Willy Porter is a contemporary American folk musician from Wisconsin. His c… Read Full Bio ↴Willy Porter is a contemporary American folk musician from Wisconsin. His career as a published singer began in 1990 with his album, The Trees Have Soul, although his popularity began in 1994 with his album Dog Eared Dream, which had the successful single Angry Words, and led to his touring as an opening act for artists including Tori Amos and The Cranberries. Recently, Porter opened for Jethro Tull, where he formed a friendship with Tull's guitarist, Martin Barre.

Cool Water
Willy Porter Lyrics

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From the bottom of the well, I feel pools of cool water
Moss-covered stones and cracks in the mortar
Found a little coin from a wish that I'd forgotten
I dried it on my shirttail, put it back in my pocket

Let me tell your secrets while you dry up the well
If you can keep a secret, I've got one to tell

Waiting for cool water
To come and fill this well
Cool water, my secrets to tell
My secrets to tell

I scaled upon the wall, but my grip was unsteady
If I were to fall, there was no water there to catch me
I reached for the frayed rope, it fell broken in my hand
I guess I'm doomed to sit here with my feet buried in the sand

And hope for cool water
To come and fill this well
Cool water, my secrets to tell
My secrets to tell

Keeping my eyes fixed on these cloudy skies
Quenching my sun-cracked lips just like tears from your eyes
Just like tears from your, from your eyes
Just like tears from your, from your eyes
From your eyes
From your eyes

Waiting for cool water
To come and fill this well
Cool water, my secrets to tell now
My secrets to tell

My secrets to tell now
I wish you'd get well, hey

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Willy Porter's song Cool Water explore the ideas of longing, isolation, and keeping secrets. The song is about a person trapped at the bottom of a well, waiting for the cool water to come and fill the well. At the bottom of the well, the singer finds a little coin, which triggers memories of forgotten wishes. The coin serves as a tangible reminder of the hopes and dreams that we keep locked away inside us.

The singer then starts to reveal their secrets to whoever is listening above the well. They begin to scale the well to escape, but their grip is unsteady, and there is the danger of falling. There is no water to catch them, highlighting the isolation and lack of support the singer feels. As they reach for the frayed rope, it falls broken in their hand, signifying yet another obstacle in their attempts to escape.

The song speaks to the human desire for emotional connections and the yearning for someone to confide in. It is about the struggle of being trapped in isolation, and the need for communal support.

Line by Line Meaning

From the bottom of the well, I feel pools of cool water
Despite being in a difficult place, I can sense a glimmer of hope and comfort surrounding me.

Moss-covered stones and cracks in the mortar
The details of my surroundings may seem insignificant, but they contribute to the overall atmosphere and feeling of the situation.

Found a little coin from a wish that I'd forgotten I dried it on my shirttail, put it back in my pocket
A small piece of positivity came unexpectedly, and I want to hold on to it for encouragement in the future.

Let me tell your secrets while you dry up the well If you can keep a secret, I've got one to tell
In a moment of vulnerability and trust, I want to share something intimate with you and hope you won't betray that trust.

Waiting for cool water To come and fill this well Cool water, my secrets to tell My secrets to tell
I am waiting for hope and comfort to come to me so I can feel more at ease and share my secrets openly with someone else.

I scaled upon the wall, but my grip was unsteady If I were to fall, there was no water there to catch me I reached for the frayed rope, it fell broken in my hand I guess I'm doomed to sit here with my feet buried in the sand
I am trying to escape from this tough situation, but I keep encountering obstacles that make it feel impossible. I am resigned to feeling trapped.

Keeping my eyes fixed on these cloudy skies Quenching my sun-cracked lips just like tears from your eyes Just like tears from your, from your eyes Just like tears from your, from your eyes From your eyes From your eyes
Even though my situation seems bleak and uncomfortable, I am looking for signs of hope and sustenance in any way I can, just like how tears can be both sad and cleansing.

Waiting for cool water To come and fill this well Cool water, my secrets to tell now My secrets to tell My secrets to tell now I wish you'd get well, hey
I am looking for comfort and companionship in this difficult place, and I hope whoever I share my secrets with can help me find peace. Additionally, I hope whoever I'm speaking to is doing well themselves.

Contributed by London P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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