Waterfall
Steven Halpern Lyrics


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A lonely mother gazing out of her window
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 know 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 give 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.

I seen rainbow yesterday
But too many storms have come and gone
Leavin' a trace of not on 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
Wit such an endurin' pain
That it keeps 'em in the pourin' rain
Who's to blame
For tootin' caine in 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.

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.

Overall Meaning

The song "Waterfall" by TLC is a cautionary tale about the dangers of chasing after things that may seem desirable, but can ultimately lead to destructive consequences. The lyrics tell the story of a young man who is involved in illegal activities and doesn't fully understand the impact of his actions on his loved ones, particularly his mother. The chorus, "Don't go chasing waterfalls, please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to," serves as a metaphor for staying on a safe and familiar path, rather than venturing into the unknown where danger may lie.


The second verse introduces a new character, "little precious," who tempts the young man with a lifestyle that is ultimately harmful to his health and well-being. The lyrics suggest that he becomes addicted to drugs and dies as a result. The third verse reflects on the challenges and setbacks the singer has faced in her own life, but emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and not giving up on one's dreams.


Overall, "Waterfall" is a cautionary tale about the importance of staying grounded and avoiding risky behavior, and the importance of self-belief and perseverance. The message is still relevant today and serves as an important reminder to young people to be aware of the dangers of chasing after things that may seem desirable but are ultimately harmful.


Line by Line Meaning

A lonely mother gazing out of her window
A mother is looking out her window feeling isolated


Staring at a son that she just can't touch
The son is physically present but emotionally unavailable


If at any time he's in a jam she'll be by his side
The mother is there to support the son at all times


But he doesn't realize he hurts her so much
The son is unaware of the emotional pain he causes his mother


But all the praying just ain't helping at all
Despite the mother's prayers, the son continues to struggle


'Cause he can't seem to keep his self out of trouble
The son has a pattern of getting into trouble


So, he goes out and he makes his money the best way he know how,
The son resorts to questionable means to make a living


Another body laying cold in the gutter
The son's actions have led to the death of someone


Don't go chasing waterfalls
Don't take risky actions and pursue unattainable goals


Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to
Stick to safe and familiar paths


I know that you're gonna have it your way or nothing at all,
The son is stubborn and wants everything his way


But I think you're moving too fast.
His fast-paced lifestyle is dangerous and needs to slow down


Little precious has a natural obsession for temptation,
The son is easily tempted by bad influences


But he just can't see.
The son is blind to the negative impact of his actions


She give him loving that his body can't handle,
The son is in a destructive relationship


But all he can say is, "Baby, it's good to me."
Despite the harmful effects, the son is still attached to the relationship


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


But he doesn't recognize his own face.
The son's lifestyle has taken a toll on his appearance and health


His health is fading and he doesn't know why.
The son is experiencing health problems but is unaware of the cause


Three letters took him to his final resting place.
The son dies due to the consequences of his actions


I seen rainbow yesterday
The artist had a moment of joy in the past


But too many storms have come and gone
Negative experiences have overshadowed positive ones


Leavin' a trace of not on God-given ray
The negativity has left a mark on the singer's life


Is it because my life is ten shades of gray
The artist's life is dull and depressing


I pray all ten fade away
The singer wants the negative aspects of life to disappear


Seldom praise Him for the sunny days
The singer does not express gratitude for positive moments


And like his promise is true
God's promises always come to fruition


Only my faith can undo
The artist's faith is the only way to overcome negative experiences


The many chances I blew
The artist has wasted many opportunities


To bring my life to anew
The singer wants to turn their life around


Clear blue and unconditional skies
The singer desires a positive and free life


Have dried the tears from my eyes
The artist's pain is slowly fading away


No more lonely cries
The artist no longer feels alone


My only bleedin' hope
The artist's only ray of hope


Is for the folk who can't cope
The singer's hope is for those struggling


Wit such an endurin' pain
Those struggling have prolonged and intense pain


That it keeps 'em in the pourin' rain
Their pain is overwhelming and cannot be avoided


Who's to blame
Who bears responsibility for such pain


For tootin' caine in your own vein
Those who turn to drug use as a coping mechanism


What a shame
It's a tragic situation


You shoot and aim for someone else's brain
Drug users can unintentionally harm others


You claim the insane
Drug users may be called insane or unpredictable


And name this day in time
The consequences of drug use become a defining moment in life


For fallin prey to crime
Drug use can lead to criminal activity


I say the system got you victim to your own mind
The artist believes the system perpetuates drug use by targeting vulnerable individuals


Dreams are hopeless aspirations
Dreams may feel unattainable


In hopes of comin' true
But dreams may still come true


Believe in yourself
To make dreams reality, believe in oneself


The rest is up to me and you
The singer and the listener must take action to fulfill their dreams




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network
Written by: Raymon Ameer Murray, Rico Renard Wade, Lisa Nicole Lopes, Marqueze M. Ethridge, Patrick L. Brown

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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