Scarborough Fair - Colm R. McGuinness

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#ScarboroughFair #simonandgarfunkel #folk #irish #celtic

[huhwhatme]

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.

[thedaybtomorrow]

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 🙂

[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

[ColtonRMagby]

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

[Mantisisland]

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

[yami-]

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

[jimmytheleprechaun]

Would love to hear a version of Loch Lomond.

[ColmRMcGuinness]

Comment what you think I should do next! GO GO GO!

[rachelmorris]

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 👏 👏 👏

[sporeoverlord]

Colm: Voice goes super deep.

Me, a 4'10" woman: Why can't I do that? I want to do that!

[ashe]

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 😅

[glastonbury]

This is how it probably sounded 500 years ago when it was first sung...

[graceorhera]

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

[laurenchroman]

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.

[DaisyCutterMk]

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

[Stammer]

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.

[WhiteRabbit-]

This is my fsvourite song. I love that you've covered it. Not enough people appreciate this song like it deserves.

[christopherkerns]

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!

[inventiveowl]

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.

[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.