep. It’s a one-sided love story juxtaposed with an anti-war ballad.

[@swliner]

@@sinclari1 I read it more as someone who had their heart broken, who is saying "Sure, I'll forgive you, when hell freezes over" in more poetic language.

[@comradewindowsill4253]

@@sinclari1 well, the original had male pronouns, being often sung by female performers

[@ColtonRMagby]

I don't need to hear a song to know Colm will do it very well, but neither does anyone else!

[@memine510]

Agreed.

[@GlowBowlPhilosophy]

Here here!🍻

[@seb_zombie2008]

maid of Amsterdam would be lit

[@matthewwiedeman3279]

1000%

[@coutiya2007]

I'm glad Seamus left WWE to sing

[@Mantisisland]

When Colm belts "PARSLEY! SAGE! ROSEMARY! AND THYME!" @2:26... I'm bringing that kind of energy to my grocery store shopping.

[@Ringohulk777]

Truly one of the best parts of a GOAT cover of an already GOAT song

[@RealBelisariusCawl]

For the record, it’s a fantastic seasoning for chicken with a bit of kosher salt. If you like some kick, throw in a dash of cayenne.

[@bonrick_0494]

HOLY CRAP THIS PART WENT SO FKN HARD

[@ColmRMcGuinness]

Alright, NOW it's on Spotify! open.spotify.com/album/5u1M6bbQLqzQGD3nbmYcUu?si=UqL5Q748RGCDgef241SUEA Comment what you think I should do next! GO GO GO!

[@kailavanderwielen3588]

I'd love to hear your take on "The Last Shanty", "Ride On", or "Girls of Dublin Town" :)

[@Sailor-jx6zf]

You’d do amazing with “The Idiot” by Stan Rogers!

[@anapm2927]

My Lagan love please and thank you

[@Music-nd4df]

Something else in old Norse please (but not hard rock style).

[@heathersharo5294]

Her Mantle so Green or Oak Ash and Thorn

[@jimmytheleprechaun1742]

Would love to hear a version of Loch Lomond.

[@thephantomspectator407]

I've been saying that since I discovered Colm's music! That song has waited centuries for this man's amazing voice!!!

[@seth7838]

I second this

[@ninjapasta177]

That could be on the level of the runrig one

[@ladydeliz]

Yes!!

[@Ganpignanus]

aye. i third this.

[@ashe1317]

since you and Rachel Hardy have both covered this song now, that means you should totally collab on a duet of it! she can sing the haunting background vocals, you can sing the bittersweet main melody... we'd all be crying... it'd be great 😅

[@SpaceNinja321]

Add in Dan Vasc too and the internet would collapse on itself.

[@Skeazix]

+

[@seanknight4146]

​@@SpaceNinja321 I will do anything for a collab between those three. Dang it would be amazing

[@sikstaslathalin1980]

I fifth this motion.

[@rachelmorris9272]

Nobody does it better than this guy and I'll tell you why...Colm, I hope you're reading this. Most people get excited about their British (Scottish, Welsh, Irish, whatever) roots but it goes way beyond that. I'm an old-old Brit and still largely Scandinavian. Colm is the only person I know to capture that popular Celtic tune with mastering the Old Norse feel for that dark, Viking undertone. That, Sir, is incredibly special 👏 👏 👏

[@davidcmatson]

Well stated!!!!

[@sporeoverlord2009]

Colm: Voice goes super deep. Me, a 4'10" woman: Why can't I do that? I want to do that!

[@DNArtsNSupplies]

it's called vocal training, it's a matter of practicing and stretching your vocal chords so they don't sore out... Ken Tamplin is amazing

[@graceorhera4161]

Friendly warning: If you're currently braving through a harsh winter and trying to fight off chills, listening to this song would be counterproductive

[@Stammer6]

This has officially become the definitive version of this song in my brain. The evolution from a cold and almost bitter style into heated anger at 2:16 absolutely floors me every time.

[@Danelius90]

Omg this bit was so good. As I watched I thought how powerful it was, the sound of passion and anger but in song - intense yet playful. There's something about old folk songs, it's like they speak across the ages of the human experience. Colm always delivers, so amazing

[@laurenchroman2388]

It was not until today that I really *felt* the anger, as well as the bitter-sweetness, that this song has the potential for. Turns out, I needed it today. Colm, thank you for creating a beautiful, powerful outlet.

[@karmafile7685]

I just had a baby and sing this song to him all the time! Can’t wait to hear it!!!

[@Weezer0418]

Always a great day when Colm drops a new song!

