Scarborough Fair

Celtic Woman's rendition of 'Scarborough Fair' is a hauntingly beautiful interpretation of a traditional English ballad that dates back to the medieval period. The song's lyrics revolve around a series of impossible tasks that the singer asks a former lover to complete, symbolizing the unattainable nature of rekindling their past romance. The recurring mention of herbs—parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme—adds a layer of mysticism and historical context, as these herbs were traditionally associated with love, healing, and protection in folklore.

The song opens with a question, 'Are you going to Scarborough Fair?' This line sets the stage for a journey, both literal and metaphorical, to a place that holds memories of a past love. The singer requests the listener to 'remember me to one who lives there,' indicating a desire to reconnect with someone who was once deeply cherished. The tasks that follow, such as making a cambric shirt without seams or needlework and finding an acre of land between saltwater and the sea strands, are clearly impossible, symbolizing the insurmountable barriers to rekindling their love.

The repetition of the herbs—parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme—serves as a refrain that ties the verses together, each herb carrying its own symbolic meaning. Parsley represents comfort, sage wisdom, rosemary remembrance, and thyme courage. These herbs collectively suggest that the singer is seeking a blend of these qualities to cope with the loss and longing for their past love. Celtic Woman's ethereal vocals and orchestral arrangement elevate the song, making it a timeless piece that resonates with themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.