Waterfalls
Steve Cole Lyrics

A lonely mother gazing out of her window
The mother is lonely and sad as she watches her son from afar.

Staring at a son that she just can't touch.
The mother cannot seem to connect with her son no matter how hard she tries.

If at any time he's in a jam she'll be by his side,
Despite their distance, the mother promises to be there for her son if he ever needs her.

But he doesn't realize he hurts her so much.
The son does not understand the pain his actions cause his mother.

But all the praying just ain't helping at all,
Despite the mother's efforts, her prayers seem to be failing in helping her son change.

'Cause he can't seem to keep his self out of trouble.
The son constantly finds himself in trouble despite his mother's efforts to help him.

So, he goes out and he makes his money the best way he know how,
The son resorts to making money in questionable ways just to survive.

Another body laying cold in the gutter.
The harsh reality of the life the son leads results in loss and tragedy.

Don't go chasing waterfalls.
The singer advises listeners to avoid making risky choices and stick to what they are familiar with.

Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to.
The singer advises listeners to follow conventional paths and avoid dangerous risks.

I know that you're gonna have it your way or nothing at all,
The singer acknowledges the listener's desire for independence and control over their life choices.

But I think you're moving too fast.
The singer is concerned that the listener is taking risks too quickly without considering the consequences.

Little precious has a natural obsession for temptation,
The singer describes a character who is easily tempted by dangerous choices.

But he just can't see.
Despite the character's temptation, they are unaware of the potential harm it can bring.

She give him loving that his body can't handle,
The character engages in relationships that are physically harmful to them.

But all he can say is, "Baby, it's good to me."
The character cannot see the danger in their situation and only focuses on the small pleasure it brings them.

One day he goes and takes a glimpse in the mirror,
The character takes a moment of self-reflection.

But he doesn't recognize his own face.
The character realizes they have lost sight of who they truly are.

His health is fading and he doesn't know why.
The character experiences physical harm as a result of their choices.

Three letters took him to his final resting place.
The character succumbed to an illness or fate as a result of their choices.

Don't go chasing waterfalls.
The singer reiterates their advice to avoid risky choices and stick to familiar paths.

Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to.
The singer's advice remains unchanged.

I seen rainbow yesterday
The singer reflects on a previous moment of happiness.

But too many storms have come and gone
The singer has experienced too many hardships since that time.

Leavin' a trace of not on God-given ray
The hardships have left a negative imprint on the singer's life.

Is it because my life is ten shades of gray
The singer wonders if their choices and hardships have left them feeling lost and hopeless.

I pray all ten fade away
The singer hopes for a better future without their current struggles.

Seldom praise Him for the sunny days
The singer realizes they do not appreciate the good moments in life enough.

And like his promise is true
The singer trusts in God's promises.

Only my faith can undo
The singer believes only their faith can help them find a better path forward.

The many chances I blew
The singer recognizes they have made mistakes in the past.

To bring my life to anew
The singer hopes to start over and make better choices in the future.

Clear blue and unconditional skies
The singer describes a metaphorical clean slate, free of burden and hopelessness.

Have dried the tears from my eyes
The singer has found a sense of peace and hope.

No more lonely cries
The singer no longer feels alone in their struggles.

My only bleedin' hope
The singer's hope is the only thing keeping them going.

Is for the folk who can't cope
The singer hopes their message can help those who are struggling as well.

Wit such an endurin' pain
The singer acknowledges the excruciating pain many people experience.

That it keeps 'em in the pourin' rain
The pain is so tangible it feels like constant rain, overwhelming and ever-present.

Who's to blame
The singer is unsure who or what is responsible for the pain and suffering in the world.

For tootin' caine in your own vein
The singer points out that some people make choices that lead to their own pain.

What a shame
The singer expresses sadness about the situation.

You shoot and aim for someone else's brain
The singer critiques those who hurt others in their own pain.

You claim the insane
The singer points out the irony of hurting others while claiming one is not fully in control of their actions.

And name this day in time
The singer recognizes the power of specificity and the importance of acknowledging one's circumstances.

For fallin prey to crime
The singer acknowledges the prevalence of crime and the harm it can bring.

I say the system got you victim to your own mind
The singer critiques the societal systems that allow people to fall victim to their own negative thinking and impulses.

Dreams are hopeless aspirations
The singer reflects on people's unattainable dreams.

In hopes of comin' true
People still hold on to these impossible dreams in the hopes they will one day come true.

Believe in yourself
The singer urges people to have faith in their own abilities and potential.

The rest is up to me and you
The singer acknowledges that while belief in oneself is important, each individual must take action to create change.