Scarborough Fair: A Musical Poem or an Ultimate Diss Track?

Sometimes, a song can be perceived in multiple ways, and that's certainly the case with "Scarborough Fair." While some argue that it is a simple, beautiful musical poem, others speculate that it might contain subtle dissing elements. This article explores the nuances of "Scarborough Fair" and whether it can be considered an ultimate diss track.

Origins and Lyrics

"Scarborough Fair" is a traditional folk song with a rich history. The lyrics of the song are poetic and evoke images of a place called Scarborough Fair. The song's melody and lyrics are believed to date back to the 16th century, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years, with the most famous being Simon and Garfunkel in 1967. Here’s the 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,

In the deep forest green,

Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme,

Tracing of sparrow on snow-crested ground,

Without a seam nor needle work,

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,

A sprinkling of leaves—

Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme,

Washes the grave with silvery tears,

Between the salt water and the sea strands,

And polishes a gun,

Then she'll be a true love of mine.

Tell her to reap it with a sickle of leather,

Blazing in scarlet battalions,

Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme,

Generals order their soldiers to kill,

And gather it all in a bunch of heath,

A cause they've long ago forgot,

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.

Traditional Interpretation

Traditional interpretations of "Scarborough Fair" suggest that it is a beautiful, simple folk song filled with romantic and mystical imagery. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia, telling of a place one remembers fondly. It is a poem that celebrates the beauty and complexity of love, rather than pointing fingers or criticizing.

Modern Interpretations as a Diss Track

However, it is worth noting that some modern interpretations find dissing elements in "Scarborough Fair." Critics argue that the imagery of the song can be interpreted as subtle criticism or even a critique of societal values. For instance, the line "Generals order their soldiers to kill" could be seen as a commentary on war and violence, or "Washes the grave with silvery tears" might symbolize the unfulfilled love and regret.

Other Diss Tracks in the Folk Genre

While "Scarborough Fair" is often debated as a potential diss track, there are other notable examples of folk songs that are clearly and overtly dissing. Two prime examples include:

Simple Desultory Philippic (Or How I Was Robert McNamara Into Submission) by Paul Simon: A parody of Bob Dylan that uses spoken words to criticize Robert McNamara's policies during the Vietnam War. The Parody Project’s “The Liar Tweets Tonight”: A parody of Donald Trump’s social media tweets, performed by a group of law students at George Washington University, which was published by The Harvard Crimson.

Perhaps the most popular modern diss song in the folk genre is “Fuck You” by the late Bruno Mars, with the original version by CeeLo Green, featuring explicit lyrics of dissatisfaction and criticism.

Conclusion

Is "Scarborough Fair" an ultimate diss track? The answer likely depends on one’s interpretation and cultural context. While traditional views see it as a simple and romantic poem, modern interpretations suggest deeper layers of meaning that could be seen as dissing. Regardless, the enduring popularity of "Scarborough Fair" speaks to its rich and multi-layered nature, a testament to the power of music to convey complex emotions and ideas.