[@allisoncossitt1081]

I love that you chose the Simon & Garfunkel version! It's so powerful.

[@LiamDerWandrer]

I absolutely love this song. Have ever since I first heard the S&G version of it on the radio in my youth. Later I researched its origins a bit and was absolutely stunned by how old and well travelled this song really is. More than 400 years and all the way from Mongolia to Britain. From a story about a killed Geisha's paramour mourning her passing and wanting to kill the murderer, over a song for lost loved ones in war times, to a song about impossible challenges uttered/given to avoid an unwanted marriage in a clever way. In all that the song always kept its sadness/grief as well as its anger. Even four centuries later the spirit of this song is still going strong. I love it.

[@glastonbury4304]

It's amazing how many stories there are with a song from the 17th century over 400 years ago , probably a little truth in all of them, but we will never know the true origins, all we know is its a English medieval folk song...

[@zeldabekker1061]

The sounds the drums the vocals so powerful and beautiful 💜💜☺️☺️☺️

[@christopherkerns639]

This song is wonderfully amazing! It came out in 1966 the year I was born! This fantastic version sounds like it could have been done in 1566! This is a TRUE Celtic classic! An iconic musical creation!

[@AstroNinja1]

realistically i think the song IS pretty ancient and thats just the first modern recording that you mention. its old enough that nobody actually knows who wrote it or when

[@RivetHead999]

@@AstroNinja1 yes. It dates back to the Middle Ages. Simon and Garfunkel made it popular again, thankfully. It was an otherwise forgotten song and who knows if we would even know about it if it weren’t for them. Much like the Chieftains with shanties and traditional Irish music. They were responsible for it becoming popular in the 60s and on.

[@ligottispandemoniumcarniva7014]

Scarborough is one of the least Celtic places in Britain, being in the east (easier for the Saxons and Danes to raid) but Celtic ancestry is the largest part of English ancestry, and English folk music was very similar to Irish, Welsh and Scots, probably indistinguishable to people from other regions.

[@inventiveowl395]

Your arrangement gives me the thousand yard stare. Looking far away without seeing. Reliving the past. Remembering the time when love once dwelled in my heart. Grieving yet cold. Restless yet resigned.

[@DaisyCutterMk2]

Scarborough Fair performed by S&G: "I am one of the greatest pieces to ever be performed!" Colm: "Hold my McGuinness."

[@mrvento_za]

Woke up the other day, in the wee hours of the morning and this song was playing in my head. I was basically singing it in my dreams.

[@annamikheeva753]

no once.

[@VoidWalkerOblivion]

I've heard plenty versions of this song that capture the sadness of a love that just fell apart and to mourn a country left destitute. But this is the only one that captures that bitter, age-cold anger. It sings like that *threat*, and how that changes everything I ever thought I knew about this theme.

[@junker845]

Seriously, where did this guy come from?!?! He appears to have just popped up a year ago and starts remaking all of my favorite folk songs better than any versions I have ever heard. You've got a subscriber for good, Colm.

[@nicolasnamed]

I was just thinking the other day Colm should cover this song! It's one of my very favorites, thanks man!

[@me0101001000]

The pitch, the tone, the range, the power. Everything about this is just sensational.

[@yami-131]

I've been listening to this on repeat for the past 3 days and nights. Colm you have captured my heart

[@RivetHead999]

At this point, I’m convinced Colm could cover Baby Shark and it would be absolutely epic.

[@JonathanMorgan-kw7xi]

Genuinely moving. It never occurred to me how well throat singing would fit this song.

[@MrJazzmeaux]

When it first started I didn’t warm to it. By the end I was crying. Transported to a different world, time, culture and yet so familiar. Colm is a consummate artist.

[@JoshZanders]

I feel like I just heard a piece of music a thousand years old. Incredible adaptation of this classic, it gave me chills.

[@MJPowers-xk4dw]

So, I've known this song from childhood, and never gave much thought to the meaning of the lyrics. To your credit Colm, I'd just like to say this is the first time I can say I've really 'heard' the song and understood it. It's not a gleeful prose of the spring, but a dirge of pain and longing. Thank you very much for sharing this.

[@AlexraptorGameDev]

Oh god, the feels!!! Did not see this one coming. My mother passed a few months ago, and she used to sing this song for me all the time, when I was a child. What I wouldn't give to hear her sing it one more time. A truly wonderful rendition!

[@lunard8888]

Keep going brother

[@shiengenjilepassolitaire1394]

Years ago, I was a young teenager in middle school, in France. Our teacher came from Great Britain, and to make us learn typical British songs. I've known this music for years. You brought me back to another time of my life.

