The Water Is Wide Lyrics Chords And Sheet Music
The Water Is Wide Lyrics And Chords A traditional song from the eighteenth century, recorded by Liam Clancy and James Taylorthe . Sheet music included along with the tin whistle notes. The song was also recorded by Irish singer Maura O'Connell. This song is in my Book Of Popular Tin Whistle Music which is on sale from this site.The water is wide solfege [ Do re mi ] sheet music notation in G Major now here.
"The Water Is Wide" is a traditional folk song of Scottish or English origin, known for its haunting melody and poignant lyrics. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Joan Baez, James Taylor, and Eva Cassidy, and remains popular for its timeless themes of love, longing, and heartbreak.
Song Meaning and Themes
Historical Origins
Modern Interpretations
Notable Recordings
Song Meaning and Themes
- Unrequited or Lost Love:
- The central theme of the song is the experience of love that fades, changes, or becomes unattainable. The metaphor of "the water is wide" suggests a great emotional or physical distance between lovers that cannot be crossed easily.
- The line "Love is gentle and love is kind" reflects the idealized view of love, but the following verses lament the heartbreak and challenges that can arise in relationships.
- Inability to Bridge the Gap:
- The lyrics describe the image of a boat that "cannot carry two" or a relationship that is not strong enough to endure. This imagery symbolizes emotional separation, disillusionment, or the end of love.
- Some interpret the song as representing the pain of separation due to emigration or war, themes that resonate deeply in British and Irish folk traditions.
- Nature and Human Emotion:
- The imagery of the wide, deep water reflects both the beauty and danger of nature and serves as a symbol of emotional challenges and sorrow.
- The sea is a frequent metaphor in folk songs for the unpredictability and uncontrollability of life and love.
Historical Origins
- The song’s roots are believed to date back to the 17th century, with elements derived from older Scottish and English folk ballads such as "O Waly, Waly".
- Over time, various versions and verses have been added or changed, giving rise to multiple interpretations and adaptations.
Modern Interpretations
- "The Water Is Wide" has been performed in many musical styles, including folk, classical, and choral arrangements. Its simple yet profound melody makes it popular for weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies.
- The song's universality has allowed it to be embraced by various cultures and artists, with its themes of love and loss resonating across generations.
Notable Recordings
- Joan Baez: Her soulful interpretation helped popularize the song during the 1960s folk revival.
- James Taylor and Carly Simon: Their duet version showcases the song’s tender and reflective nature.
- Eva Cassidy: Her version is beloved for its emotional depth and delicate delivery, capturing the song’s melancholy beauty.
[Chorus]
The[D] water is wide I[G] cannot cross[D] over,
And[Bm] neither have I wings to[A7] fly,
Build[D] me a[F#m] boat that will[G] carry two,
And both[A7] shall roam,my[D] love and I.
[1]
A ship there is and she sails the sea
Sailing as deep,as deep can be
But not so deep as the love im in
And I know not how to sink or swim
[2]
I leaned my back against some young oak
Thinking she was a trusty tree
But first she bent,and then she broke
And thus did my false love to me
[repeat chorus]
The water is wide guitar tab and chords
PDF ebook of tabs here
| the_water_is_wide_guitar_tab_with_chords.pdf |
Key of G.
The[G] water is wide I[C] cannot cross[G] over,
And[Em] neither have I wings to[D7] fly,
Build[G] me a[Bm] boat that will[C] carry two,
And both[D7] shall roam,my[G] love and I.
kEY OF C
The[C] water is wide I[F] cannot cross[C] over,
And[Am] neither have I wings to[G7] fly,
Build[C] me a[Em] boat that will[F] carry two,
And both[G7] shall roam,my[C] love and I
Key of C
The[C] water is wide I[F] cannot cross[C] over,
And[Am] neither have I wings to[G7] fly,
Build[C] me a[Em] boat that will[F] carry two,
And both[G7] shall roam,my[C] love and I.
The[G] water is wide I[C] cannot cross[G] over,
And[Em] neither have I wings to[D7] fly,
Build[G] me a[Bm] boat that will[C] carry two,
And both[D7] shall roam,my[G] love and I.
kEY OF C
The[C] water is wide I[F] cannot cross[C] over,
And[Am] neither have I wings to[G7] fly,
Build[C] me a[Em] boat that will[F] carry two,
And both[G7] shall roam,my[C] love and I
Key of C
The[C] water is wide I[F] cannot cross[C] over,
And[Am] neither have I wings to[G7] fly,
Build[C] me a[Em] boat that will[F] carry two,
And both[G7] shall roam,my[C] love and I.
The water is wide piano and tin whistle sheet music
Below is the list of sheet music and tin whistle songs that are in my ebooks. This is the largest collection of tin whistle songs ever put together.[over 800 songs ] Including folk, pop and trad tunes plus German And French songs along with Christmas Carols.
All of the sheet music tabs have been made as easy to play as was possible.
The price of the ebooks is €7.50
All of the sheet music tabs have been made as easy to play as was possible.
The price of the ebooks is €7.50
Tommy Fleming The Water Is Wide singer
The water is wide solfege piano sheet music notation in G Major
