Meaning of "The Water Is Wide" by Karla Bonoff

The lyrics of "The Water Is Wide" delve into the various stages and emotions of a romantic relationship. The singer begins by acknowledging the vastness of the water and her inability to navigate it alone, seeking a boat that can carry two, symbolizing the desire for mutual support and companionship in a partnership. The reference to a ship laden deep but not as deep as the love the singer feels signifies the overwhelming nature of love itself. The image of the young oak tree, initially trusted only to later break, represents the eventual disappointment and betrayal that can arise in relationships. The song also explores the fleeting nature of love, highlighting its initial brightness and warmth that inevitably fades over time, likened to the morning dew dissipating with the sunrise. Overall, the lyrics capture the bittersweet essence of love, encompassing both its beauty and its inevitable impermanence.