Meaning of "Scarborough Fair" by Sarah Brightman

"Scarborough Fair" is a traditional English ballad that has roots dating back to the 17th century. While the lyrics may seem simple on the surface, they possess a deeper and more symbolic meaning. The central theme of the song is loss and the desire for reconnection. The speaker is reminiscing about a former true love who they long to be reunited with. Scarborough Fair serves as a symbol of this lost love, representing a place or time of fond memories and connection.

The repeated refrain of "Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme" serves as a metaphor for love and healing. These herbs were traditionally associated with various symbolic meanings. Parsley symbolizes comfort, sage represents wisdom, rosemary signifies remembrance, and thyme embodies courage and strength. By mentioning these herbs, the speaker may be implying that their love was built on these qualities and desires for the relationship to be restored.

The specific tasks given to the messenger serve as a test of the former lover's commitment. By asking for a seamlessly crafted cambric shirt, the speaker emphasizes the need for perfection and attention to detail. This request sets the standard for what it means to be a "true love."

Similarly, the desire for an acre of land between salt water and the sea strands evokes a sense of rarity and an idyllic destination. The speaker yearns for a location that is both beautiful and remote, symbolizing the heights they expect their love to reach.

The final instructions to reap with a sickle of leather and gather heather speak to the hard work and effort required to rebuild the relationship. It suggests that love should be nurtured and harvested, just like crops, in order to flourish.

Overall, "Scarborough Fair" is a song that represents the longing for lost love and the hope for reconciliation. The lyrics are filled with symbolic imagery and demands that test the commitment of the former lover. It conveys the deep emotions and desires that come from a place of nostalgia and the yearning to restore a precious bond.