Scarborough Fair
Old English Folk Tune
    This version of Scarborough Fair was inspired by Paul Simon's Scarborough Fair/Canticle of the early 60's.  In fact, I wanted to arrange that very piece and wrote to Mr. Simon for permission.  After receiving my request back with a big NO scribbled across it, I decided to change tactics.  Clearly Scarborough Fair is public domain so I went ahead and used that part anyway.  I then proceeded to write my own counter melody, which many have said is better than what I had originally planned to do, so I guess it worked out for the best.  (Thanks Paul!)

    Scarborough Fair is written for 3 C flutes, alto flute and bass flute.  The soaring counter melody and its harmony occur in flutes 1 and 2, well above the main theme.  The main melody and its harmony occur in flute 3 and alto flute, giving a bit of a chance to shine to those players who don't normally get it.  The bass flute carries a long running eighth note series that carries the harmonic structure.  The piece is easy enough that no one will be overtaxed, except the bass flutes who will be dead from the marathon.  (I've played this part several times now.  I speak from experience.)

    I've received several requests for background on the original song.  Rather than expound upon it here, I'm providing a link to my favorite web page on it.  It contains a history of the song and an interpretation of the lyrics, including the continual references to the herbs parsley, sage, rosemary & thyme.  Click here to read about the history and interpretation of  Scarborough Fair.

Lyrics:

1. Are you going to Scarborough Fair? 
    Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme 
    Remember me to one who lives there 
    For once she was a true love of mine 		 5. Have her wash it in yonder dry well 
    Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme 
    Where water ne'er sprung nor drop of rain fell 
    And then she'll be a true love of mine 		 9. If she tells me she can't, I'll reply 
    Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme 
    Let me know that at least she will try 
    And then she'll be a true love of mine
2. Are you going to Scarborough Fair? 
    Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme 
    Remember me to one who lives there 
    For once she was a true love of mine 		 6. Have her find me an acre of land 
    Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme 
    Between the sea foam and over the sand 
    And then she'll be a true love of mine		 10. Love imposes impossible tasks 
      Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme 
      Though not more than any heart asks 
      And I must know she's a true love of mine
3. Have her make me a cambric shirt 
    Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme 
    Without no seam nor fine needle work 
    And then she'll be a true love of mine 		 7. Plow the land with the horn of a lamb 
    Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme 
    Then sow some seeds from north of the dam 
    And then she'll be a true love of mine		 11. Dear, when thou has finished thy task 
      Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme 
      Come to me, my hand for to ask 
      For thou then art a true love of mine
4. Tell her to weave it in a sycamore wood lane 
    Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme 
    And gather it all with a basket of flowers 
    And then she'll be a true love of mine		 8. Tell her to reap it with a sickle of leather 
    Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme 
    And gather it all in a bunch of heather 
    And then she'll be a true love of mine

All of my flute choir works can be purchased at http://www.fallshousepress.com.  Scarborough Fair can be found under Flute Choir.

back to Rick's music list
email me: rgpierce@earthlink.net