Water is Wide
Jewel Indigo Girls Sarah McLachlan Lyrics
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Neither have I wings to fly
Give me a boat that can carry two
And both shall cross my true love and I
I lean'd my back against an oak
Thinking it was a mighty tree
But first it bent and then it broke
So did my love prove false to me
Thinking the sweetest flow'are to find
I prick'd my finger to the bone
And left the sweetest flow'are behind
O love is handsome and love is kind
Gay as a jewel when it is new
But love grows old and waxes cold
And fades away like the morning dew
The water is wide, I cannot get o'er
Neither have I wings to fly
Give me a boat that can carry two
And both shall cross my true love and I
The song "Water is Wide" is a Scottish folk song that has been recorded by many artists including Jewel, Indigo Girls, and Sarah McLachlan. The lyrics describe the singer's struggle to cross a body of water to be with their true love. They do not have wings to fly and the water is too wide to swim, so they ask for a boat that can carry two. The singer then reflects on the fickleness of love, comparing it to a tree that bends and breaks and the sweetest flower that pricks and leaves one behind. The song ends with the repeated plea for a boat that can carry both the singer and their true love across the water.
The lyrics of "Water is Wide" are rich with metaphor and symbolism. The water could represent any obstacle that prevents us from being with those we love, whether it be distance or circumstance. The search for a boat that can carry two is a metaphor for finding a relationship that can sustain both partners, rather than just one. The references to the tree and flower highlight the fragility of love and how easily it can be broken or lost.
Interestingly, there are many variations of the lyrics to "Water is Wide" and the origin of the song is somewhat unclear. It is thought to have originated in Scotland or England in the 1600s or 1700s and was likely passed down through oral tradition before being written down. The melody has also been used in other songs, including the popular Irish tune "Carrickfergus."
Line by Line Meaning
The water is wide, I cannot get o'er
I am faced with an obstacle (represented by the wide water) that I am unable to overcome.
Neither have I wings to fly
I lack the ability to escape or overcome the obstacle through any means.
Give me a boat that can carry two
I require external help (the boat) to cross the obstacle, and it must be able to hold both me and my true love.
And both shall cross my true love and I
Once we have the boat, we will both be able to successfully overcome the obstacle together.
I lean'd my back against an oak
I trusted in something (represented by the oak) and believed it to be strong and unwavering.
Thinking it was a mighty tree
I had faith in this thing's strength and stability.
But first it bent and then it broke
However, when put to the test, this thing was actually weak and unreliable, and ultimately failed me.
So did my love prove false to me
In the same way, my love also let me down and betrayed me, proving to be untrue and unfaithful.
I put my hand in some soft bush
I sought out something that seemed pleasant and desirable (represented by the soft bush).
Thinking the sweetest flow'are to find
I believed that this thing would bring me happiness and satisfaction.
I prick'd my finger to the bone
However, in the process of pursuing it, I inflicted harm upon myself and experienced pain.
And left the sweetest flow'are behind
Ultimately, I was disappointed and empty-handed, having lost the thing that I thought would bring me joy.
O love is handsome and love is kind
Love initially appears to be attractive, pleasant, and compassionate.
Gay as a jewel when it is new
In its early stages, love seems bright and valuable, like a new and precious jewel.
But love grows old and waxes cold
However, as time passes, love may become less vibrant and passionate, and begin to cool down.
And fades away like the morning dew
Eventually, love may fade away entirely, much like how the morning dew disappears in the light of day.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JEAN-PAUL CABRIERES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
matyldalena
The water is wide, I can't cross o'er
And neither I have wings to fly
Give me a boat, carry two
And both shall row
My love and I
Love is gentle, love is kind
The sweetest flower when first it's new
But love grows old and waxes cold
And fades away like morning dew
There is a ship that sails the sea
She's loaded deep as deep can be
But not as deep as the love I made
I know not how I'll sink or swim
The water is wide, I can't cross o'er
And neither I have wings to fly
Give me a boat that can carry two
And both shall row
My love and I
And both shall row
My love and I
Anywhere Dog Training
Still getting goosebumps listening to this in 2020. I wish this song would've gone on for hours....... LOVE. Thank you Amy, Emily, Jewel and Sarah.
Nina Marie
Goosebumps still in 2022 here.
UTU49
@Nina Marie
Me too. 🙂
Barbara Ulloa Lorenzo
😊
Leroy Teó
...BEYOND ANGELIC!!...I had the privilege to see this live, there wasn't a dry eye in the audience!!...they really need to to do another Lilith Fair!!..
OVI-Wan Kenobi
More like Labia Fair LOL! What an oysterfest lol
Sandi B
I don't think I'll ever forget when they performed this. The audience became almost silent at the end when they all sang together. The night was beautiful and warm.. this takes me back to an amazing time in my life 🎶🎶
Cheryl Ann
Me too! We were drenched from the day with our arms and head poked thru a trash bag. Wouldnt trade that day for the world💜✌
Sherri Graf
Nl
Derek Chin
I caught them all at Lilith Fair, so incredibly good. The 90s were a boon time for female artists. I know music tastes change over time, but this is timeless.