The Water Is Wide
View chords used in this chart
CAPO: 3
Intro: C G C G C G C G
verse 1:
C F C
The water is wide, I cannot cross o'er
Am G
And neither have I wings to fly
C Am C
Give me a boat that will carry two
F C G C
And both shall row, my love and I
verse 2:
F C
A ship there is and she sails the sea
Am G
She's loaded deep, as deep can be
C Am C
But not so deep as the love I'm in
F C G C
I know not if I sink or swim
verse 3:
F C
Down in the meadows the other day
Am G
A-gathering flowers both rich and gay
C Am C
A-gathering flowers for the red and blue
F C G C
I little thought what love could do
verse 4:
F C
I put my hand into one soft bush
Am G
Thinking the sweetest flower to find
C Am C
I pricked my finger right to the bone
F C G C G C G
And I left the sweetest flower behind
VERSE 5:
C F C
A love is handsome and love is kind
Am G
Gay as a jewel when first it's new
C Am C
But when it's old and it grows quite cold
F C G C
And it fades away like the morning dew
OUTRO: C G C G C G C G C
How to play The Water Is Wide
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is C. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.