The Water Is Wide chords & lyrics
Traditional
Verse 1
The water is wide, I can't cross o'er
And neither have I wings to fly
Give me a boat that can carry two
And both shall row, my love and I
Verse 2
There is a ship and she sails the sea
She's loaded deep as deep can be
But not so deep as the love I'm in
I know not how I sink or swim
About this song
An old Scottish/English folk song (also known as 'O Waly, Waly'). Its flowing melody and warm chord movement make it a favourite for developing dynamics and fingerstyle.
How to play it: Slow, flowing 3/4. Fingerpick or use soft down-up brushes; leave space so the melody sings.
Lead: D major (D E F# G A B C#). The tune arches up to the high A and drifts back down — beautiful picked on the top strings.
Chord Diagrams
No capoD
Chord Info
- Notes
- D – F♯ – A
- Intervals
- 1 – 3 – 5
- Fingers
- 123
- Difficulty
- Easy
Strumming Pattern
- ↓1
- ·&
- ↑2
- ↓&
- ·3
- ↑&
Slow, flowing 3/4. Fingerpick or use soft down-up brushes; leave space so the melody sings.
Play with Beats
Fretboard View
D as you fret it in open position.