The Water is Wide - Chords, Lyrics and Origins
Origins
The nicest version of 'The Water is Wide' that I have heard is by John Kirkpatrick. But the beautiful tune and poetic lyrics give it a widespread appeal. In fact it has been recorded by a whole host of musicians, including artists as diverse as Eva Casiddy, The Indigo Girls and Kathleen Ferrier. 'The Water is Wide' has been arranged by the classical composer,Benjamin Britten, and the tune is sometimes (though not always) used for the hymn "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." Although commonly thought of as an English song, apparently the earliest version of 'The Water is Wide' (unpromisingly called 'O Waly, Waly') originated in Scotland. You can find an interesting article about the origins of 'The Water is Wide', including the lyrics to 'O Waly Waly', in this Wikipedia article. There is more information about the song at the Contemplator's web site. There are lots of versions of the lyrics. The verses below are simply my personal favourites.
The chord structure is very much the vehicle that carries the beautiful melody. My favourite apporach is to fingerpick the chords gently, but the song will also work if you strum the chords, although this changes the feel somewhat.
Chords
Capo at 4th Fret
E
The water is wide
A E
And I cannot get o'er;
C#m
Nor yet have I
F#m
The wings to fly;
Abm
Bring me a boat
A
That can carry two
B7
And both shall row -
E
My love and I.
Lyrics
The water is wide
And I cannot get o'er;
Nor yet have I
The wings to fly;
Bring me a boat
That can carry two
And both shall row -
My love and I.
Down in the meadow
The other day,
Gathering flowers
Both bright and gay,
Gathering flowers,
Both red and blue,
I little thought
What love can do.
I leaned my back
Against an oak,
Thinking it was
A trusty tree,
But first it bent
And then it broke,
Just like my own
False loving be.
Oh love is gentle
And love is kind,
Bright as a jewell
When first it's new,
But love grows old
And waxes cold
And fades away
Like the morning dew.
There is a ship
And it sails the sea;
It's loaded deep
As deep can be,
But not so deep
As this love I'm in.
I know not if
I sink or swim.
The water is wide
And I cannot get o'er,
Nor yet have I
The wings to fly;
Bring me a boat
That can carry two
And both shall row -
My love and I.
Traditional, arranged by Peter Webster.