song in Youtube sung by Esther Ofarim which is really beautiful. Waly Waly seemingly then spread over the English speaking world on both sides of the Atlantic with different words as happens with folk songs. I think the earliest version with the words "The Water Is Wide etc" are English and from the early 1900s.
the words in the ballad are completely different from the song Taylor is singing! There is a shortened version in a Scottish folk song "Waly Waly". I'm not sure when it first circulated but I have a volume called Songs Of Scotland Prior To Burns which was published in 1862 and Waly Waly is in that and if it does predate the works of Burns then that'd make it pre-1780s. The words sentiments are similar to Water Is Wide but are still quite different. There is a shortened further version of this
Only two singers own this song: James Taylor and Karla Bonoff. Lots of others have tried, but these two tell its story. Quite something to see Karla on this video - toward the end, seated in the audience listening to James sing this song. Pretty sweet really.
Oh my... I've not listened to a song for the first time and it bring me to tears. I couldn't help but think of how this would work in the hands of Joan Baez. Well, I'm not even sure what all the words are, a bit indecipherable. Of course, the tears MUST be a result of JT's rendition, here.. of course.
I agree with all who love james Taylor. What a rare gentle spirit. Listen to the horn on the second verse. Heartache. What a great rendition. JT is a national treasure.
my granda passed away recently, and when I as younger he would sing this song to me while i combed his hair, we played this version at his funeral, it would of meant everything to him.x
One more thing. Why does everyone have to be a critic. I've heard those who criticize can't do. American Idol has ruined this country. Too many people criticize when there is absolutely no reason to do so. James Taylor is an American icon. Treat him as such. Go home and sit with Steven, Randy and Jennifer.
The music, the lyrics and melody of this song have been around for about 400 years. Why does everyone have to be a critic.. If you have nothing good to say, say nothing. James Taylor does a great job of ithis song.. Musical taste is idiosyncratic. I like PBand J. To me it sounds like you prefer bologna. Leave it at that. Learn to listen and not criticize. You will enjoy music immensly if you can understand there is more than one interpretation of a song.
@mymartind35 "The music, the lyrics and melody of this song have been around for about 400 years" You are right it is old but I don't think they could be pushed quite that far back! The source song is a Scottish ballad called "Lord Jamie Douglas" which refers to events of the 1680s. Of course that doesn't mean the song dates from there. The oldest evidence of it is from 1776 in Herd's volume of Scottish songs. So it is between 230 and 330 years old - though of course that is the tune only as
@gaconnochie It was mostly hearsay between a bunch of us "old" musicians. We came to an agreement it was really old. Some thought it was older than I did. Thanks for settimg me straight. Sincerely. MMD35
Don't be ridiculous. John Gorka? Who's he? James Taylor is one of the greatest singers of the 20th century and beyond. Not because he has the most wonderful voice. He really doesn't. But because his musicianship is exquisite and he knows how to make you weep with the emotion he needs you to feel. Regret, sadness, sweetness, forgiveness, the deepest love we value most, and ponder again and again. I don't know how he does it - he just chokes me up.
@Bouncybon James Taylor is a great singer, got most of his albums but in this song the John Gorka version is so much better..and you don't need to be famous to be a great singer like John Gorka, people are just ignorant.
@chiang mai 700 Ok thanks for sharing that with us. Now please allow us to listen to James, the greatest singer song writer in my life time. You will not find anyone here to dispute that fact...
@chiangmai700 Then please go listen to your John Gorka version, mmmmk? This is an intensely personal song for many of us, and we all have our reasons for choosing Mr. Taylor's version (or not). So, if Gorka's version is better in your opinion, go indulge yourself, instead of lecturing those of us who prefer this rendition. Cheers.
JT always puts my mind at ease when I hear his voice and the stories he tells. I can always count on JT for tension relief.The traffic in Denver sucks..
i love this song! my granda used to sing it to me when i was a little girl while i sat on his knee and he would play with my hair...he's now near the end of his life,he's been fighting lung cancer since January, i love you Granda! <3
I played this song at my Mom's funeral. I put my Mom's ashes with my Dad's after she had been without him for 24 years after his death. A true love song for true love. Together again.
