Meaning of “Waterfalls” by TLC

TLC’s “Waterfalls” is based on people pursuing self-destructive ambitions. And these dangerous desires are termed as “waterfalls”. In other words, when TLC says “don’t go chasing waterfalls” this can be interpreted as “do not engage in the pursuit of self-destructive ambitions”. Moreover the “waterfall” symbolism as well as that of the line that follows which talks about sticking “to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to” were apparently derived from a 1980 Paul McCartney song also entitled “Waterfalls”.

The TLC version tells two specific stories, both of which end tragically. The first is of a guy who, much to the dismay of his mother, decides to hit the streets in order to make money. This decision eventually results in him being murdered. The second is focused on a different male who is a sex addict, with HIV eventually taking his life.

These tales and the lyricism TLC used in relaying them were relatively-complex for a mainstream pop song. As such, it wasn’t until the critically-acclaimed music video was dropped (which brought these stories to life visually) that people really began to understand what the song meant. And accordingly, afterwards it became a huge hit.

The highlight of the track however is perhaps the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes’ rap verse. The verse deals partially with drug abuse and gun violence.  However, the overall theme is remaining optimistic and faithful.

In the song’s closing lines, she encourages listeners to remain grounded in reality and believe in themselves. This rap went on to eventually define Lopes’ career to the point that the aforementioned closing lines were engraved on her casket. Indeed she wrote it from a heartfelt, genuine disposition as Left Eye was going through her own issues at the time of its penning.

Ultimately, what TLC is trying to tell us is not to get caught up in negative actions, habits and aspirations while chasing dreams. Instead it is safer to strive forward from a disposition of contentment.

Facts about “Waterfalls

• Lisa Lopes was the only member of TLC to contribute songwriting to “Waterfalls”.
• The production of this track was done by members of Organized Noize.
• “Waterfall” was released in November 1994 and it appears as the number 8 song on the group’s 2nd album named CrazySexyCool. Arista Records and LaFace Records were the labels behind the song’s release.
• The music video for “Waterfall” was directed by F Gary Gray.
• Lisa Lopes’ entire rap lyrics (verse) on this song were inscribed on her casket. FYI Lopes died tragically at the young age of 30 in a horrific car accident that occurred in 2002 while she was filming a documentary in Honduras.

Accolades of “Waterfalls”

The song’s outstanding performances earned it several accolades. At the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards, this track was awarded multiple awards, including The Video of the Year, Best R&B Video and Best Group Video.

That same year (1996), this track picked up awards for Best R&B/Soul Single – Group, Band or Duo and Best Video of the year at the Soul Train Music Awards.

In 2010, this song was ranked the number one track for Billboard’s summer songs for the year 1995. It was also placed at number 10 spot by Billboard on their list of 100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time.

Furthermore, the song occupied the number 13 spot on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of the Past 25 Years. VH1 also ranked “Waterfalls” as the number 8 song on their 100 Greatest Songs of the 1990s.

Which artists have covered “Waterfalls”?

So far, “Waterfalls” has been covered by several other artists. Some of them include the following:

• Costra Notra in 1995
• Steve Cole in 2000
• Stooshe in 2012
•  Six60 in 2013
• Bette Milder in 2014
• Mila J in 2015
• Ghost in 1995
• Me’Shell Ndegéocello in 2018

Did “Waterfalls” win a Grammy Award?

“Waterfalls” was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 38th edition of the Annual Grammy Awards (1996).

How did “Waterfalls” perform on the charts?

It proved to be an extraordinary single for TLC. It not only peaked at number 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, but it also reached number 4 in the UK Singles Chart.

In 2013, TLC’s remaining members (Chilli and T-Boz) performed “Waterfalls” live at the American Music Awards. They performed this song alongside rapper Lil Mama, who paid tribute to the late Left Eye by performing her rap.