[@fondueyourself]

It's incredible to hear how beautifully your styles, voice, and instrumental repertoire have evolved over these past few years. I still love your older instrumental pieces and vocals-only shanties, but the musical quality, in addition to the obvious presentation quality, has grown with each new song. I'm honored that you've brought us on this journey with you.

[@mmasque2052]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is a haunting cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s version of Scarborough Faire (Canticle) made all the more relevant with the current conflicts.😊

[@laxus7172]

Huge fan of colm belting out those notes towards the end. His voice is delicious to listen to. Lol

[@diegoxavier9107]

My favorite song. Niiiice

[@Murasai82]

My favorite musician singing one of my favorite songs?!?! Bro, this rendition is amazing!!! You get better and better. God Bless!!!

[@kriton657]

The song, the jumper, the facial hair-your aesthetic is so strong that I'm gonna brew it in some hot water to wake me up in the morning.

[@DaiElsan]

Heart and soul in that one. 👍🥰

[@andreasmuller4666]

WOW. That was in a range and intensity i did not expect from you and it´s all the more impressive for it. Superbly done and goose bumps causing performance.

[@Lozzo1390]

Wonder what a collab would sound like with Geoff Castellucci would sound like you both have amazing vocal range.

[@leisawiley4540]

Hearing this version of the song.. with his accent... this is GOLD...

[@beliar7124]

I love this. It is sung with so much passion that my hairs are standing on end

[@The-KingsDaughter]

THE VOCALS ON THIS ONE! Colm you never fail to give me goosebumps and heal my heart.

[@pacoliebling]

I love Scarborough Fair, I've played the song on piano first and already fell in love with it, and now that I'm playing it on Cello I realize how amazingly natural this song sounds, it's like nature put its soul into this

[@Mikeztarp]

This is one of my favorite songs, and whenever you've covered one (like recently Sixteen Tons), you've made it your own in an awesome way. Normally it's sung in a high voice, so I'm intrigued.

[@Mikeztarp]

And it is awesome, as expected. :)

[@imemberberry]

His version of Roll Northumbria was great too.

[@BigTwigs1981]

I love the original, but this blows it away in my opinion. Chills. Absolutely stunning.

[@johnturtle6649]

I didn't expect to like this so much, the lows are almoast like tuvan throat singing, and blend well with the highs too. Glad I found this one ...

[@shaycormac4522]

Legendary!!!!! Colm McGuinness, Irish God!

[@HunHare]

This is the only rendition of this trad I've ever heard in which the anger at lost love comes through. Colm totally gets it. So powerful. Awesome and spine-chilling.

[@jb6725]

Listened to this at dusk while it was snowing in the dark, it was an out of body experience

[@joeadams4044]

I got chills imagining this in old norse

[@Xanzorath]

I did not wake up this morning expecting to feel chills listening to a list of herbs, yet here we are

[@ReiseLukas]

A list of herbs used for burials

[@Xanzorath]

@@ReiseLukas I knew I was missing some vital context. Thanks!

[@ReiseLukas]

@@Xanzorath Np

[@tOGGLEwAFFLES]

Oh man, what a nostalgic song. I learned to play this on my oboe in elementary school, it was the first proper song I learned to play.

[@MrBanzoid]

Wow! First time I've heard this guy. What a voice and vocal range. Scarily beautiful interpretation.

[@matthewwiedeman3279]

love seeing less known songs being sung and watched and by one of my favorite singers, awesome and I just watched soldier poet king love the music keep it up Colm great work

[@MrShaneomAC]

The production quality is amazing. Colms vocal range is superb. What a talent. Also +1 for the epic stache

[@Sandmanny7]

About thyme too! Nah but you know I jest, well done Colm! Thank you very much for this and know that I appreciate every word that you sing 🖤

[@kittikoti2162]

Oh MY GOD! This is yet another ✨impressive✨work!! Thank you Colm!💖

[@simonnightingale8768]

Colm you are a consummate performer, i absolutely love your work but oh this song is so beautifully done. you have out shined yourself.

[@TheCreepypro]

love this song and this is my new favorite version, this man has the pipes!

[@edspencer2488]

Chilling, haunting. Just found this before work and know my night will be better because of it!

[@mugetsu8580]

I’m obsessed with this song. Heard it a long time ago but forgot about it. A few weeks ago I was watching WorldEnd (an anime) and it started playing. Filling me with nostalgia. Now it’s my favourite song

[@harraldschmitt9113]

jesus christ. This has to be the most profound change in mood compared to other versions i have ever heard. So far, my favorite version of this song was the one from Daniel Avidan and teh Super Guitar Bros, which is more of a lament, a sad love song. This version however. hooo boi! Its AMAZING. so epic.