This song brings such joy to my heart! I was listening to it when my heart and mind realized the depth of what I now have! JT is an amazing musician....so much expression....so much feeling....as is what I am learning I have! WOW!
@BlueLizzie59 Saw him 2 weeks ago in dublin concert he was truly mgnificent ..That voice is still the same clear almost honeycomed delivery to every song ..he did all his hits that night .we were 3 rows from the front and met him at the interval ,imagine he actually signed my 12yr old daughters wrist JT and posed for a photo with her ...she is still on cloud 9.....Ah yes and that voice is so fine so very very fine
My Daughter Clare sings this song so beautifully it brings tears to my eyes every time....she is going to be a star...such a lovely girl....hope i live to see it all
I don't understand how people could see this as a romantic wedding type song! It's incredibly sad! No happy ending here. One of the verses (not sung here) talks about her false lover bending and breaking, another speaks of reaching for the sweetest flower (love): "I pricked my finger to the bone and left the sweetest flower alone." I sing this to myself when I'm heartbroken.
One of my favourite renditions of this gorgeous folk song. That being said, I can never understand why people look at it as being a nice happy romantic song (I.e Using it at weddings etc). It's the complete opposite... It's about a broken relationship... The ending of one. Not the beginning of one...
As much as I love, love James Taylor, every version I've ever really loved of this song required a strong vocalist. His voice is emotive, but a little thin for me on this song. Just not my cup of tea, sad to say...
@fearlessbetz I agree... This is not a good version. I've seen/heard him sing it in concert and it's the prettiest singing I've ever heard. Unbelievable.
@fearlessbetz I have to agree, although he sings this as beautifully as all his songs and is as always a great performer. But for me, the best version of this song is Joan Baez's because of her vocal range, tonal control and incredible emotional power. She effuses the lyrics with real affect, whereas here and in most other versions it is merely namby pamby sentiment..BTW, the violin is overkill and drowns him out instead of just playing background harmony like it should have.
What a soothing gift we've been gifted by the voice of J.T. I've heard this melody put to the melody of When I Survey The Wondrous Cross at church and it is amazing how each syllable fits perfectly within the melody.
@BexNTX ...since reading your post, I've been humming and singing "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" to this melody, and I much prefer it to the other melody...have a hymnal by my bedside; just love the old-timers' command of the language--their expression of the tenets of the gospel....thanks for mentioning this....
My 10 yr old daughter sings this song ..learnt it from listening to james taylor ...could not learn it from a better singer....she is going to be a star ...and a really nice person too..thank you for sharing this ....
there's something about his voice that makes it seem as though all is well with the world . . . the sea calms, the wind relaxes, and the dust settles. And all that is left . . . is well. And for that, I thank JT.
You sure know how to pick them, my friend..very special..Scott..♥ And, you reminded me of someone I have been trying to think of..Hayley Westenra..just got introduced to her a few months ago...wow..
As always James voice is nothing short of perfection. It's easy to take this for granted when in reality it's actually normal for vocalists to have bad days. I agree with gatsby in that I almost have an issue with JT being lumped into the easy listening genre. He is an artist who rises above any individual category, and easy listening sounds way too generic for this talented man.
I don't mind saying- had a bit of a lump in my throat after watching this! James gets better and better with age. You cannot say that about too many performers.
Of course JT rules, his bass lineson guitar are just beautiful....another really nice version of this tune, and there are many, some open tuniings etc., BUT another lovely vocal of this tune is Roger McGuinn and David Crosby with Buddy Emmons of pedal steel guitar, found on McGuinns first solo recording after the Byrds....just excellent harmonies and arrangement, a bit different than JT, Fred Neil's version also is beautiful on 12 string, and different, the first version I had ever heard.
I've been in love with James since 1977. I was 5. And my mom loved James and shared him with me. At night she would let me listen to "Your Smiling Face" before bed. Even in a crowded grocery, above the din I can instantly recognize his voice if a song of his is played. I agree with gatsby7000 - James is in a class all his own.
I've been listening to James Taylor for over 25 years. I NEVER get tired of him. I may stop listening to him for a while, but I always return to his music. - He is always put in that 'easy listening' category, but James is in a class all by himself. There's no voice like his. And this is the most beautiful rendition of "Water is Wide" ever performed.
