Waterfall
Kim Barlow Lyrics

When they come to take my waterfall
The singer is referring to a situation where someone is trying to take away the waterfall they cherish.

I will stop them
The singer is determined to prevent anyone from taking away their beloved waterfall.

When they come to take my waterfall
The singer repeats the opening line to emphasize the gravity of the situation.

I will not let them have their way
The artist is determined to stand her ground and not let anyone take away her special place without a fight.

This creek has been my source
The artist has been relying on the creek for years as a source of water and nourishment.

For twenty years I've raised my kids here
The singer has lived by the creek for two decades and has raised her children there too.

And every day I fill my pail
The singer collects water from the creek every day for personal use.

And my fresh source will never fail
The artist is confident that the creek will always provide fresh clean water as it has done over the years.

Shovels zoom(?) at the back of my mind
The artist is aware of the possibility that the creek could be destroyed or taken away by development or other construction.

Why can't we stay here quiet and timeless
The artist wishes they could live in peace in their beloved place without any disruptions or threats.

When we're only pinpoints on the map at City Hall
The singer is aware that the authorities may not care about the importance of the creek to the community.

Feckless new(?) suit and tie
The artist is referring to city officials or developers who are indifferent to the impact of their actions on the community.

Shy(?) the folks here here watch surveyors go by
The people in the community are powerless to stop the surveyors who are scouting the area for possible construction.

Anger seeps into our bones
The community is boiling with anger because the authorities seem to care more about development than the welfare of the people.

But we take it out only on our own
The community members turn on each other instead of directing their anger at the authorities who are threatening their home.

Struggling for independence for so long
The community has been fighting for independence and autonomy for a long time.

Can't remember how to work together
The community members have become divided and can no longer come together to fight for what they believe in.

And the fragile web that binds us comes unraveled
The community is falling apart because of the pressure from outside forces and the internal conflicts.

When they come to take our waterfall
The community is banding together to resist the threats to their home and way of life.

Help me stop them
The artist is asking for assistance from others to fight against the outside forces threatening their community.

When they come to take our waterfall
The community is once again under threat from the authorities who seek to take their precious place away.

Help me stop them having their way
The artist is imploring others to help resist the development that would destroy their home.

Why does there always have to be a plate(?)
The singer is frustrated with the repeated attempts by outside forces to take away what is precious to their community.

This gentle place belongs to no-one
The artist is claiming that their community belongs to them and not to any outside force or individual.

Why can't they leave well enough alone
The singer is questioning the motives of those who want to take away their home and the benefits it brings.

It's just my home
The singer has a strong attachment to their home and the community they have built there over many years.

Everyone agrees it's just a matter of time
The community is aware that the threat to their home and community is very real and may eventually become a reality.

The wheel of progress grinds so fine
The community is wary of the impact of development and progress on their unique way of life.

Even here where the wheel is still new
The community is aware that the impact of progress and development is already being felt even in their remote location.

I'm just grinding along with the rest of the crew
The singer is acknowledging that they are part of the larger community that is under threat and is doing their best to resist the threats.

Do what I'm told, my house is up to code
The singer is aware of the rules and regulations for building a home but is frustrated that these may not be enough to prevent the authorities from taking their home.

And every year I pay my taxes
The artist is a responsible member of the community who fulfills their obligations like paying taxes.

But I don't want to leave a legacy of dust
The artist does not want to be remembered simply as someone who was forced to abandon their home and community.

No I don't want to leave a legacy of dust
The artist is very clear that they want to try every possible way to resist the threats to their community.