O Waly, Waly (The Water is Wide) combines with this Appalachian folk song to create a story of love’s twists and turns as they are experienced rowing in the water. Though essentially fluid, the accompaniment is filled with unexpected chords and harmonies, and the “glint” of the sun on the water is heard in a distinctive rolled chord in the accompaniment. Though love can be filled with smooth sailing, sometimes the unexpected occurs……and at that time, sometimes the best thing to say is “Farewell, to you.”

The voices of this SSA arrangement are challenged with beautiful phrases in telling a story of love that can be used to teach choral fundamentals to singers from elementary through high school. This piece provides excellent opportunities to teach vowel unity and vocal line independence, as the two folk songs are combined.