I love this song! When I asked my wife to marry me in 2007 we started searching for a nice 'wedding' song and choose this one. I found out the original songs applies to a not so happy marriage, but I know this would surely have no impact on ours :) Having one of my wife's best friends and my sister bringing this song in a duet really made it an unforgettable moment...
I was driving back to Massachusetts from New Hampshire this afternoon where I had just spent time with my son and his fiance. They showed me where they are having their outdoor wedding. It was a beautiful early fall day and I had the radio on. James Taylor was in concert and he sang this song. I had to pull the car over and stop. I've grown up in the age of JT and thoroughly enjoyed his albums over the years, but this just blew me away!
Funny, but about 25 years ago I was driving thru Iowa city w/ my girlfriend at the time & I heard this song for the 1st time. Strangely, it was a version by Karla Bonoff (also on UTUBE) & I said that was JT on the guitar & she couldn't believe I could guess that & then he came in w/ vocals on the last verse & the argument was over. Check it out. I like Karla & JT's version together the best. I was surprised no one here had mentioned it. Their voices really compliment one another.
Thanks for the heads up. I had not heard that version before. It is beautiful. Have you heard the version by Eva Cassidy? Such a beautiful voice and such a loss.
@missmolly01331 Hey, & yes I have, but I prefer her "Somewhare over the Rainbow" to just about anything. From what I have heard, she had little to no recognition until after she died. The are some nice cut of her live on U-tube. She is a great guitarist as well, but you never hear that.
I think my two favorite songs on her "Songbird" CD are Fields of Gold and I know You By Heart.. There's some nice guitar picking and her voice is so clear. It would have been nice to have heard her sing with JT. Perhaps someone who is a whiz with electronics and sound equipment could put together something with the two voices like Natalie Cole did with her dad.
Absolutely! His backup singers have been with him forever. They speak so highly of him & the joy of contributing to his music. I saw him in concert once in Houston and as I was driving home, I passed his tour bus on IH45. The blinds on the bus were up and he and his mates were eating cake. He had announced that night that it was Arnold's birthday. I honked my horn and James looked out the window, smiled & waved! I tell you, I was over the moon. Never will forget it.
Thank you for one of my most favorite traditional ballads. No cameras were there--that I know of!--when I sang a bit of it as my kind of oyster call at the local Humboldt Bay Oyster Festival. James would have liked it, too. 15,000 shucking slurping people hushed for less than the 45 seconds I had to get over my fear of singing! Thanks! I like the real thing! SWEET JAMES BRINGS US HOME EVERY TIME!
the indigo girls, jewel and sarah mclachlan also performed this song in a concert called "lilith fair, a celebration of women in music" in the summer of 1997, the first all-female music tour.
I can't beleive nobody has commented and this video has been viewed 305 times! This is off the New Moon Shine album which came out the year before I was born. I previously owned it for a while when I was little and apparently I played it so many times it broke. Then I ordered the CD off amazon for just a cent. Anyway, I'm getting past the point now. That was a beautiful performance!
I have only just rediscovered this song on youtube, my previous favorite version has been deleted.....How could they!!!
Heard this ..eerily...in the vatican in Rome,(not JT singing tho)stopped me in my tracks then too. Like a long lost friend recognised in an unfamiliar place, truly wonderful.
This brings James' brother, Livingston Taylor, to mind. Love them both.
pattif30 1 week ago
Love the piano riffs on Sheryl Crow's hurricane relief version...but let's face it, it just doesn't get any better than this! Sing it James!
Beeglemon 3 weeks ago
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Beeglemon 3 weeks ago
loved hearing James sing a duet with Stephen Colbert... Carolina On My Mind... lovely... you have a friend, always, Mr Taylor!
jeffzekas 1 month ago
There is no other voice like James Taylor !!!
eckleburg22 1 month ago
sort of reconciles you to humanity
talstory 2 months ago
it's Ted Buckland from Scrubs :o
seriously tho, James Taylor has such a lovely voice
ManiacalMusicFan 2 months ago
song in Youtube sung by Esther Ofarim which is really beautiful. Waly Waly seemingly then spread over the English speaking world on both sides of the Atlantic with different words as happens with folk songs. I think the earliest version with the words "The Water Is Wide etc" are English and from the early 1900s.
