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The Water Is Wide (Susanna Hoffs)

07 Apr 09 - 08:34 PM (#2606978)
Subject: Origins: Susanna Hoffs - The Water Is Wide
From: GUEST,The Otter

Has anyone else heard of this song??

I'm curious because I heard it on the soundtrack of a film. The film was really good but I can't recall the name of it. It has Malcolm McDowell in it if that helps.

Help me out please!! That song was gorgeous!


07 Apr 09 - 09:02 PM (#2606991)
Subject: RE: Origins: Susanna Hoffs - The Water Is Wide
From: michaelr

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_EcSirWZtg

From the film "Red Roses and Petrol". Susanna Hoffs (ex-Bangles singer) is gorgeous at 50. This version of that wonderful song - not so much. Look for other versions on Youtube!

Cheers,
Michael


07 Apr 09 - 09:10 PM (#2606994)
Subject: RE: Origins: Susanna Hoffs - The Water Is Wide
From: Joe Offer

Hi - the Internet Movie Data Base - IMDB says former Bangles member Susanna Hoffs sang "The Water Is Wide" in a movie called Red Roses and Petrol. Can't say I've ever hear of the movie, but "The Water Is Wide" is an old ballad that has been around forever. You'll find links to lyrics for various versions above. Check YouTube, and I'm sure you'll find other recordings of the song.

-Joe-


08 Apr 09 - 11:04 AM (#2607350)
Subject: RE: Origins: Susanna Hoffs - The Water Is Wide
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego

"The Water is Wide" is probably one of the first ballads I ever learned and performed regularly in the late 1950's. It was a staple for many others as well. I have always loved the melody.


09 Apr 09 - 08:10 AM (#2607949)
Subject: RE: Origins: Susanna Hoffs - The Water Is Wide
From: Mr Red

are we talking about "Waley Waley" (aka Water is Wide)- collected by Rev Sabine Barring-Gould?

If so - he says in his notes that he thought it was such a pretty song and a shame it was so short - so he lengthened it. But I am sure it pops-up in several collections.


09 Apr 09 - 09:29 AM (#2607988)
Subject: RE: Origins: Susanna Hoffs - The Water Is Wide
From: GUEST,leeneia

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?


29 Apr 09 - 04:53 AM (#2621039)
Subject: RE: Origins: Susanna Hoffs - The Water Is Wide
From: GUEST,CHoKER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_EcSirWZtg

i POSTED THE WATER IS WIDE WITH SUSANNA HOFFS ON YOUTUBE FOR ALL THOSE WHO WANT TO HEAR IT... ENJOY


27 Jul 09 - 07:15 PM (#2688424)
Subject: RE: Origins: The Water Is Wide (Susanna Hoffs)
From: GUEST,Debbie

That song was from the motion picture The River Wild with Kevin Bacon and Meryl Streep


28 Jul 09 - 03:59 AM (#2688586)
Subject: RE: Origins: The Water Is Wide (Susanna Hoffs)
From: GUEST,Tunesmith

Dylan, of course, took "The Water is Wide" and created "Lay Down Your Weary Tune".

Link to Dylan singing "Lay down your weary tune"