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The Water Is Wide is a folk song, probably of Scottish origin, which has been sung in one form or another since the 1600s. Earlier known as "O Waly, Waly," the current version came into being around the 1800s. Its beautiful melody and harmony are probably the reason for its longevity and popularity. The lyrics as sung here describe the "seasons" of love, and they can also be seen as reminding us that we need each other in order to survive and thrive.
Pete Seeger was one of the first musicians in this century to bring this song back into the popular repertoire. It was subsequently recorded by Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Eva Cassidy and many other musicians. I recorded it as a tribute to Pete Seeger; I can't hear this song without thinking of him. Our rendition is a variation on Eva Cassidy's arrangement.
Tribute to Pete Seeger (born May 3, 1919)
This recording and this web page are dedicated to Pete Seeger, one of the most important figures in American music this century. Mr. Seeger has lived his life out of a commitment to inspire, transform and motivate people through music. He has inspired me for many years, mostly through his steadfast commitment to continue doing what he does, no matter what life brings. When I saw the wonderful PBS special about him, The Power of Song, the thing that moved me, that stuck with me for days, was that through the whole ordeal in the 1950s, when he was blacklisted by the McCarthyists and harassed by the government, when he was sitting in the courtroom, when the cameras were on him and reporters were badgering him, he never stopped smiling! He didn't seem tense or angry, the way most people would have been. I still remember that from time to time, particularly when I'm in a difficult situation. If Pete Seeger could keep smiling and speaking his truth when powerful forces were intent on stifling him and taking away his freedom – when he had done nothing but express himself, uplift people and try to create a better world – then so can I.
Pete's amazing work continues through the work of the environmental organization he founded, the Great Hudson River Revival, and the Sloop Clearwater. When Pete noticed how polluted the Hudson River had become, he did something about it. He started the Great Hudson River Revival, where people came to hear great folk music at various locations along the Hudson River; while they were enjoying the music, they couldn't help noticing both the beauty and pollution of the water, and become motivated to do something about it. Pete helped build a boat, the Sloop Clearwater, which sails along the Hudson educating its passengers about the ecology and biology of the River, further inspiring people to take action to save the Hudson. As a result of the Revival and the Sloop, much has been done to save the Hudson, and the River is much cleaner than it was. How many people would look at a huge, enormously polluted river and say, "I'm going to do something about this"? And then do it?
How does he do it? How does he keep smiling? How does he stay so committed? I don't know the answers, but I do know how much he inspires me to live out of my own commitment to bring transformation and inspiration to people's lives through music and creativity.
Thank you so much, Pete, for living your life in a way that not only contributes to all of us through your actions, but through
the committed stance you have maintained of encouraging everyone's participation – in music, in life and in building a better world for ourselves. I want you to know that you have made a difference in my life, and if you have affected my life, there must be many thousands of individual lives who have been changed because of your tireless efforts.
Thank you, too, for the music you've given us for so many years. This page showcases a favorite song of mine, The Water Is Wide, which I just recorded as a tribute to you, a song which I probably would never have heard of were it not for your bringing it back to us many years ago. Thank you for that, too!
May the rest of your days be blessed, peaceful and filled with love!
With fondness, respect, love and gratitude,
Elena Greco
About Pete Seeger:
Pete Seeger Appreciation Page
Hudson River Sloop Clearwater
Clearwater Festival
Pete Seeger Quotes
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© Copyright Elena Greco 2010
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