gaconnochie 2 months ago
the words in the ballad are completely different from the song Taylor is singing! There is a shortened version in a Scottish folk song "Waly Waly". I'm not sure when it first circulated but I have a volume called Songs Of Scotland Prior To Burns which was published in 1862 and Waly Waly is in that and if it does predate the works of Burns then that'd make it pre-1780s. The words sentiments are similar to Water Is Wide but are still quite different. There is a shortened further version of this
gaconnochie 2 months ago
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Only two singers own this song: James Taylor and Karla Bonoff. Lots of others have tried, but these two tell its story. Quite something to see Karla on this video - toward the end, seated in the audience listening to James sing this song. Pretty sweet really.
tinketteful 3 months ago
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tinketteful 3 months ago
Oh my... I've not listened to a song for the first time and it bring me to tears. I couldn't help but think of how this would work in the hands of Joan Baez. Well, I'm not even sure what all the words are, a bit indecipherable. Of course, the tears MUST be a result of JT's rendition, here.. of course.
dothinktwice1 3 months ago
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@dothinktwice1 "I couldn't help but think of how this would work in the hands of Joan Baez" she does sing the song and it is on youtube.
gaconnochie 2 months ago
I agree with all who love james Taylor. What a rare gentle spirit. Listen to the horn on the second verse. Heartache. What a great rendition. JT is a national treasure.
bluejupiter100 3 months ago
my granda passed away recently, and when I as younger he would sing this song to me while i combed his hair, we played this version at his funeral, it would of meant everything to him.x
lilmissgiggles98 4 months ago
One more thing. Why does everyone have to be a critic. I've heard those who criticize can't do. American Idol has ruined this country. Too many people criticize when there is absolutely no reason to do so. James Taylor is an American icon. Treat him as such. Go home and sit with Steven, Randy and Jennifer.
mymartind35 4 months ago 2
The music, the lyrics and melody of this song have been around for about 400 years. Why does everyone have to be a critic.. If you have nothing good to say, say nothing. James Taylor does a great job of ithis song.. Musical taste is idiosyncratic. I like PBand J. To me it sounds like you prefer bologna. Leave it at that. Learn to listen and not criticize. You will enjoy music immensly if you can understand there is more than one interpretation of a song.
mymartind35 4 months ago
@mymartind35 "The music, the lyrics and melody of this song have been around for about 400 years" You are right it is old but I don't think they could be pushed quite that far back! The source song is a Scottish ballad called "Lord Jamie Douglas" which refers to events of the 1680s. Of course that doesn't mean the song dates from there. The oldest evidence of it is from 1776 in Herd's volume of Scottish songs. So it is between 230 and 330 years old - though of course that is the tune only as
gaconnochie 2 months ago
@gaconnochie It was mostly hearsay between a bunch of us "old" musicians. We came to an agreement it was really old. Some thought it was older than I did. Thanks for settimg me straight. Sincerely. MMD35
mymartind35 2 months ago
James has been giving me a lump in my throat for 40 years. If there's a heaven his voice is playing the loudspeaker...
morgaffi 4 months ago in playlist Songwriters
John Gorka version 1000 times better..
chiangmai700 4 months ago
Don't be ridiculous. John Gorka? Who's he? James Taylor is one of the greatest singers of the 20th century and beyond. Not because he has the most wonderful voice. He really doesn't. But because his musicianship is exquisite and he knows how to make you weep with the emotion he needs you to feel. Regret, sadness, sweetness, forgiveness, the deepest love we value most, and ponder again and again. I don't know how he does it - he just chokes me up.
Bouncybon 4 months ago
@Bouncybon James Taylor is a great singer, got most of his albums but in this song the John Gorka version is so much better..and you don't need to be famous to be a great singer like John Gorka, people are just ignorant.
chiangmai700 4 months ago
@chiangmai700 James Taylor is the Steve Jobs of music.
Driven by a deep and intense passion.
