The Water Is Wide

Karla Bonoff's rendition of 'The Water Is Wide' is a poignant exploration of love's complexities and the emotional turbulence that often accompanies it. The song, which is a traditional folk ballad, uses the metaphor of water to represent the vast and often insurmountable challenges in a romantic relationship. The opening lines, 'The water is wide, I cannot swim ore,' immediately set the tone of longing and helplessness, suggesting that the speaker feels overwhelmed by the obstacles in their love life. The request for a boat that can carry two signifies a desire for partnership and mutual effort in overcoming these challenges.

The second verse introduces a ship sailing the seas, laden deep, symbolizing the weight and depth of the speaker's emotions. The comparison between the ship's depth and the depth of the speaker's love highlights the intensity of their feelings. However, the uncertainty of whether they will 'sink or swim' reflects the unpredictability and risk inherent in love. This uncertainty is further emphasized in the third verse, where the speaker leans on a young oak, only to find it unreliable. This imagery of the breaking tree serves as a metaphor for a love that seemed strong but ultimately proved to be false and disappointing.

The final verse offers a bittersweet reflection on the nature of love. Initially described as 'handsome and kind' and 'bright as a jewel,' love is portrayed as something beautiful and precious when it is new. However, as time passes, love 'grows old and waxes cold,' fading away 'like the morning dew.' This imagery captures the transient nature of romantic feelings and the inevitable decline that can occur. Bonoff's soulful delivery adds an extra layer of melancholy, making the listener feel the weight of these realizations. Through its rich metaphors and emotional depth, 'The Water Is Wide' serves as a timeless meditation on the joys and sorrows of love.