Simon and Garfunkel's Perfect Song

[@thesisypheanjournal1271]

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]

Yes, seamless with no needlework.

[@normadom3715]

@@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]

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

[@cynthiagonzalez658]

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

[@peterkizer6163]

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

[@glastonbury4304]

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]

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

[@T-borG]

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.

[@paisleyprincess7996]

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]

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]

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]

​@@stephallan2543🩷

[@majorronaldmandell7835]

I agree!

[@majorronaldmandell7835]

Yup! You’re right on!

[@ollelundin5567]

Well Scarborough fair is not thymeless

[@willherondale6367]

Sage wisdom

[@MephLeo]

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

[@bekircanozturk41]

Sorry,couldnt find anything to Thyme with rosemary

[@SteamvilleQuintet]

Leo Las Vegas-y

[@sean1419]

Get out

[@siemonblidener652]

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]

you could also say melody and countermelody.

[@alejandrorobert6789]

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

[@Refrigescere]

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

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

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]

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

[@emmetkeire]

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]

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

[@StellaWaldvogel]

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]

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

[@laurarules3642]

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]

@@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.

[@NotRiansLuke]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@MJEvermore853]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[@nathanielpranger7370]

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]

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

[@nathanielpranger7370]

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

[@MattBargain]

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

[@a7fog324]

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]

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

[@murraymusic2633]

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

[@marcscordato4385]

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]

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

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

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

[@jimclarke8260]

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

[@flagmichael]

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

[@StellaWaldvogel]

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.

[@elizabeths4371]

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

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

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

[@michaelmerck7576]

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

[@TonyEnglandUK]

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

[@Codex7777]

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]

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]

@@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]

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]

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

[@UltimateBreloom]

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]

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

[@gymbo7659]

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]

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

[@charliemiller4181]

Wednesday morning 3 am is my all time favorite song!

[@caseysmith544]

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]

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

[@MichaelWellman1955]

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]

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]

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

[@shariwelch8760]

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

[@SeaTurtle515]

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

[@BookofIsaiah]

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

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

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

[@GabeOli1231]

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]

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

[@rebelalien5523]

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

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

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

[@rhocabrera6731]

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

[@jerryvan-hees7130]

He really didn't write it.

[@TonyEnglandUK]

@@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]

@@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]

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

[@flagmichael]

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

[@forthrightgambitia1032]

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'. 🤣

[@spacefanatic]

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.

[@neilmclanaghan4980]

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

[@jimlong653]

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

[@lopezb]

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]

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

[@jimwilliams1111]

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.

[@ddmagee57]

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

[@carlsaganlives6086]

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

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

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

[@rossshin184]

Indeed transcendental! I've always been feeling that way when listening to it. The tiny bells, you barely know they're there, but they do a lot to your soul. Thanks for this!

[@JWentu]

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

[@tolbiny36]

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

[@lopezb]

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]

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

[@charlesroberts3650]

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!

[@MarlonRichardson-si3em]

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.

[@spyros_ko]

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]

You'd love the Dubliners.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

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

[@rishithamamidala7448]

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

[@DerekDerekDerekDerekDerekDerek]

Thank you so much for mentioning Martin Carthy!

[@ShiverMeTimbers70]

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]

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

[@1999bmwm3baby]

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

[@DrSanity7777777]

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

[@ssyarien]

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

[@davidangus3244]

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

[@reevesl96]

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

[@dakotajohnson5009]

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

[@brwi1]

Fleet foxes album cover at 2:40

[@ryanbach2748]

@@dakotajohnson5009 there's never enough about Dylan.

[@ThierryLeYeti]

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

[@SunnyBear]

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

[@iSynthh]

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

[@jackshymin7356]

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

[@dansknettv5147]

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]

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

[@worrywirt]

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)

[@carsonmcdonnell1536]

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

[@sethinlow9389]

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]

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

[@ryansutter4291]

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...

[@baldheadedpriest]

Martin Carthy mentioned ? See the section in the Bert Jansch documentary Acoustic Routes !

