Her newest album, For Truth If Not Love, was released in 2007. It features a cover of Stealers Wheel's "Stuck in the Middle."
WATER
Dionne Farris Lyrics
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Don't go near the water if you don't like to swim
'Cause somebody just might try and push you in
Well now, how many times have I told you
Not to get your feet wet
If you don't like the water on you
My baby baby baby get back
See just because it may look good
It don't mean you always have to indulge
'Cause that's when it happens
And you never know you might fall overboard
[Chorus:]
I hope you're listening to what you hear
'Cause I would never tell you no wrong
But you don't have to believe me
'Cause after all it's only a song
Dionne Farris's song "Water" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting too involved with something that appears tempting on the surface. In this case, water is the metaphorical representation of any situation in which you could be in danger if you're not careful. The chorus emphasizes the need for caution, warning listeners to stay away from the water if they don't know how to swim. The line "somebody just might try and push you in" adds an element of unpredictability to the situation, illustrating how outside influences can affect our choices.
Farris continues the theme by highlighting how just because something looks good, it doesn't mean we have to indulge. She warns that indulgence can lead to falling overboard, meaning we become overwhelmed and unable to control the situation. The inclusion of "my baby baby baby" in the chorus gives the song a nurturing tone, as if Farris is trying to protect those she cares about from harm.
The final lines of the song reinforce the advice given in the chorus that the listener should keep their ears open but ultimately make their own choices. Farris acknowledges that she could be wrong, but the message is important enough to put into a song. "Water" is a reminder that we need to be cautious of the things we find tempting and not let ourselves get in over our heads.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't go near the water if you don't like to swim
Avoid situations that you're not comfortable with
'Cause somebody just might try and push you in
Be aware of people who may pressure or force you to do something
Well now, how many times have I told you
Reiterating a warning
Not to get your feet wet
Don't start something that you might regret
If you don't like the water on you
Avoid things that make you uncomfortable
My baby baby baby get back
Stay away from what could harm or trouble you
See just because it may look good
Something may appear attractive but still be dangerous
It don't mean you always have to indulge
Just because something seems tempting, it doesn't mean you should always do it
'Cause that's when it happens
It's when you least expect that something goes wrong
And you never know you might fall overboard
A warning that something bad may happen if you don't take precautions
I hope you're listening to what you hear
Paying attention to advice given
'Cause I would never tell you no wrong
Assuring that the advice given is trustworthy
But you don't have to believe me
Acknowledging that the listener has the right to make their own decisions
'Cause after all it's only a song
Recognizing that the message conveyed is just a song and not a rule
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FARRIS, FIELDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind