Waterfalls
The Beatles/Paul McCartney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Please keep to the lake
People who jump waterfalls
Sometimes can make mistakes
And I need love, yeah I need love
Like a second needs an hour
Like a raindrop needs a shower
Yeah I need love every minute of the day
If you ever should decide to go away
And I need love, yeah I need love
Like a castle needs a tower
Like a garden needs a flower
Yeah I need love every minute of the day
And it wouldn't be the same
If you ever should decide to go away
Don't go chasing polar bears
In the great unknown
Some big friendly polar bear
Might want to take you home
And I need love, yeah I need love
Like a castle needs a tower
Like a garden needs a flower
Yeah I need love, say I need love
Like a raindrop needs a shower
Like a second needs an hour
Every minute of the day
And it wouldn't be the same
If you ever should decide to go away
Don't go jumping waterfalls
The song "Waterfalls" by Paul McCartney reflects the desire to hold on to love and to have that love reciprocated in return. The first verse warns against rushing into a relationship, or jumping into it too quickly. It suggests that it's better to stay in a safe, predictable space, like a lake, instead of risking everything by taking a chance and jumping into the unknown.
The chorus, which repeats the sentiment "I need love," further emphasizes the importance of love to the singer. It compares love to essential needs, like a raindrop needing a shower or a garden needing a flower. The love the singer seeks is not just a passing fancy, but something they need every minute of the day. In the second verse, the image of a castle needing a tower further emphasizes how the singer views love as a necessity, like a foundation that makes everything else possible.
The song concludes with another warning, this time about the dangers of chasing after wild things, like polar bears. This is a metaphor for pursuing something that will ultimately lead to harm or danger. And in the final repetition of the chorus, the singer again emphasizes the importance of love and how it would be devastating to have it taken away.
Overall, "Waterfalls" is a song that speaks to the human desire for love and how essential it is to our lives. The lyrics suggest that love is worth taking risks for, but at the same time, it's important to be cautious and not jump into things too quickly.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't go jumping waterfalls
Do not take unnecessary risks, it's better to be safe than sorry
Please keep to the lake
Stay in familiar and safe waters
People who jump waterfalls
People who take unnecessary risks
Sometimes can make mistakes
Often end up making mistakes and regretting their actions
And I need love, yeah I need love
The singer is expressing his need for love
Like a second needs an hour
He needs love just like a minute needs an hour
Like a raindrop needs a shower
Love is an essential need just like water is to a raindrop
Yeah I need love every minute of the day
The need for love is ever-present in the singer's life
And it wouldn't be the same
Life without love would be incomplete for the singer
If you ever should decide to go away
The singer expressing fear of losing their loved one
Like a castle needs a tower
Love is a fundamental component, just like a castle needs a tower
Like a garden needs a flower
Without love, the singer's life would be incomplete, like a garden without a flower
Don't go chasing polar bears
Do not engage in reckless behavior
In the great unknown
In unfamiliar territories
Some big friendly polar bear
Someone that seems innocent might cause harm if provoked
Might want to take you home
Might lure you into a trap or make you feel comfortable before attacking you
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: PAUL MCCARTNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@leokimvideo
That Fair Isle vest would be worth millions, Ive always liked that style of pattern and colours
@maddiemae73
The fact that this masterpiece of a song isn’t one of his biggest just goes to show how amazing all of his other songs are
@micksmith1554
Probably the most observant comment in the entire thread!
@GREG62944
A masterpiece
@ricardo_miguel13
it was a top 10 hit
@paulmccartneyofficial1
Thank you so much for your love and support on my career all this year's,and for taking your time to express it, I won't be here if not for your support. where are you supporting me from?
@GREG62944
@@paulmccartneyofficial1 I wish Paul needed me in his band like I need him in my music collection. We will play together some time in eternity to come.
@olgafigueroa2909
I think Paul is the most adorable man that ever lived...
@tinfoilhatter
it's just that vest-thing! it's got a magic spell , tho he wears it well, just wait!
@stixkid9811
Paul feels the same way! :)