Nigel, Your point is well taken. With 2002 meaning of hot and cold (thermodynamics if you will) it is an improper use of the word. But, I will concede to Dicho that in 1733 it was very probably correct. I'll sing the more modern version. Sorry for being technical, but "waxing" is more difficult to sing and rather jarring and "carries" fits in better with the big metaphor of the boat crossing the river.

I also would like to recind any references to the author of "Waly Waly" it seems that there are near as many versions as singers, and that the words have been reworked many times. But the big idea of the song is still very simple.

I recently attended the songwriter's seminar at Kerrville Folk music festival. One of the things I learned was to "headline" a song. What would be a simple headline to describe the point story? What is the "big idea" of the song. If you do this for a while you see that pretty much any lyric can be summarized by a headline.

e.g. Hey Jude: "I know you are hurting Julian but I'm there for you"

Louie Louie: "Jamacian man speaks of missing his girl"

Waly Waly: "Love is difficult, maybe two people pulling together can get through it."

Hurricane: "Hurricane Carter's unfair treatment reflects badly on society."

As you pointed out at the start of this CapriUni, one doesn't have a lot of words to work with in a song. Before audience boredom kicks in, you have to tell your story or make your point. Metaphor, Simile, Allegory, all of those things we have spoken about are just a means to that end. Simple metaphors are clearer, try not to confuse.

I look forward to seeing your lyric when completed. But I suspect a much better lyric will come from you honestly saying what you feel about love.