Despite the stage fright that he would experience, George would enter his Elementary School talent shows each year. His father would often take him to the piano stores at the local mall and people would gather around watching this little kid do his thing. At the age of 10, his parents encouraged piano lessons, but in five weeks the lessons were over after his teacher discovered George was playing the lessons without reading the music. He never attempted lessons again.
As a teenager, Skaroulis began a career in the restaurant industry, and dedicated over 20 years of his life to the business. Time at the piano was often his own private escape, and Skaroulis, shy about his lack of formal training, was very selective about performing publicly. Never had he considered pursuing his love of music as a career, but over the years, the piano kept calling him back.
The message was loud and clear to Skaroulis after attending a Yanni concert years ago. He was amazed and moved by the music, and at the audience’s response. Realizing that perhaps his music had a chance to touch people, Skaroulis recorded his debut album Homeland in 1996. With a very positive response, Skaroulis was inspired to compose more music and continue following his dream. The Homeland album was followed by Numinous, Season Traditions, Generations, Return to Homeland, Second Nature, Athena, Forever Young, and Sanctuary. In late 2007, Skaroulis released a Spa Collection titled, Reunion.
To this day George doesn’t read music, and without those formal boundaries, he continues to create music in his own peaceful romantic style. George’s music undoubtedly has a calming effect on those who listen, and it is no surprise this relaxing quality has attracted its use in spas and by massage therapists worldwide.
This year, George celebrates the 10th year of his independent record label Evzone Music. In addition to the several CD releases on his own label, Skaroulis’ music has captured the attention of other record labels including Essence Records (Chris Spheeris), Real Music, Bon Music (Korea), Orange Music (Singapore) and Sharper Image — all of which have licensed his music and talent for albums in which they distribute.
George’s music has managed to find it’s way into several public television documentaries and programs. PBS selected George’s music for two nationally-televised documentaries “Visions of Greece” & “Visions of Italy.” You may have also heard George’s music on SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Music Choice and Martha Stewart Living Radio.
Water is Wide
George Skaroulis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And neither have I wings to fly
Give me a boat that will carry two
And both shall row my love and I
There is a ship it's sailing the sea
It's loaded deep as deep can be
I know not if I sink or swim
Oh love is handsome, and love is fine
the sweetest flower when first it's new
but love grows old and waxes cold
and fades away like morning dew
build me a boat that can carry two
and both shall row my love and I
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
The first stanza of Water is Wide starts by introducing the idea that the singer is separated from a loved one by a body of water. The line "the water is wide I can not get o'er" refers to the emotional distance or obstacle that is preventing the singer from being with their love. The next line, "and neither have I wings to fly," emphasizes the idea that the distance is too great to simply fly across. The singer then requests a boat that can carry two, symbolizing that they need their love to be with them in order to cross over the water. The last line "and both shall row my love and I" shows that the singer is willing to put in the effort, alongside their loved one, to overcome the obstacle standing between them.
In the second stanza, a ship sailing the sea is used as a metaphor for the depth and intensity of the singer's love. The line "it's loaded deep as deep can be" compares the ship's depth to the immense love the singer has for their partner. The following line "but not so deep as my love for him" emphasizes that the singer's love surpasses any material object, even a ship full of cargo. The last line "I know not if I sink or swim" shows that the singer is willing to take a risk to be with their love despite not knowing the outcome.
The final stanza repeats the request for a boat that can carry two and the assertion that the singer cannot cross the water alone. The lines "love is handsome, and love is fine, the sweetest flower when first it's new" allude to the idea that love is beautiful and sweet, but it also has the potential to fade away. The last line "And both shall row my love and I" reiterates the idea that the singer needs their loved one's help and support to overcome the obstacle between them.
Line by Line Meaning
The water is wide I can not get o'er
I am faced with an obstacle that seems impossible to overcome.
And neither have I wings to fly
I do not possess the ability to escape this obstacle with ease or grace.
Give me a boat that will carry two
If I am successful in obtaining assistance or companionship, then perhaps I can succeed in traversing this obstacle.
And both shall row my love and I
We will work together to overcome this challenge, and our love will only grow stronger as a result.
There is a ship it's sailing the sea
There are other opportunities or paths that may be available to me.
It's loaded deep as deep can be
This alternative path is full of potential and resources, perhaps more than what I currently have available to me.
But not so deep as my love for him
However, my love for my partner runs deeper than any other opportunity or resource I may encounter.
I know not if I sink or swim
Even with this deep love, I am uncertain of what the future may hold or whether I will successfully overcome my struggles.
Oh love is handsome, and love is fine
Love is beautiful and desirable.
the sweetest flower when first it's new
Love is at its best and most perfect when it first blooms and is still fresh.
but love grows old and waxes cold
Love can change and lose its initial passion as time passes.
and fades away like morning dew
Ultimately, love can disappear suddenly and without warning, like dew evaporating in the morning sun.
build me a boat that can carry two
I am not satisfied with my current path and seek a way to improve my chances of success.
And both shall row my love and I
I am in a committed relationship and seek to work with my partner to overcome any obstacles that come our way.
And both shall row my love and I
My love and I are unified in our determination to succeed and face any challenge that may arise.
Lyrics © THE BICYCLE MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: PETER SEEGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind