Be aware, Andy, that the song "Scarborough Fair" has been around long, long before Simon and Garfunkel, and over the years--centuries--it has gone through a number of changes and has spawned many different but obviously related versions.

In fact, it dates back at least as far as the 1600s, and probably much, much further. It is related to both "Riddles Wisely Expounded" (Child #1) and "The Elfin Knight" (Child #2).

Definitely a true folk ballad.

Don Firth