Scarborough Fair - The History behind Lyrics

[@StealthyMuse]

I actually always thought this song told the story of a dying man giving someone his last wishes, that his body be taken to his lover, the cambric shirt a burial shroud, the herbs used for strewing the shroud, the dry well without any water, a grave.

[@ladyiris77]

12 years later, you've broken my heart. Makes so much sense. Brilliant.

[@johntrubshaw957]

There is something haunting and mysterious about this song. It almost feels otherworldly.. most likely written by some bard at that time. They were known to be mystics, so perhaps that's where the inspiration came from..

[@moltketheelder9633]

Agreed. A most insightful comment. Moltke

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I've just uploaded my own video on the history of Scarborough Fair which will answer many 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

[@davidnichols240]

It is Unworldly, Great Way to put into Words. TruelySpiritual and Captivating Amy Nuttall was One Inspiring Artist here on Earth 🌎 ✨️ ❤️

[@Fergusius]

The best version of this old song. She has a really beautiful voice.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I've just uploaded my own video on the history of Scarborough Fair which will answer many 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

[@davidnichols240]

Angelic.. Writer Still Remains Unknown?

[@Evanescence1300]

the song is actually about two lovers challenging one another. If they both complete all the tasks they feel that they are true loves. theres an entire story behind it

[@karenpatrick7954]

This is the best rendition of this song I have heard. Beautiful lady, beautiful voice. Thank you x

[@DrPG199]

The only version I knew before was the one by Simon & Garfunkel. But this video is simply fantastic, specially for the explanation of the lyrics and Amy's beautiful voice. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I've just uploaded my own video on the history of Scarborough Fair which will answer many 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

[@mariarulli]

so beautiful...i could find the right words and song to express my feelings in this sunday morning listening this song...and i use to walk in the beach like this remembering my love that live in another side of the ocean...

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I've just uploaded my own video on the history of Scarborough Fair which will answer many 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

[@davidnichols240]

She Wrote alot of Music for English Bands Such as Three Dog 🌙 Night.

[@mamalowton]

Wow - her voice is stunning, like a clarion bell. I've never felt the pain of this song until now....

[@YouAreLost2]

Astonishingly beautiful.... It takes us away to a far off land only seen in dreams! Amazing! And, as some say, "Remember the verses, not the hand that wrote it..." maybe that's why the writter is unkown... Either way, he certainly lives throug this magnificent song!

[@keepinguptheday]

Scarborough in Yorkshire was once a major fishing port. In some pubs there one can still see pictures of the Tunny (Tuna) fish caught in the North Sea before that sea was fished out by industrial fishing.

[@peachmelba16]

I was going through an old Christmas book of ancient carols and I ran across a theme I believe may have possibly been the source of this beautiful tune. It is "Touching Grace, We Princes Three" a Bohemian XVI Century carol written from a XII Century.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I've just uploaded my own video on the history of Scarborough Fair which will answer many 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

[@forestdenizen6497]

It's a variation of the folk ballad "The Elfin Knight ." A woman (a girl actually) is surprised at her bedside during the night, by an elf who wishes to marry her. She tells him that he must courtsie (a humiliation for a man) before she will agree. So he likewise sets her impossible tasks. Basically a tale of two who are in love but both playing hard to get. Child Ballad 2A.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I've just uploaded my own video on the history of Scarborough Fair which will answer many 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

[@rebanso]

shes a great singer and her voice so inspiring

[@Garwulf74]

...A beautiful song....and heartbreaking to one who loves another....but can only dream of any real relationship.You will always have a special place in my life...and an open door if you need one.

[@sdp]

I just found out yesterday she is coming out with a new album very soon. I can`t wait...

[@tonopahbarry]

No longer just a beautiful poignant sounding song, now it has meaning deep enough to go with the emotion evoked by the tune. thank you for that.

[@ButterflyAshes2012]

Omg. I love this. o.o" Not just the instruments and the vocals(which are totally mind blowing...such a beautiful, strong voice) but the description--just wonderful to get a quick, yet deep, understanding of this haunting song. Keep it up! ^^

[@Aberfield]

someone once told me it might also have come from the cries that street sellers or merchants at fairs would call out, but it's nice to have the meanings as well.

[@CapnTac]

I get such chills from this version, I love it so much!

[@Laudanum01]

I love this version! Such a lovely voice!

[@TheVirtuousQueen]

This song is spooky smh... the meanings have to be much deeper than what ppl have made it.. id say is subliminal.. it has an eerie feel to it

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I've just uploaded my own video on the history of Scarborough Fair which will answer many 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

[@sdp]

I got her CD from Amazon awhile back titled Best Days. Absolutely great CD.

[@Brizum12]

Wow! This song is so....i dont know! It's not usually what I listen to, but it's so...metaphorical and inspirational! i love love soo much and i find the "parsley sage rosemary and thyme" such great symbols! (as well as other symbols in the song!) so great&beautiful voice :)

[@supersilva2]

For some reason, when I heard song for the first time ever, I imagined a resourceful and innovative hunter making his settlement in bitter snow. Now this gave me a new vision..

[@timothykearns2232]

I've never heard this version.....I feel as if I've traveled through something magical.

