Child of the Sea, what verses are they that you feel are "traditional"? In the various threads we have at the Mudcat, there are, arguably, roughly 18 verses, separate and distinct. If you want to go through some of the threads you will find some of the information that, among others, Malcolm Douglas (I think), posted regarding some of the oldest versions collected and published.

What I'm trying to say is that there is not ONE OFFICIAL version of this song. Many people sing it, and have learned it from one person who had sung certain verses, whether that was the way they learned it or it fit a certain "time" length they wanted.

Personally, I enjoy any version I hear of the song.

Should this thread be folded into one of the others? Or perhaps the thread should say "Water is Wide - Official Version?"