Bouncybon 4 months ago
@Bouncybon , Steve Jobs? who is he??
chiangmai700 4 months ago
@chiang mai 700 Ok thanks for sharing that with us. Now please allow us to listen to James, the greatest singer song writer in my life time. You will not find anyone here to dispute that fact...
seupoat 4 months ago
@seupoat
difficult to read and understand what is written.....James Taylor is great, John Gorka better, in the "water is wide" version...
chiangmai700 4 months ago
@chiangmai 700 Don't struggle, just listen and don't feel the need to ruin this version. Most here adore this version. Why even go there????
seupoat 4 months ago
@chiangmai700 Then please go listen to your John Gorka version, mmmmk? This is an intensely personal song for many of us, and we all have our reasons for choosing Mr. Taylor's version (or not). So, if Gorka's version is better in your opinion, go indulge yourself, instead of lecturing those of us who prefer this rendition. Cheers.
Posthocergoetc 4 months ago
@Posthocergoetc Ignorance is a disease as is dogmatism...most of the Taylor fans never listened to Gorka...
chiangmai700 4 months ago
Eh. Eva Cassidy brings it to life. Taylor sounds flat.
reflectivelife 5 months ago
@reflectivelife I`VE GOT PERFECT PITCH AND BELIEVE ME HE IS NOT FLAT.
RJiminez51 5 months ago
@RJiminez51 james taylor is always a little flat because he doesn't really sing. he just intones.
totoaklan 5 months ago
@totoaklan Yeah right - he;s on pitch you aren't.
juliekstroup 3 months ago
@reflectivelife Flat??? What are YOU listening to?
MystykOwl 4 months ago
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RJiminez51 6 months ago
Hell, yeah.. Fuck what a voice...
FwiiFwii 6 months ago
JT always puts my mind at ease when I hear his voice and the stories he tells. I can always count on JT for tension relief.The traffic in Denver sucks..
PocoPortillo 6 months ago 2
This version makes my heart sing. I just love it! James is so amazing and moves me so tenderly. :)
Huangfamily3 8 months ago 8
i love this song! my granda used to sing it to me when i was a little girl while i sat on his knee and he would play with my hair...he's now near the end of his life,he's been fighting lung cancer since January, i love you Granda! <3
lilmissgiggles98 8 months ago
I played this song at my Mom's funeral. I put my Mom's ashes with my Dad's after she had been without him for 24 years after his death. A true love song for true love. Together again.
1958fan1 8 months ago 2
i love this song, but i like charlotte church's version better. i'd prefer it if a female sang it...
but still, its great.
xuapril32 8 months ago
Go to "lyrics the water is wide" and note that both the lyrics and melody varies.
dyad2r1 9 months ago
This song brings such joy to my heart! I was listening to it when my heart and mind realized the depth of what I now have! JT is an amazing musician....so much expression....so much feeling....as is what I am learning I have! WOW!
mam198105 9 months ago
This man has a gorgeous voice that is seemingly unchanged by age. Incredible artist.
BlueLizzie59 9 months ago
@BlueLizzie59 Saw him 2 weeks ago in dublin concert he was truly mgnificent ..That voice is still the same clear almost honeycomed delivery to every song ..he did all his hits that night .we were 3 rows from the front and met him at the interval ,imagine he actually signed my 12yr old daughters wrist JT and posed for a photo with her ...she is still on cloud 9.....Ah yes and that voice is so fine so very very fine
bekindunlimited 7 months ago 14
@bekindunlimited : )))
daviemcf 3 months ago
What four numpties disliked this song?
daviemcf 10 months ago
Just makes me greet everytime!! Jt is the best!
daviemcf 10 months ago
My Daughter Clare sings this song so beautifully it brings tears to my eyes every time....she is going to be a star...such a lovely girl....hope i live to see it all
bekindunlimited 10 months ago
@bekindunlimited
Well, come on! Put her on YouTube so we can hear her sing and ALL get teary-eyed!
dyad2r1 9 months ago
shortly ...keep watching!!
bekindunlimited 8 months ago
@bekindunlimited
Give me her first name so I'll be able to identify it -- or notify me via my profile send-message option. Thank you!
dyad2r1 8 months ago
It's like taking a Xanax - so soothing> :-)
julietade1 10 months ago
Does anybody know the date it was played?
JT, you’re the best!
shaunvanunu 11 months ago
@shaunvanunu Looks like 1994. But I'm just guessing.