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

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

[@juliocaesaralcaraz9891]

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

[@GiuliaViannas]

amazing! simon and garfunkel sure are the definition of timeless

[@robertbryant7771]

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.

[@bradley6348]

Do a vid on The doors!

[@jaimealexisedades8871]

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

[@nedd.8479]

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]

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

[@waterglas21]

Such an amazing version of the song!

[@deirdre1731]

I just had a thought, and since I'm french, I'm afraid I missed that u said it...but by combining the two songs, one of a quarrel between those two people, and another where a boy's being killed, couldn't we say that in fact, the lad in Scarborough Fair has actually to go to war and, being the ''boy'' of the second song mashed up with SF, actually dies? I'm sorry if it doesn't have sense, but this is what I understood when I heard ''she once was a true love of mine''. (So Scarborough Fair, or more precisely the 4 last verses would be like a sort of letter that the lad sends to the lass before going into battle and surely dying...) I have a deep feeling of nostalgy by hearing those last words, and wondered if I could understand them like that?

[@Nathan-P]

I was thinking something similar.

[@jnnx]

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

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

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

[@goodmanross]

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]

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

[@IavateIasmanos]

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...

[@chiopix2]

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

[@evanbeavis4665]

chiopix2 the Doors are awesome on their own

[@wickedacid9760]

He just needs to break on through the other side

[@frandanco6361]

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

[@ggoat5883]

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

[@lukaskapias5289]

Yes Doors 😍Polyphonic pleaaase

[@annasolanis]

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.

[@gracenote1837]

Just ... Wow. Thank you for this.

[@sophiamaring3193]

Wow amazing video. Please more Simon and Garfunkel

[@Kirke182]

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

[@Bisaasaam]

I discovered this channel just a week ago. Its magical how you add philosophic layers to pop music through your good research and presentation! Keep up just like you do now! Love!

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

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

[@KongKyrre]

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

[@carolynsilvers9999]

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!

[@ernestopalestino6310]

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

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

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]

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

[@fprintf]

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!

[@stephen0793]

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

[@HeyItsKora]

Stunning video. Stunning music. Thank you ❤️

[@neilmclanaghan4980]

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

[@jamesallard7223]

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

[@myozzio5025]

Polyphonic that is amazing thank you so much.

[@bubbamom1]

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

[@TheWriterWalker]

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

[@jakenap7184]

I just saw Paul Simon’s last performance this past weekend and it was magical. I was second row to the stage which obviously enhanced the experience. Simon and Garfunkel’s music is endlessly relatable and amazing. Bridge Over Troubled Water is one of the best albums I’ve ever heard.

[@brianeckes7minutesermonser840]

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

[@AxxLundOlga]

Thanks, always fun to learn something new!

[@Pedrock84]

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.

[@titmusspaultpaul5]

Great video. Didn't realize the counterpoint was a song in and of itself. Sheer brilliance. An all time favorite song of mine... Thanks for all the insites. Cheers.

[@CjbrkBrooks]

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

[@AZWADER]

I would love to see you do a video about Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town!

[@timothydillow3160]

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

[@schneiderdoom2960]

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]

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

[@richarddeese1991]

Thank you. This is one of my all-time favorites, too. I have the Greatest Hits of both Simon & Garfunkel together, and Paul Simon solo. All wonderful music. @8:10 - Thanks also for stating something that's vital, but all too often not mentioned. Many people note that strife (in both love & war) is 'a sad reality' (or some such). But you're one of the few who bother to point out that it's something humans must conquer before they can evolve. That's a concept that's always at the forefront of my thoughts. tavi.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

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

[@true_Pixel]

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

[@bedofrosaries]

S&G is probably my all time favourite band!!!

[@johnfordjr.5718]

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

[@waterglas21]

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

[@otiebrown9999]

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

[@thepillarsofcreation9170]

What an absolutely brilliant video! Thanks very much.

[@unknownguy5001]

I can't believe it! My favourite channel made a video about one of my favourite songs!!

[@jmuraidajr]

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