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Another “Swallows and Amazons” inspired song. This one comes mainly from the fifth book in the series, “Coot Club”, although there are elements of “Secret Water” (the eighth book) as well. Both books are set in the Norfolk Broads, a network of rivers and lakes that are all subject to tidal influence. At low tide it’s important to stick to the deep-water channel, otherwise you risk getting stuck in the mud. And if that happens, there’s nothing to do but wait for the tide to rise again. I thought that sounded a bit like life, too.

lyrics

These tidal waters tell a lie
Their broad and shining surface hides
A narrow path through muddy shallows
Marked by secret signs

The channel twists and turns
And heaven help you if you try
To find a shorter way across
Or if you fail to read the signs
You’ll run aground with no way out
Until the turning of the tide

But the tide will rise in time
Be ready with your boat to meet it
Feel the water lift you
Till you’re floating free
Hoist your sail and find a channel
Deep enough to carry you
To open sea

Well there’s been time for many tides
To fall and rise since you and I
Fetched up in shallow waters
That have muddied up our lives

The channel flows just out of reach
In sight of where we lie
And watch so many ships and sailors
Gliding effortlessly by
They glance at us with pity
In their sad and knowing eyes

But the tide will rise in time
We’ll be ready with our boat to meet it
Feel the water lift us
Till we’re floating free
Hoist our sail and find a channel
Deep enough to carry us
To open sea

credits

from Walking Into White, released February 2, 2015
Sarah McQuaid

Sarah – Vocals & Guitar
Adele Schulz – Harmony Vocals
Rob King – Piano
Adam Pierce – Percussion

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Sarah McQuaid Penzance, UK

“One of the most instantly recognisable voices in current music … Shades of Joni Mitchell in a jam with Karen Carpenter and Lana Del Rey.” —Neil March, Trust The Doc

“Captivating, unorthodox songwriting … layered satin vocals ... enthralling, harrowing arrangements … a gateway into a true innovator’s soul.” —PopMatters

See sarahmcquaid.com/about for more info.
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