ShakerCuda71 10 months ago
One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard!
mrsbelcher1987 1 year ago
lol the girl with black hair at 3:06 is soooo stoned!
Luckynumber78 1 year ago
My new favorite version.
mrsbelcher1987 1 year ago
I don't understand how people could see this as a romantic wedding type song! It's incredibly sad! No happy ending here. One of the verses (not sung here) talks about her false lover bending and breaking, another speaks of reaching for the sweetest flower (love): "I pricked my finger to the bone and left the sweetest flower alone." I sing this to myself when I'm heartbroken.
LiisaRissanen 1 year ago 3
One of my favourite renditions of this gorgeous folk song. That being said, I can never understand why people look at it as being a nice happy romantic song (I.e Using it at weddings etc). It's the complete opposite... It's about a broken relationship... The ending of one. Not the beginning of one...
Bigpineapple 1 year ago
@Bigpineapple - No.. its not about the ending of a relationship..its about starting a relationship.. before its too late!
OlymPigs2010 1 year ago
We're doing this song in choir.
kittiekat10105 1 year ago
Listen to the Dylan Version, with Rolling Thunder
jaystarga 1 year ago
search "Jackie McCracken the water is wide" and wait for the 2nd song!
happybanjo1 1 year ago
I have an album called "High Heeled Blues " by Rory Block and her version is lovely as well
soniag1000 1 year ago
always the same old thrills,..hearing this old song,...coming from another world...maybe from...heaven.....
ValerioMansueti 1 year ago
Sublime. Bravo James!
You and Karla Bonoff sing this beautifully also. Your harmony to her is a wonderful thing to hear.
utoobuser54 1 year ago
Kenny Edwards has died. He produced the Karla Bonoff version,
RonDeanP 1 year ago
As much as I love, love James Taylor, every version I've ever really loved of this song required a strong vocalist. His voice is emotive, but a little thin for me on this song. Just not my cup of tea, sad to say...
fearlessbetz 1 year ago
@fearlessbetz I agree... This is not a good version. I've seen/heard him sing it in concert and it's the prettiest singing I've ever heard. Unbelievable.
margitcrane 1 year ago
@fearlessbetz I have to agree, although he sings this as beautifully as all his songs and is as always a great performer. But for me, the best version of this song is Joan Baez's because of her vocal range, tonal control and incredible emotional power. She effuses the lyrics with real affect, whereas here and in most other versions it is merely namby pamby sentiment..BTW, the violin is overkill and drowns him out instead of just playing background harmony like it should have.
kingpleasure 1 year ago
What a soothing gift we've been gifted by the voice of J.T. I've heard this melody put to the melody of When I Survey The Wondrous Cross at church and it is amazing how each syllable fits perfectly within the melody.
BexNTX 1 year ago
@BexNTX ...since reading your post, I've been humming and singing "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" to this melody, and I much prefer it to the other melody...have a hymnal by my bedside; just love the old-timers' command of the language--their expression of the tenets of the gospel....thanks for mentioning this....
baldrad 1 year ago
My 10 yr old daughter sings this song ..learnt it from listening to james taylor ...could not learn it from a better singer....she is going to be a star ...and a really nice person too..thank you for sharing this ....
bekindunlimited 1 year ago
this song is so fun to sing, the only hard not is build me a boooaaat, thats the only one i cant do right
curtismichael14 1 year ago
Love is handsome and love is fine...yes indeed....Thanks for posting this James Taylor Classic.
bigdawgsd 1 year ago
Oh man.... still got it, for sure.
SuzanneASutton 1 year ago
I love this man
EnsslinReesa 1 year ago
god...this song has changed so much since the traditional song it origionally was.
magicianmusician21 1 year ago
JT es el mejor
jsanchezpro 1 year ago
does anyone know what key this version is in???
whenwillpeoplethink 1 year ago
@whenwillpeoplethink, with the capo on the third fret JT plays in "D major" so key is in F major.
utubuser10 1 year ago
I love this song. I am happy to hear JT's version. I first heard Ronnie Gilbert sing it.
misstroyn 2 years ago
there's something about his voice that makes it seem as though all is well with the world . . . the sea calms, the wind relaxes, and the dust settles. And all that is left . . . is well. And for that, I thank JT.
