The Water Is Wide
Joan Baez · Other Songs - Joan Baez
The water is wide I cannot get over
And neither have I wings to fly
Give me a boat that can carry two
And both shall row my love and I
Oh love is handsome and love is fine
And love's a jewel when it's first new
But love grows old and waxes cold
And fades away like morning dew
There is a ship it's sailing the sea
It's loaded deep as deep can be
But not so deep as my love for him
I know not if I sink or swim
The water is wide I cannot get over
And neither have I 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
And neither have I wings to fly
Give me a boat that can carry two
And both shall row my love and I
Oh love is handsome and love is fine
And love's a jewel when it's first new
But love grows old and waxes cold
And fades away like morning dew
There is a ship it's sailing the sea
It's loaded deep as deep can be
But not so deep as my love for him
I know not if I sink or swim
The water is wide I cannot get over
And neither have I 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
The Water Is Wide
Joan Baez's 1963 recording of 'The Water Is Wide' stands as a definitive folk standard, capturing the haunting beauty of the traditional song. Baez's clear, emotive delivery transformed the piece into a staple of the American folk revival, emphasizing its themes of longing and the passage of time. The track exemplifies her signature style, blending acoustic guitar with vocal nuance to create an intimate atmosphere that resonated deeply with listeners of the era. As a cornerstone of her discography, the recording has been widely covered and remains a powerful example of how traditional material can be revitalized through authentic interpretation.