[@brickempire4427]

I really can’t find the words to express the depth of emotion this rendition elicits from my soul. Such a beautiful performance, thank you for singing it thus

[@carinab9671]

This is the most beautiful version of Scarborough fair I have ever heard ❤❤❤

[@noctusfury6918]

I now have boss music for my grocery-shopping adventures. Thanks for the bunch o' heather, Colm. 🤣😂❤

[@inner.nature]

The best version I've ever heard of this cult song.

[@Qureshiman420]

I don't mind listening your melodious voice 24/7 . Lots of love for you from A young Pakistani Lad

[@BarnsleyBob]

There needs to be a double, nay treble, 'like' button for this. Immense.

[@JennyMartin-i9n]

Agree you both would blow us away ❤

[@JennyMartin-i9n]

Again awsom favourite of mine again the pitches of voice is awsome you do justice to all you sing ❤️

[@TheBahamutable]

Yet another Colm song that makes my heart heavy with nostalgia. Lad you're gonna do me in with these hauntingly beautiful songs

[@delhimisedelcoda8716]

When I first came across this song I fell in love with it. Now that you have done it as well I can enjoy it even more.

[@llbean6687]

I think I could listen to you sing about a grocery list and still be impressed. Love your voice

[@breenarnianwarhorse5051]

I love this song, and have collected so, so many beautiful versions of it. ❤️ But I can’t say I’ve ever heard one so haunting! ✨😮

[@kevintheoverloard4382]

Im thrilled you covered this song, it has a special place in my heart because my grandfather used to play it on his guitar all the time, this brings back good memories ❤️

[@N2Mtns2]

Oh my gosh *This has been my Favorite Song for decades. This makes me so happy. 👩🏻‍🦰⚒️🐺

[@kaeldrarhiannon]

Omg I'm so happy. This has always been one of my favorite songs and you sang this oh so beautifully. 💖

[@Biocomm1IsMe]

I find myself needing to listen to this daily. Colm your voice is like listening to a master painter complete a picture. Thank you for your hard work.

[@colorblindarts3606]

HE DID IT! Been waiting for this for months. Thanks handsome matey!

[@JakobElbaek]

Haunting!

[@Machete_Kissed_Ya]

Impressive! Congrats I love it how you sing a "r" with so much pressure after a long tone. Very special singer! Subscribed

[@jcdill499]

You have such a musical expression and passion that I have never seen in a artist. Kudos

[@rhesusminus7303]

Wow. Nothing else. Just wow.

[@Aleksandr017]

Scarborough was the first town in the UK that I visited and spent some time in so this song also has a special place in my heart. And you did it great justice (as you always do)!

[@IanClos3]

2:27 Colm, you balanced the aggressiveness perfectly with the pitch. Absolutely chilling! Gave me goosebumps. Always love listening to your music and you keep surprising me. Cheers

[@randallmurrain1425]

First of all, the song is INCREDIBLE. Second of all, that moustache...also INCREDIBLE!

[@EtheraVenlivrenVari]

I can just imagine a collaboration with Vinny Marchi's crystal clear tones and higher registers, it would pair really well with your voice, Mr. Colm! Anyway, this was another good one, so I thank you!

[@NocturnalArise]

I had listened to this when my buddy killed himself. I was riding the train from Humphreys to seol korea. That day i desided i was going to do better for myself and others under me. And this song helped me out a lot. Thanks for making this.

[@anastasianorthern2925]

that was so good that i felt sweet pain. right in my heart. just... keep going, Colm, you're a pure miracle!

[@Zeyo_]

I've seen a lot of people sing this song. But you are the one who says it best among them😅 You have reflected the atmosphere of the song very well. (I'm using translation, I apologize in advance if there is an error in the sentence😅)

[@terrilynch4888]

An awesome version of a favorite song!

[@trincywalker7497]

Colm did it again. His version has more viking like theme. I love this version best hope everyone enjoys.

[@stephanietodd4105]

good mix of emotion and power, definitely adding to the spotify, thanks colm :)

[@twtchr44]

I love hearing your deep bass sing soft and gentle in the third verse. Absolutely beautiful

[@maidenreligion12]

I gotta say. Love the soft Clarion Call in the background. Really adds a lot of atmosphere to the song!

[@PRasmusBMadsen]

im a total metal head. but strangely Scarborough Fair is one of one of my favorite songs. and you my sir, knocked it out of the park! My god sir, you are becomming one of the great ones!