777stewie 2 years ago 2
still mkes my eyes moist and my hair stand on end
valvetrom 2 years ago
This song expresses the way I feel missing my son who died in 2005.
lallen2855 2 years ago
Thank you so much for posting this awesome performance♥
sherrylynn70 2 years ago
My favorite version of this wonderful song, thank you James, I also love it by Hayley Westenra and Ed Gerhard. So very fine.
jellyjukebox 2 years ago 2
You sure know how to pick them, my friend..very special..Scott..♥ And, you reminded me of someone I have been trying to think of..Hayley Westenra..just got introduced to her a few months ago...wow..
sherrylynn70 2 years ago
As always James voice is nothing short of perfection. It's easy to take this for granted when in reality it's actually normal for vocalists to have bad days. I agree with gatsby in that I almost have an issue with JT being lumped into the easy listening genre. He is an artist who rises above any individual category, and easy listening sounds way too generic for this talented man.
SterlingRe 2 years ago
Fantastic Job James :) (You changed Key :) You went from
Eb to F) Those crazy YouTube Key Modulaters!
rhotspot 2 years ago
my band teacher wrote a piece based on this song... amazing!
tsofan13 2 years ago
James has been breaking my heart for almost 40 years. Thank you JT....
morgaffi 2 years ago 2
@morgaffi
I couldn't have said it better!
Ladybug1923 2 years ago 2
I love this song and hearing JT sing it just makes it more beautiful.
Tom6093 2 years ago
I don't mind saying- had a bit of a lump in my throat after watching this! James gets better and better with age. You cannot say that about too many performers.
smartd1973 2 years ago
Of course JT rules, his bass lineson guitar are just beautiful....another really nice version of this tune, and there are many, some open tuniings etc., BUT another lovely vocal of this tune is Roger McGuinn and David Crosby with Buddy Emmons of pedal steel guitar, found on McGuinns first solo recording after the Byrds....just excellent harmonies and arrangement, a bit different than JT, Fred Neil's version also is beautiful on 12 string, and different, the first version I had ever heard.
MrBruceBarham 2 years ago
I've been in love with James since 1977. I was 5. And my mom loved James and shared him with me. At night she would let me listen to "Your Smiling Face" before bed. Even in a crowded grocery, above the din I can instantly recognize his voice if a song of his is played. I agree with gatsby7000 - James is in a class all his own.
333daughteroftheKing 2 years ago 2
I've been listening to James Taylor for over 25 years. I NEVER get tired of him. I may stop listening to him for a while, but I always return to his music. - He is always put in that 'easy listening' category, but James is in a class all by himself. There's no voice like his. And this is the most beautiful rendition of "Water is Wide" ever performed.
gatsby7000 2 years ago 2
This is just beautiful.
klassworksmusic 2 years ago
I love this song! When I asked my wife to marry me in 2007 we started searching for a nice 'wedding' song and choose this one. I found out the original songs applies to a not so happy marriage, but I know this would surely have no impact on ours :) Having one of my wife's best friends and my sister bringing this song in a duet really made it an unforgettable moment...
Zbarg 2 years ago 29
great stuff
gilliser 10 months ago
I was driving back to Massachusetts from New Hampshire this afternoon where I had just spent time with my son and his fiance. They showed me where they are having their outdoor wedding. It was a beautiful early fall day and I had the radio on. James Taylor was in concert and he sang this song. I had to pull the car over and stop. I've grown up in the age of JT and thoroughly enjoyed his albums over the years, but this just blew me away!
missmolly01331 2 years ago
Funny, but about 25 years ago I was driving thru Iowa city w/ my girlfriend at the time & I heard this song for the 1st time. Strangely, it was a version by Karla Bonoff (also on UTUBE) & I said that was JT on the guitar & she couldn't believe I could guess that & then he came in w/ vocals on the last verse & the argument was over. Check it out. I like Karla & JT's version together the best. I was surprised no one here had mentioned it. Their voices really compliment one another.
jjrichard53 2 years ago
Thanks for the heads up. I had not heard that version before. It is beautiful. Have you heard the version by Eva Cassidy? Such a beautiful voice and such a loss.
