The Water is Wide (traditional) - An RLSguitar Instrumental Arrangement

This is my own arrangement in an open tuning known as DADGAD. In the performance (which is far from perfect), I use various advanced fingerstyle techniques including harmonics, two-hand tapping and a few tricks of my own. It is quite different than any other renditions of this song. Please post your comments.

Though the composer and exact origin of this song are unknown, it is claimed by the English, Irish and Scottish traditions. It is thought to have been first published in 1724 under the title "O' Waly Waly" and expresses the idea that love is not always what it seems to be.

It became known as "The Water is Wide" sometime during the 19th century when it was brought to America. The song experienced a revival of popularity among folk singers of the 1960s. The tune was also used extensively in the 1994 film "The River Wild."

This traditional song has been recorded/performed by many famous artists, including:
- Bob Dylan and Joan Baez
- Indigo Girls, Jewel and Sarah McLachlan
- James Taylor
- Roger McGuinn
- Pete Seeger
- many others...

But my favorite version of all is much different from mine. It is that of Ed Gerhard, fingerstyle guitarist. You can watch it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL2qj16Hw_w&fmt=18

I hope you enjoy it!

God bless,
- Robert


ROBERT LEN STALLARD
Instrumental Guitarist-Composer
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Website: http://www.rlsguitar.com/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/rlsguitar
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/rlsguitar
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Category:

Music

Tags:

• guitar
• fingerstyle
• acoustic
• instrumental
• traditional
• the
• water
• is
• wide

[usagaudei]

美しい！

[RLSguitar]

@usagaudei  感謝 !

[mike118117]

The song is English not Irish or Scottish.

[RLSguitar]

mike118117: Thanks for bringing this to my attention. You are correct, in part. According to Wikipedia, this song "is thought to be an English or Scottish folk song". However, other sources claim it to be Irish (ireland-information and other websites). I have updated the description text in the sidebar to indicate that it is also claimed by the English tradition. Since this is such an old song, it's precise origin may be very difficult to determine.

[hiyadroogs]

That was absolutely beautiful, magical, & very creative. Thank you very much.

[RLSguitar]

Thanks for watching and commenting hiya!

[cameragirlJane]

I needed this today Robert!! Such a beautiful job with this great song!! You always amaze me!! *****

[PocoPortillo]

I played that at my friends funeral ... made everybody cry even more.RIP Jerry

[CHICAOSBAND]

I like, I like...Is wonderful, precious...

Thanks you, for to play these sounds...

Greetings from Spain !!

[gadgeX]

Really enjoyable thankyou

[pMLbAnD1994]

I love this! great!

[staffansvahn]

Wonderful arrangement!

This is one of my favorite tunes and you do it honor.

Thank you for inviting me to your channel.

best wishes

Staffan

[kbougie]

WOW! You have an amazing gift!

[discus48]

la più bella versione. compliments