Waterfalls

Song Meaning of Waterfalls by TLC

TLC had to struggle for this hit's corporate support.

Their megaplatinum album "CrazySexyCool," which featured the song "Waterfalls," which would go on to become a huge hit, wasn't a favourite of Arista's boss, Clive Davis.

TLC begged for a video budget to enable them more effectively convey the ballad's warnings and message of hope; in a risky move, "Waterfalls" addressed HIV/AIDS during a year when more than 50,000 Americans lost their lives to the illness.

TLC created a powerful video with the help of director F. Gary Grey and $1 million, becoming the first Black act to win Video of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards.

This track shares similarities with Paul McCartney's song of the same name, which opens with the line "Don't go jumping waterfalls, please keep to the lake." McCartney himself noted the resemblance, stating "In fact, somebody had a hit, a few years ago, using the first line...then they go off into another song. It's like, 'Excuse me?'

Waterfalls lyrics by TLC

A lonely mother gazing out of her window

Staring at a son that she just can't touch.

If at any time he's in a jam she'll be by his side,

But he doesn't realize he hurts her so much.

But all the praying just ain't helping at all,

'Cause he can't seem to keep his self out of trouble.

So, he goes out and he makes his money the best way he know how,

Another body laying cold in the gutter.

Listen to me.

Don't go chasing waterfalls.

Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to.

I know that you're gonna have it your way or nothing at all,

But I think you're moving too fast.

Little precious has a natural obsession for temptation,

But he just can't see.

She give him loving that his body can't handle,

But all he can say is, "Baby, it's good to me."

One day he goes and takes a glimpse in the mirror,

But he doesn't recognize his own face.

His health is fading and he doesn't know why.

Three letters took him to his final resting place.

Y'all don't hear me.

Don't go chasing waterfalls.

Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to.

I know that you're gonna have it your way or nothing at all,

But I think you're moving too fast.

I seen rainbow yesterday

But too many storms have come and gone

Leavin' a trace of not on God-given ray

Is it because my life is ten shades of gray

I pray all ten fade away

Seldom praise Him for the sunny days

And like his promise is true

Only my faith can undo

The many chances I blew

To bring my life to anew

Clear blue and unconditional skies

Have dried the tears from my eyes

No more lonely cries

My only bleedin' hope

Is for the folk who can't cope

Wit such an endurin' pain

That it keeps 'em in the pourin' rain

Who's to blame

For tootin' caine in your own vein

What a shame

You shoot and aim for someone else's brain

You claim the insane

And name this day in time

For fallin prey to crime

I say the system got you victim to your own mind

Dreams are hopeless aspirations

In hopes of comin' true

Believe in yourself

The rest is up to me and you

Don't go chasing waterfalls.

Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to.

I know that you're gonna have it your way or nothing at all,

But I think you're moving too fast.

Don't go chasing waterfalls.

Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to.

I know that you're gonna have it your way or nothing at all,

But I think you're moving too fast.