[@usergently]

What a beautiful lassie! *****

[@sleekriki9504]

That's one beautiful voice, and girl

[@48snowbird]

awesome - helped me to return in spirit to my sweet beloved home by the sea

[@andrewwigglesworth3030]

"Scarborough Fair" is a nineteenth century song, one of many that developed from versions of "The Elfin Knight", a song dating back to the late 17th century. The tune and words used here were put together by Ewan MacColl in the late 1940s and recorded in 1957. All the "mediaeval" stuff is just romancing from no evidence.

[@pateris]

So beautiful ! I read somewhere that it was supposed to be the voice of an ekfin king giving his would-be bride impossible tasks to attain, but that's probably another interpretation. Or plain bollocks Sad that the writer of such a thing of beauty will never be known :( (The Marianne Faithfull version is great too !)

[@margaretwalsh867]

Utterly beautiful

[@rcabletn]

It is a lamentation of a once wonderous romance. It appears to me it is a song inspired by grief.

[@ladyiris77]

It may be about loving someone with whom you just can not live. I love you, my heart aches for you, but you drive me crazy.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I've just uploaded my own video on the history of Scarborough Fair which will answer many 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

[@edgbat95]

Eu amo essa música, principalmente a versão de Sarah Brightman! ♥

[@pedrom1966]

Pode-se amar pessoas, mas não canções animais ou coisas. De uma canção ou se gosta ou não se gosta.

[@phanthipchannel]

the original poem from the soldier who go to the war maybe 100 years war and the guy he think he will die in this war and try to give someone who go to fair at scarborough to tell his lover if she still waiting (no have new lover) Tell her for last order to make a cambric shirt: (for the shroud) (from linen used in mummy) find the land: (for the grave)(find an acre of land: ) Without no seams nor needle work, make same Blankets and bedclothes for the child of the mountain (On the side of a hill in the deep forest green) have a Flax For make linen find an acre of land: (for the grave) On the side of a hill, a sprinkling of leaves (that need a broom) Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme (this is the sad meaning) Washes the grave with silvery tears Between the salt water and the sea strand, that is Scarborough Castle one side is sea water and another side is sand and sea all in lyrics are possible that is the last order from him to the one he love make a shroud for him find the grave and make a heather broom Washes the grave with silvery tears kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJbRfKtvlrJ8hbc

[@Rokenes]

Very good. Thank you for the explanations. Fantasic song.

[@kitaro96]

...a wonderful song,a wonderful voice.

[@Guitare_picking]

Great interpretation of the traditional song, and thanks for the explanations

[@MrKwelrich]

After listening to this song by Sergio Mendez, it didnt make much sense to me, but this video really explains it well. No matter who sings it, it's a beautiful song.

[@Kashi9892]

the song is wonderful! i like music from the middel ages

[@Olimogtaba]

Take a look at the movie "The Graduate", the song is very well matched to the storyline.

[@mikedonn71]

The lute version played here is more authentic historically, but I love Simon & Garfunkel's folk guitar, vocal harmony interpretation of it from Saturday Night Live in October 1975 the best of all.

[@chrischapman67]

i found this version by accident but i realy like it!! quite haunting tho i didnt knw wether to smile or cry during watching...

[@Celticwomanfanpiano]

Wonderful! I hope to graduate to videos like this one day. Very impressive.

[@dreamshores]

Real stories creat real songs... Thank you for this amazing video and of course the Simon&Garfunkel!

[@rebanso]

Anytime! hehe, well seems that not everybody knows the story behind the lyrics of this song... and when i found out, I felt like the song was written for me... since I experienced the same thing of that "jilted lover" the song talks about, if you see my video "a myspace lovestory", you will understand... well thank U all for commenting my vid! ^__^

[@JusupovicDinko]

Speechless.

[@darian007able]

Agreed , from England .

[@templarsoul]

Very nice version, BUT for anyone who truly loves this song listen to "TRUE LOVE" (Scarborough Fair) by Gypsy Soul. This woman's voice is one of the most underrated in the WORLD! My favorite version ever. "Hauntingly beautiful," is an understatement!

[@smirk01]

Tahle píseň je nádherná!

[@Mamby9Pamby]

best version on KZbin other the Simon and Garfunkel

[@AWY061192]

Great song, thanks for the video

[@send2meez]

very nice

[@ModestedésiréNdoutoumeNdong]

Musique très romantique. Elle révèle ici les réels sentiments d'un homme qui se voit séparer de son âme sœur qu'elle aime d'un amour inconditionnel et sincer.

[@karenpatrick7954]

Thank you x

[@annmarker4956]

I have a theory which makes a lot of sense to me: the love story of Henry Viii and his second wife Anne Boleyn : after being put in prison and sentenced to death , Anne created that song in her last days and the servants and soldiers watching over her heard it and remembered it and told people of it. Then she died. Henry Viii went on with his materialistic dynastic pursuit and toward his last years realized he kept missing Anne even while being remarried so many times and probably even felt regrets for killing her , and he created a song for her out of his love and longing for her come back: "green sleeves"for her arms were Henry's green verdant resting pastures with the fragrance of the precious green herbs of the Scarborough song. And so ,"green sleeves" with its early Italian Renaissance touch came to be from Henry Viii as he was finishing his last years. Again, this is only a theory.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I've just uploaded my own video on the history of Scarborough Fair which will answer many 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

[@dawnstar6727]

My favorite version of this song will always be by Dan Avidan! Where are all the Lovelies at??

