The Water Is Wide
Rolling Thunder Revue Lyrics
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Neither have I wings that I could fly
Build me a boat that can carry two
And both shall row my love and I
There is a ship and it sails on the sea
Loaded deep as deep can be
But not as deep as the love I'm in
I leaned my back up against an oak
Thinkin' it was a trusty tree
But first it bent and then it broke
Just like my own false love to me
Oh love is gentle, love is kind
Gay as a jewel when first it's new
But love grows old and waxes cold
And fades away like some morning dew
The water is wide and I can't cross over
Neither have I wings to fly
Build me a boat that can carry two
And both shall row my love and I
The song "The Water Is Wide" by Rolling Thunder Revue is a traditional Scottish folk tune that has been covered by various artists over the years. The lyrics express the theme of unrequited love, where the singer is unable to bridge the gap between him and his loved one due to various circumstances, including physical barriers and emotional distance.
The first verse talks about the physical barrier that separates the singer from his love. He describes a wide water body that he cannot cross without a boat or wings to fly. He then requests someone to build him a boat that can carry two people so that he can row with his love. This metaphorical request shows the longing desire of the singer to be with his love.
The second verse describes the depth of his love, which is deeper than the sea. He is unsure if he will sink or swim in this intense emotion. He then relates his love to a tree that he leaned on for support. He trusted it, but it broke just like his false love for him. The final verse talks about the bittersweet nature of love. It starts as something bright and new, but it can also fade away like the morning dew.
Line by Line Meaning
The water is wide and I can't cross over
There is an obstacle in my path which I cannot overcome
Neither have I wings that I could fly
I do not possess the ability to bypass this obstacle with ease
Build me a boat that can carry two
Construct a vessel that is capable of holding both me and someone else
And both shall row my love and I
Together, we will work to propel ourselves across the wide expanse of water
There is a ship and it sails on the sea
There exists a vessel that moves across the vast ocean
Loaded deep as deep can be
This ship is fully laden with a heavy cargo
But not as deep as the love I'm in
However, the weight of love that I experience is greater than that of the cargo on the ship
I know not if I sink or swim
I am uncertain whether this love will cause me to thrive or to falter
I leaned my back up against an oak
I placed my trust in a strong and sturdy tree
Thinkin' it was a trusty tree
Believing that this tree would support me through any hardship
But first it bent and then it broke
Yet, the tree eventually failed to sustain me and snapped under the pressure
Just like my own false love to me
This experience mirrors the betrayal I felt from a love that was untrue
Oh love is gentle, love is kind
Love is often described as being considerate and compassionate
Gay as a jewel when first it's new
In the beginning, love can be a source of radiant joy and beauty
But love grows old and waxes cold
However, over time, love can lose its vitality and warmth
And fades away like some morning dew
Eventually, this love will vanish just as the morning dew evaporates with the arrival of daybreak
Lyrics © AUDIAM, INC
Written by: JEAN-PAUL CABRIERES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@janepiepes2243
The most exciting and gorgeous duet ever sung. This is a beauty of a song. .but their ability to create harmony together goes deep in my bones. There is other footage that remarkable,as well...especially watching them work out a harmony. .
@Tobykeithmusicinc
Hello Dear, it’s nice meeting you on here.
@brigittebonkowski9358
Thank you Dylan and Baez - you restore the soul with your voices during this pandemic when we miss our greatest loves. My only soul mate, Lou - he was a writer, Educator, pianist, photographer - humanitarian, Consultant who died in 2019. My dear colleague/friend, Noreen - Human Resources Change Agent, Humanitarian, Advocate for the underserved, Civil Rights Activist - infectious laugh - great inner spirit who died late 2021 - and to my Dear Parents always inclusive and family oriented, life was precious to them as they incurred so many losses in their own lives. - I can't reach any of you anymore and I am heartbroken - but these soulful voices remind me of you.
@Tobykeithmusicinc
Hello Dear, it’s nice meeting you on here.
@suzecope9190
OMG!!! I've Always Loved this song Soo MUCH!!!
I just wanna keep playing it over n over
This is My Favorite album of Dylan's!
So Happy that it's on YouTube
@turintur2498
my fave too... incredible melodies and new arrangements
@yescure6
Feel exactly the same, for me its the best performance as a duet from both, will never get tired of this
@adenauermarques2565
Magnifico, dylan e baez perfeito histórico, lendários
@bsurfthewind
Beautiful! Love it. What a song. What a duet!
@Samu93c
Masterpiece