The Water is Wide is the tale of two lovers who can no longer be together.
Does the song have a literal meaning – are the lovers separated by water – could it be talking about emigration?
Or is the ‘water is wide’ a metaphor for love that has faded inferred in the line “love grows old and waxes cold”.
The Water is Wide lyrics and chords
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[chordsandlyrics]
The [G]water is wide I [C]cannot cross [G]over,
And neither have I [C]wings to [D7]fly,
Build[D] me a [Bm]boat that will [Em]carry two,
[C]And both shall [D7]roam,my love and [G]I.
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O love is handsome and love is fine
And love’s a jewel when it’s first new
But love grows old and waxes cold
And fades away like morning dew.
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There is a ship it’s sailing the sea
It’s loaded deep as deep can be
But not so deep as my love for him
I know not if I sink or swim.
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The water is wide I can not get o’er
And neither have I wings to fly
Give me a boat that will carry two
And both shall row my love and I
And both shall row my love and I.
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[/chordsandlyrics]
The Water is Wide
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Lyrics and chords