The Unforgettable Story Behind Karla Bonoff's "The Water Is Wide" Lyrics And Its Star-Studded Legacy
Karla Bonoff's rendition of the traditional folk song "The Water Is Wide" is a masterpiece of quiet, aching emotion, cementing its place as a cornerstone of the 1970s Southern California singer-songwriter movement. As of late 2025, the song continues to resonate deeply, with Bonoff still performing her classic repertoire, reminding audiences of the timeless power of this beautiful, centuries-old melody.
Released on her 1979 album, Restless Nights, Bonoff's version is distinguished by its pristine, acoustic arrangement and a legendary collaboration that elevates the track from a simple folk ballad to a folk-rock classic. The song's enduring popularity is a testament not only to its profound lyrics but also to Bonoff’s ability to infuse traditional material with her signature warmth and vulnerability.
Karla Bonoff: A Profile of the Singer-Songwriter Legend
Karla Bonoff is one of the most respected and influential American singer-songwriters of her generation, though much of her early success was achieved through the voices of others. Her career is a fascinating blend of behind-the-scenes songwriting brilliance and on-stage performance.
- Full Name: Karla Bonoff
- Born: December 27, 1951, in Santa Monica, California, USA
- Genre: Folk-Rock, Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Contemporary Folk
- Key Songwriting Successes: Bonoff is famous for writing hits that became signature songs for other artists, most notably "All My Life" (Linda Ronstadt), "Tell Me Why" (Wynonna Judd), and "Home" (Bonnie Raitt).
- Debut Album: Karla Bonoff (1977)
- Album Featuring "The Water Is Wide": Restless Nights (1979)
- Latest Album: Carry Me Home (2018)
- Notable Collaborators: Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, J.D. Souther, Kenny Edwards.
- Current Activity (2025): Bonoff continues to tour, with performances scheduled throughout 2025, including a show at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts on March 7, 2025, proving her enduring appeal.
The Water Is Wide: A Deep Dive into the Traditional Lyrics
Karla Bonoff's version of "The Water Is Wide" is not an original composition but a stunning arrangement of a traditional folk song. Known in its earliest forms as "O Waly, Waly," the ballad has roots that stretch back to the 17th century in Scotland, making it a powerful piece of musical history.
The lyrics tell a universal story of separation, lost love, and the insurmountable obstacles that can divide two people. The "wide water" is a metaphor for the distance, hardship, or emotional chasm between the lovers, while the lack of "wings to fly" and the inability to "swim o'er" symbolize the protagonist's helplessness.
Bonoff’s arrangement uses a common, poignant selection of verses, which she delivers with understated grace. Her careful choice of lyrics focuses on the core themes of yearning and the betrayal of trust.
Karla Bonoff's "The Water Is Wide" Full Lyrics
The water is wide I cannot swim o'er
And neither have I the wings to fly
Give me a boat that can carry two
And both shall row, my love and I
Oh, love is handsome and love is kind
And love is a jewel when it is new
But when it is old, it grows so cold
And fades away like the morning dew
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
I leaned my back up against an oak
Thinking it was the surest tree
But first it bent and then it broke
And so did my false love to me
The water is wide I cannot swim o'er
And neither have I the wings to fly
Give me a boat that can carry two
And both shall row, my love and I
The Star-Studded Arrangement: James Taylor and the Folk-Rock Sound
What makes the Restless Nights version of "The Water Is Wide" a standout is the subtle yet powerful collaboration with some of the era's biggest names. This track is a perfect example of the close-knit musical community that defined the Laurel Canyon and Southern California folk-rock scene.
The Key Collaborators and Production
The song’s production was handled by Bonoff's longtime friend and collaborator, Kenny Edwards, a pivotal figure in the folk-rock movement who also played bass on the track. Edwards ensured the focus remained on Bonoff's clear, delicate vocals and the song's emotional weight.
The most famous element of the recording is the participation of James Taylor. Taylor not only contributed his signature acoustic guitar work but also provided background vocals, creating a haunting harmony line that has been widely praised by fans and critics alike.
Adding another layer of depth, J.D. Souther, another central figure in the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt's circle, also contributed background vocals. The combined voices of Bonoff, Taylor, and Souther create a rich, ethereal sound that elevates the traditional ballad into a contemporary masterpiece.
Legacy and Pop Culture Impact
While the song was a deeply personal choice for Bonoff, its inclusion on the 1991 soundtrack for the critically acclaimed television drama thirtysomething introduced it to a new generation of listeners. The use of the song in such a high-profile, emotionally charged context cemented its reputation as the definitive musical expression of profound, bittersweet longing.
The song is a testament to the enduring power of traditional music when interpreted by a modern master. Bonoff’s decision to include a traditional piece among her own powerful, original compositions like "Personally" and "Trouble Again" demonstrates her deep respect for the folk tradition, a tradition that was also championed by artists like Pete Seeger and early collectors like Cecil Sharp who helped preserve the "O Waly, Waly" ballad.
Karla Bonoff's "The Water Is Wide" remains a benchmark for acoustic performance, a timeless piece of music that continues to resonate with anyone who has ever felt the sting of a love that is too far to reach. Its beautiful simplicity and star-studded backing make it an essential listen for any fan of classic folk-rock and the legendary Southern California sound.
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