When the waters are deep
Friends carry me over
When I cry in my sleep
Love call me home
Time, ferry me down the river
Friends carry me safely over
Life, tend me on my journey
Love call me home.
When the waters are cold
Friends carry…
When I’m losing my hold, love
Love…
When I’m weary & cannot swim…
Open your arms & take me in…
Take the gift I bring…
Deep within me life is singing…
Life offers a chance for friends to carry us over
Time can stop or dance forever, love…
—Peggy Seeger
© 2001, by the author. Administered by Bucks Music, London, United Kingdom. All rights reserved.
“Christine was one of the cultural catalysts in Asheville for over a decade. She wrote documentary scripts, plays, poems and performed in the innovative Playback Theatre. Early in 2000 she was diagnosed at age 49 with a brain tumour and given four months to live. Her friends rallied around her as she made her decision to reject chemotherapy, radiation and invasive medical techniques. The fact that she had no medical insurance played no part in her decision. The song was first sung at UNCA on May 27, 2000 when a benefit was raised to help with her medical costs. Christine was there, with 150, glowing in her red velvet dress. She said she’d extended her time because of her friends, who had surrounded her with love and support during her final year. Many times she said, ‘I don’t want you to forget me.’ She died peacefully, with dignity, on February 13, 2001. Christine: Your friends will always remember you.” —Peggy
Peggy Seeger is the late Pete Seeger’s half sister and was married to the great Scottish folksinger and songwriter Ewan MacColl until his death in 1989.