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Bob Dylan is one of the most famous songwriters of the 20th century, known for blending folk, rock, and blues with poetic, often socially conscious lyrics.
Rising to fame in the early 1960s, he became a voice of his generation, making songs that showed the political and emotional landscape of the time.
A Nobel Prize in Literature winner, Dylan’s impact stretches across genres and generations. His version of ‘The Water Is Wide’ honours the folk tradition while staying true to his personal artistic voice.
About the Song
The Water Is Wide is a traditional folk song that dates back to the 17th century and has touched hearts for generations.
Its gentle melody and poetic lyrics speak of love, longing, and emotional distance, making it a favourite across cultures and decades.
Details Information Release Date January 26, 2023 Album The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3 (Rare & Unreleased) Writer Traditional The Water Is Wide Lyrics
The water is wide and I can’t cross over
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 know not if I sink or swim.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 ISimilar Songs Like The Water Is Wide
If The Water is Wide speaks to you, these other Bob Dylan songs also blend folk tradition with honest, powerful songwriting.
- Blowin’ in the Wind: This timeless anthem asks deep questions about life, peace, and humanity. Its soft melody and thoughtful words still inspire change.
- Boots of Spanish Leather: A heartfelt story of love and distance, this song uses letters between lovers to express longing in a gentle, sad tone.
- Girl from the North Country: With simple guitar and soft vocals, this sentimental ballad remembers a lost love with kindness, even after time and change.
Similar Artists Like Bob Dylan
For fans of meaningful storytelling and acoustic warmth, these artists walk the same musical path as Dylan, each with their own unique twist.
- Joan Baez
Genre: Folk / Folk Rock
Top albums: Joan Baez (1960), Farewell, Angelina (1965), Diamonds & Rust (1975), Recently (1987) - Leonard Cohen
Genre: Folk / Singer-Songwriter
Top albums: Songs of Leonard Cohen (1967), Songs of Love and Hate (1971), I’m Your Man (1988), Ten New Songs (2001) - Neil Young
Genre: Folk Rock / Rock
Top albums: After the Gold Rush (1970), Harvest (1972), Rust Never Sleeps (1979), Prairie Wind (2005) - Joni Mitchell
Genre: Folk / Pop
Top albums: Blue (1971), Court and Spark (1974), Hejira (1976), Both Sides Now (2000) - Paul Simon
Genre: Folk Rock / Pop
Top albums: Paul Simon (1972), Still Crazy After All These Years (1975), Graceland (1986), So Beautiful or So What (2011)
Frequently Asked Questions
How Old is The Water Is Wide?
The song’s roots trace back to at least the early 18th century, with connections to older Scottish ballads like “O Waly, Waly” and “Jamie Douglas.” Some verses may even date to the 17th century.
Who Wrote The Water Is Wide?
There is no single author; the song is a product of oral tradition. The modern version was consolidated and published by folklorist Cecil Sharp in 1906, who drew from multiple older sources.
Are There Different Versions of The Water Is Wide?
There are many different versions of The Water Is Wide. Verses and melodies have been adapted and combined from various sources over the centuries, and performers often modify the lyrics to suit their interpretations.
