This Fijian born songstress was barely in her 20’s as we watched her shine through the lens of the first series of Australian Idol (2003), thrust into the spotlight as the competition reached fever like pitch. Making it through to the final four, she won the hearts of a nation with her angelic, five octave range, and engaging personality.
As an artist Paulini rose to prominence on the top of the Australian ARIA Charts in 2004 with her debut Platinum album "One Determined Heart" and her Platinum smash single "Angel Eyes", both hitting the No. 1 spot (Angel Eyes remained at the top of the charts for 6 consecutive weeks).
In fact, Paulini is one of only ten Australian female solo artists to have a #1 album.
In 2006, Australia’s sweetheart released her second critically acclaimed album "Superwoman" including the hit singles "Rough Day" and her self-penned "So Over You", spawning her two UVMA nominations for Best Female Artist and R&B Album of the year. Paulini then joined forces with the Young Divas, releasing an album that spawned three consecutive top 5 hits and a national sold out tour.
With double platinum solo albums and singles under her belt, and the incredible success of both Young Divas and most recently the touring ensemble Ladies Of Jazz, Paulini is firmly established as one of Australia’s favourite singers.
Paulini is now moving her career forward in a fresh and positive manner, continuing to record new material and cementing her status as a songwriter after inking a publishing deal with Alberts Music (home of ACDC and Vanda and Young).
Her most recent single, Scarless, was released independently in November to help raise awareness for White Ribbon Day, and the White Ribbon Campaign. This is only one of a number of songs she is preparing for her album planned for the second half of 2010.
Over the years Paulini has grown as a performer, a songwriter and a woman, steering her own destiny in her music career and making choices that she truly feels good about. “I’m at the happiest point in my life. I’m spending my spare time in the studio writing and creating my own work.”
Waterfalls
Paulini Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Staring at her 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 realise it hurts her so much
Guess all the hopin' 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
Another body laying cold in the gutter
Listen to me
Chorus:
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
3 letters took him to his final resting place
Ya'll don't hear me
Chorus x2
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 grey
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
You dried the tears from my eyes
No more lonely cries
I seen a rainbow yesterday
Too many storms have come and gone
Because my life is ten shades of grey
I pray all ten fade away
I seen a rainbow yesterday
Too many storms have come and gone
Because my life is ten shades of grey
I pray all ten fade away
Chorus x3
I seen a rainbow yesterday
Too many storms have come and gone
Because my life is ten shades of grey
I pray all ten fade away
The lyrics to Paulini's song Waterfalls tell a story of a mother watching her son struggle through life, trying to make ends meet by any means necessary. She worries for his safety and well-being but he seems to be oblivious to the harm he's causing himself and those around him. The chorus is a message from the mother to her son, pleading with him not to ignore the things he's familiar with in pursuit of something unknown and potentially dangerous. The lyrics also touch on the dangers of drug addiction, with the character of "Little Precious" being sucked in by temptation and ultimately dying as a result. The song ends on a hopeful note, acknowledging the many struggles that life can throw at us but also recognising the power of faith and the potential for better days ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
A lonely mother gazing out of the window
The mother is standing near the window and looking outside feeling lonely and sad.
Staring at her son that she just can't touch
She is looking at her son who is distant from her and she can't seem to get close to him.
If at any time he's in a jam
In case her son is in some trouble,
She'll be by his side
She will be right there to help him out.
But he doesn't realise it hurts her so much
He is unaware that his actions are causing immense pain to his mother.
Guess all the hopin' just ain't helping at all
The mother's hope and expectations from her son are not making any difference or bringing any improvement.
Cause he can't seem to keep his self out of trouble
Her son repeatedly makes bad decisions and keeps getting into trouble.
So he goes out and he makes his money
In order to make money, he indulges in activities that are not legal or morally right.
The best way he knows how
This is the only way he knows how to make money.
Another body laying cold in the gutter
The consequence of his decisions is another person dead and lying on the street.
Don't go chasing waterfalls
The singer advises the listeners to avoid pursuing things that are not meant for them.
Please stick to the rivers and the lakes
They should remain in their comfort zone and not venture out into unfamiliar territories.
That you're used to
They should stick to things they are familiar with.
I know that you're gonna have it your way
The singer acknowledges that the listener may do what they want.
Or nothing at all
They may choose to not do anything at all.
But I think you're moving too fast
The singer believes that their pace is too fast and they should slow down.
Little precious has a natural obsession
There is a person with a strong inclination towards something.
For temptation but he just can't see
They are unable to see the wrongness or harmfulness of their temptation.
She gives him loving that his body can't handle
The person gets involved with someone or something that is physically and emotionally not suitable for them.
But all he can say is baby it's good to me
They only justify their actions by saying they feel good about it.
One day he goes and takes a glimpse
They take a deep look at themselves.
In the mirror
They look at themselves in a reflective surface.
But he doesn't recognize his own face
He can't recognise himself anymore as he has changed too much.
His health is fading and he doesn't know why
His health has declined, and he is unsure of the reason.
3 letters took him to his final resting place
They die from a serious illness, most likely AIDS, that is caused by the HIV virus.
Seldom praise him for the sunny days
People don't often express gratitude for the good days and take them for granted.
And like his promise is true
As mentioned in the previous line, one should be thankful for the good things in life.
Only my faith can undo
Only my unshakable belief can reverse the negative consequences.
The many chances I blew
The opportunities that were missed due to bad decisions.
To bring my life to anew
To start over again and make positive changes in life.
Clear blue and unconditional skies
The life ahead will be bright and clear.
You dried the tears from my eyes
The tears of sorrow are gone, and they are happy again.
No more lonely cries
There will be no more cries of despair or loneliness.
Because my life is ten shades of grey
The life of the singer has been filled with dark and gloomy days.
I pray all ten fade away
The singer hopes that all the sadness would disappear.
Contributed by Alaina O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.