Woman of the Waterways by Ellie Gowers (2021) I am a woman of the waterways Tied to a boat where I spend my days Oh the joy it comes with the freedom to roam Along the canals in this boat we call home Born on the water in a landlocked place For two of us it’s cramped but we find the space Like we always do Seeing every season through The days are gruelling, and the nights are cold My hands aren't as smooth as they should be I am told But they do the job for me And they're all I'll ever need I am a woman of the waterways Tied to a boat, where I spend my days Oh, the joy comes with the freedom to roam Along the canals in this boat we call home Rise with the sun at the break of day It's dirty work to shift the coal then we’re on our way Every day the same You'll never hear me complain The water is no place to raise a child For schools are scarce and our only thoughts are about that next mile But the idea runs through my mind Maybe in a different life I am a woman of the waterways Tied to a boat, where I spend my days Oh, the joy comes with the freedom to roam Along the canals in this boat we call home Oh this life has been long But oh has this life been sweet Weathered dreams bound to tethered seams But we’d do it all again I am a woman of the waterways Now retired to a house where I spend my days But as the night draws in, we sleep one more time Under the stars where our lives align I am a woman of the waterways Tied to a boat, where I spend my days Oh, the joy comes with the freedom to roam Along the canals in this boat we call home Ellie Gowers comes from the landlocked county of Warwickshire which benefitted greatly when the canals were created, facilitating trade between cities such as Birmingham, Coventry, and London. Families lived in tiny cabins on the canal boats, enduring the gruelling tasks of daily narrowboat life. This song was inspired by Rose and Joe Skinner famous working boaters who, after an arduous life, eventually retired to a house along the canal. The lure of the waterways often took them back to spend nights on the water when the stillness of the house became too much. Ellie was inspired by this and other Warwickshire tales to produce an excellent album which is available via the link below. Recorded on : ‘Dwelling by the Weir’ by Ellie Gowers (2022) which is available via Bandcamp