Hello, Otter. Are you new to folk music? I ask because most folkies encounter this song fairly soon. It is an excellent piece, well-liked and played rather often.

I first learned in high school glee club in 1963.

You can read about the song's history at this Wikipedia article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Water_Is_Wide_(song)

If you enter 'water is wide' in the Search Box and uncheck 'Forum', you will be taken to a set of words for the song. (You will be in the Digital Tradition, which is a database of lyrics.)

I listened to Susanna Hoffs sing the song on YouTube. I believe she is hurrying the last note of every phrase. Time is money, I guess.

Do you sing or play an instrument?