Waterfalls by TLC Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Layers of Caution and Consequence
Lyrics
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 knows 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 gives 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
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
Come on
I seen a rainbow yesterday
But too many storms have come and gone
Leavin’ a trace of not one 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
With such an endurin’ pain
That it keeps ’em in the pourin’ rain
Who’s to blame for tootin’ caine into 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 (oh, 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
When TLC released ‘Waterfalls’ in the mid-90s, the R&B trio not only charted a hit but also distilled a generation’s struggle into a smoothly harmonized cautionary tale. The song, draped in smooth production and an infectious hook, hides a much deeper narrative on the perils of reckless abandon in pursuit of risky desires.
Beneath the veneer of its singalong chorus lies a profound commentary on social issues of the era such as drug addiction, HIV/AIDS, and the broader implications of chasing illusory dreams. This piece dives into the lyrical vortex of ‘Waterfalls,’ exploring the profound meanings behind its sweet melodies.
Rivers and Lakes vs. Waterfalls: A Caution Against Temptation
At its core, ‘Waterfalls’ serves as a metaphor-laden warning: to heed the dangers of the unknown—the titular ‘waterfalls’—and to find contentment in the more familiar ‘rivers and lakes.’ This analogy resonates as a timeless plea against the human tendency to pursue risky temptations that promise gratification but often lead to destruction.
By choosing this imagery, TLC taps into a universal theme of caution, extensively employing nature’s serene and tumultuous elements as a backdrop for the life’s choices one must navigate. It is a reminder that the allure of the untamed often comes with unforeseen consequences.
A Mother’s Lament: The Personal Toll of Wayward Paths
In the narrative of the ‘lonely mother gazing out of the window,’ TLC confronts the pain of watching a loved one descend into the depths of turmoil. The son’s relentless quest for easy money, likely a nod to drug dealing and the hustler lifestyle, escalates until ‘Another body laying cold in the gutter,’ marking a grim end to his path.
This poignant portrayal exposes the often-overlooked agony of bystanders—those left to mourn as they painfully witness the self-destructive cycles of individuals caught in the throes of short-sighted decisions.
The Tragic Illusion of Invincibility and the Reality of AIDS
The story of ‘Little precious’ veers into an allegory of unchecked promiscuity, eventually segueing into the stigma and tragedy of HIV/AIDS. As the character ignores the harsh consequences of his actions—’She gives him loving that his body can’t handle’—he encapsulates the crisis of an era when the epidemic was at its peak.
Tellingly, the visceral image of not recognizing oneself in the mirror reflects the physical and psychological impact of the disease, emphasizing the song’s layered message about the importance of awareness and self-preservation in the face of such a potent threat.
Bridge of Contemplation: TLC’s Spiritual and Existential Musings
The bridge, often overlooked in pop songs, is where ‘Waterfalls’ presents its most profound revelations. As T-Boz sings of fleeting rainbows and storms—a metaphor for life’s transience and trials—TLC delves into themes of faith, resilience, and the quest for inner peace amidst life’s chaos.
Blending sorrow with hope, the bridge confronts the societal malaise of violence and addiction. By challenging listeners to ‘believe in yourself,’ the song pivots from reflection to empowerment, suggesting that amidst systemic failures, personal responsibility and faith can offer a path to redemption.
Memorable Lines That Echoed Across Time
‘Don’t go chasing waterfalls, Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to,’ is a line that transcended ’90s R&B to become part of the cultural lexicon. These words resonate as a universal adage, encouraging prudence over the impulse to dive headfirst into the seductive and unknown.
The insistence that ‘you’re moving too fast’ punctuates the song with a repetition that isn’t mere catchiness—it’s a mantra TLC offers up, an urgent entreaty to slow down and consider the course of one’s life. It’s the powerful simplicity in these lines that cements ‘Waterfalls’ as a timeless piece of musical artistry.