missmolly01331 2 years ago
@missmolly01331 Hey, & yes I have, but I prefer her "Somewhare over the Rainbow" to just about anything. From what I have heard, she had little to no recognition until after she died. The are some nice cut of her live on U-tube. She is a great guitarist as well, but you never hear that.
jjrichard53 2 years ago
I think my two favorite songs on her "Songbird" CD are Fields of Gold and I know You By Heart.. There's some nice guitar picking and her voice is so clear. It would have been nice to have heard her sing with JT. Perhaps someone who is a whiz with electronics and sound equipment could put together something with the two voices like Natalie Cole did with her dad.
missmolly01331 2 years ago
James & This song.... have a way of making a grown man weep.... astounding.
savastx 2 years ago
The most beautiful voice, the most beautiful interpretation. Still got it.
castodivo 2 years ago 22
@castodivo - I don't hear a voice as clear as his often and it's refreshing.
sandinmyears1 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Eh. This is average. James Taylor can barely carry big tunes.
thewanksta36 2 years ago
He's better than an adult lullaby.
LeadAngelWarrior 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Hey my names Abi and im 15.....please take a look at my version of the water is wide....thanks x
abiquinn 2 years ago
Space man, string bean ....very kool.
spareaxe 2 years ago
Dear James i know yoiu not here but this is beautifull and brings tears to my eyes
Thankyou for you music over the years you have been a constant inspiration for my music and always there down that road
Sweet x
1peoplesun 3 years ago 3
beautiful I am a singer from scotland sing all scottish ballads but you have carried it off thanks annmac
annmac50 3 years ago
However i am a james fan
cyberdude61 3 years ago
me too :)
gd3cmeg8 3 years ago
boston905
There is one. Eva Cassidy.
God's own voice.
cyberdude61 3 years ago
Wonder why he changed the words?!
-Soupy1957
soupy1957 3 years ago
Very nice, I like the version by Valerie Markell on YouTube
irishpilot2006 3 years ago
One of the most beautiful renditions of this old traditional ballad EVER. No one comes close to that voice.
boston905 3 years ago
yeah, totally, james just kicks total ass...well, you know what i mean...he also has a great way of attracting great accompaniasts and backup.
sidthinker 3 years ago
Absolutely! His backup singers have been with him forever. They speak so highly of him & the joy of contributing to his music. I saw him in concert once in Houston and as I was driving home, I passed his tour bus on IH45. The blinds on the bus were up and he and his mates were eating cake. He had announced that night that it was Arnold's birthday. I honked my horn and James looked out the window, smiled & waved! I tell you, I was over the moon. Never will forget it.
boston905 3 years ago 2
He has a way of touching others just with a smile and a song.... a genuine good guy.
walkingbear56 3 years ago
Most wonderful, love James, yet my favorite version of this song is by Hayley Westenra.
WIGSCOTT 3 years ago
my favorite song
pumitas19 4 years ago
Thank you for one of my most favorite traditional ballads. No cameras were there--that I know of!--when I sang a bit of it as my kind of oyster call at the local Humboldt Bay Oyster Festival. James would have liked it, too. 15,000 shucking slurping people hushed for less than the 45 seconds I had to get over my fear of singing! Thanks! I like the real thing! SWEET JAMES BRINGS US HOME EVERY TIME!
4Pequeno 4 years ago
the indigo girls, jewel and sarah mclachlan also performed this song in a concert called "lilith fair, a celebration of women in music" in the summer of 1997, the first all-female music tour.
attybong 4 years ago
Means so very much to me, something i won't bore you with. Thank you so much for posting it!
crowlatj 4 years ago
I can't beleive nobody has commented and this video has been viewed 305 times! This is off the New Moon Shine album which came out the year before I was born. I previously owned it for a while when I was little and apparently I played it so many times it broke. Then I ordered the CD off amazon for just a cent. Anyway, I'm getting past the point now. That was a beautiful performance!
InuyashaPrincess14 4 years ago
yes, this is a beautiful version of an old old traditional song from the 1700's
attybong 4 years ago
I have only just rediscovered this song on youtube, my previous favorite version has been deleted.....How could they!!!
Heard this ..eerily...in the vatican in Rome,(not JT singing tho)stopped me in my tracks then too. Like a long lost friend recognised in an unfamiliar place, truly wonderful.
sharoncevr 4 years ago