In 1999, Clarke released Inside Out, a romantic / adult contemporary cover album. It had a peculiar twist: Clarke subtly modified certain lyrics to sing under his own perspective as a gay man.
The Water Is Wide
Cam Clarke Lyrics
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And neither have I wings to fly
Build me a boat, that can carry two
And both shall row, my love and I
There is a ship, and she sails the sea
She's loaded deep, as deep can be
But not so deep as the love I'm in
Oh love is handsome, and love is fine
The sweetest flower, when first its new
But love grows old, and waxes cold
And fades away, like summer dew
Build me a boat, that can carry two
And both shall row, my love and I
And both shall row, my love and I...
The water is wide, I can't cross over
And neither have I wings to fly
Build me a boat, that can carry two
And both shall row, my love and I
And both shall row, my man and I...
In "The Water Is Wide," Cam Clarke describes the challenge of trying to reach his lover, who is across a body of water. The lyrics convey a sense of longing, as Clarke laments his inability to cross the water or fly, which portrays the depth of his love. He suggests building a boat that can carry two so that they can navigate the distance together, emphasizing the importance of togetherness and support.
Furthermore, Clarke makes use of vivid imagery and metaphors to convey his message. He likens his love to a ship, which is loaded deep, symbolizing the intensity of his emotions that transcend even the depth of the sea. Clarke portrays love as a beautiful and sweet flower, young and blossoming, but warns that it can also grow old, wane, and eventually disappear like summer dew. This comparison emphasizes the need for constant effort and dedication to preserve a relationship.
Overall, “The Water Is Wide” is a moving depiction of love's power, the desire for unity, and the need for perseverance in relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
The water is wide, I can't cross over
The distance between us is too great to overcome
And neither have I wings to fly
I don't have the power to escape the situation
Build me a boat, that can carry two
Create a solution that works for both of us
And both shall row, my love and I
We will work together to make this work
There is a ship, and she sails the sea
There are other options available
She's loaded deep, as deep can be
But those options may not be as fulfilling as this love
But not so deep as the love I'm in
My love is the most important thing to me
I know not how I sink or swim
I don't know how this will all turn out
Oh love is handsome, and love is fine
Love is wonderful and beautiful
The sweetest flower, when first its new
But love is fragile when it is new
But love grows old, and waxes cold
Love can become stagnant and dull over time
And fades away, like summer dew
It can disappear just as quickly as it appeared
And both shall row, my man and I...
We will work together, despite the challenges we face
Contributed by Elizabeth J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.