The song is written as a dialogue, with the first six stanzas alternating between the two lovers; however, the last two stanzas are both given by the lover who has been left behind. Within these nine stanzas, one of the lovers—a woman—goes across the sea.
The song is written in a back-and-forth style, with the first six sections alternating between the two partners; but the final two sections are both delivered by the person who has been left behind. Over the course of nine stanzas, one of the lovers—a woman—embarks on a journey across the sea.