[@endicott3]

Awesome !!!

[@moltketheelder9633]

A better explanation of love could not be had! Moltke

[@kitaro96]

...what a great song...

[@blueskydays00]

The history makes this video so much better. Great job!!!

[@thesocialtaco]

Wow I just got a chill 0.0 the writer is still unknown-shivers-? Wow dats just...wow

[@JediSamson]

This video is beautiful and at the same time, educational to those of us interested in history and (if you look at it closely) esoteric and magical history...like me. hehe. Anyway, Does anyone know if Amy has her own youtube?

[@vik238]

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Because the world is too full of strife So escape to the past In the peace and quiet Of your home and farm And don't let neither the bows nor the arrows Hurt your loved ones. Peace.

[@JenniferAllardice]

I'm still looking for the version where one of the task is to plant a single corn seed in the acre of land she found and let it grow all over and not be a single blank space with no corn

[@GALMAN2008]

Thank you rebanso for this gift. Now I can die in peace.

[@blower671]

Beautiful lady

[@mikedonn71]

I had always understood that Henry the 8th wrote the lyrics for this song, which I thought perhaps was a "tribute" to one of his executed wives.

[@lakingssuck6753]

@ninkenwolf It's about the Black Death- I have scoured the Internet for someone that got it- --- FINALLY.

[@jjobie]

@ninkenwolf Amen.

[@PRUHVYD1]

WOW awsome video my man 5/5

[@xFrost47xMaplestory]

WOAH!Too epic for me! :D

[@diegoj.richmond428]

Recordé esta melodía y buscando una versión y el significado llegué acá... ¿ Sos de los de Patagonia ?

[@thesocialtaco]

I read da book impossible by Nany Werlin datz wer I started getting interested in hearing wht da song sounds like..I wonder wht miranda's version sounds like.........

[@rebanso]

thanks to you all for commenting the video ^__^

[@neilmclanaghan4980]

Beautiful ❤️ but not filmed in Scarborough.....

[@absillitoe]

Well, I thought it was great. and thanks for the explanations.

[@rebanso]

anytime mate!!!! ^__^

[@RuchiraRambles]

I agree, it's nearly as awesome as the Simon and Garfunkel version. Umm, can somebody explain the parallel canticle lyrics they sing?

[@pbleekm]

Does anyone know who is singing this version? I love her voice.

[@PhillipGoppa]

Well done Esteban, you've put a lot of effort to produce a lovely clip, excuse me, but who's the pretty singer ?

[@porterhall27]

I think you may be thinking of "Greensleaves"

[@rne18145]

Good one... :D

[@JayFireweaver]

Actually, the King himself wrote it for Anne Boleyn, his wife to be at that moment in time.

[@nirelli]

Amy Nuttall. Read the description.

[@kultureklash]

A great version of the song, but speaking as a Scarborough native, this was not filmed anywhere near Scarborough.

[@madbob73]

Nice work, although the tags 'celtic' and 'celt' are wrong as this is an English ballad

[@rebanso]

hey! hehe thank you, ur so kind!! ^__^

[@rebanso]

changed it, thank you! ;)

[@SunsetNightStars]

I love how her hair looks at 3:11 Thumbs up if u agree :D Or that she is just plain beautiful? :o

[@rebanso]

thank youuuuu!! :D

[@davidnichols240]

Two Middle age Times Lovers at a Distance Helplessly Hoping to One Day be Together Forever.. For a Sailor his Only True Love, Was the Sea 🌊 💙 ❤️ Brandi, The Looking 🔎 Glass

[@048LIB]

@ninkenwolf it's not just you

[@lavender1905]

@Celticwomanfanpiano Hope to graduate! Ha-ha-, I get it too! Beautiful isn't it?

[@AriochStarr]

"The writer remains unknown" He / She probably thought this song was going to be laughed at, so decided not to give his / her name

[@sweetlemonlove]

i like the one were the song is a curse from an elfin knight...

[@JenniferAllardice]

Who wrote Impossible?

[@dontask1378]

I always thought it was someone basically telling someone they'll never date them, hence giving them impossible tasks and the past tense for being their true love. I may not be right, but I don't believe this video is particularly based that much on fact either.

[@MrMicraphone]

Wikipedia®.....Slightly younger versions often contain one of a group of related refrains:> Sober and grave grows merry in time Every rose grows merry with time There's never a rose grows fairer with time .. I say its about a girl looking for a love at a fair that brings more men to the england from other lands for 45 days .. and they go and sell there herbs .. and flirt .. : ) ?? its about her wanting to loose her chasity .. DUH :)

[@dominots33]

Jolie interprètation! Belle orchestration! Jolis textes écrits! Dommage que les images de la chanteuse entrain de faire sa belle à l'intérieur du chateau viennent tout gacher!