Waterfalls
Tlc . Lyrics

A lonely mother gazing out of her window
A mother who feels isolated looks out of her window.

Staring at a son that she just can't touch
The mother looks at her son with a desire to connect that she can't fulfill.

If at any time he's in a jam she'll be by his side
The mother is always ready to help her son if he needs it.

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

But all the praying just ain't helping at all
Despite the mother's prayers, her son's situation hasn't improved.

'Cause he can't seem to keep his self out of trouble
The son repeatedly finds himself in difficult situations.

So, he goes out and he makes his money the best way he know how
The son resorts to making money through whatever means are available to him.

Another body laying cold in the gutter
Someone else has died as a result of a dangerous lifestyle.

Don't go chasing waterfalls
Don't pursue things that are dangerous or out of your reach.

Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to
Stay with what's familiar and safe.

I know that you're gonna have it your way or nothing at all
Even though you want what you want, it's not always the right choice.

But I think you're moving too fast
You're rushing into things too quickly without thinking about the consequences.

Little precious has a natural obsession for temptation
A character named Little Precious is constantly tempted by risky behavior.

But he just can't see
Little Precious is oblivious to the danger he is in.

She give him loving that his body can't handle
Little Precious is being offered something that he can't handle physically or emotionally.

But all he can say is, 'Baby, it's good to me'
Despite the risk, Little Precious is drawn to the temptation and justifies it.

One day he goes and takes a glimpse in the mirror
Little Precious finally takes a moment to reflect on his choices.

But he doesn't recognize his own face
Little Precious doesn't recognize the person he has become due to his choices.

His health is fading and he doesn't know why
Little Precious is experiencing physical and emotional decline and doesn't understand why.

Three letters took him to his final resting place
Little Precious died as a result of contracting a fatal disease due to his risky behavior.

I seen a rainbow yesterday
The character recalls seeing a bright and hopeful moment.

But too many storms have come and gone
Despite the moment of hope, life has been difficult and tumultuous.

Leavin' a trace of not on God-given ray
The difficulties of life have left a negative impact on the character.

Is it because my life is ten shades of gray
The character wonders if their life is so difficult because it lacks color and joy.

I pray all ten fade away
The character hopes for an end to the hardship they've endured.

Seldom praise Him for the sunny days
The character realizes they don't appreciate the good times enough.

And like his promise is true
The character believes in God's promises of hope and healing.

Only my faith can undo
The character recognizes that their faith is the key to healing and recovery.

The many chances I blew
The character regrets lost opportunities and poor choices.

To bring my life to anew
The character hopes to start fresh and create a better life.

Clear blue and unconditional skies
A metaphor for a perfect and peaceful life.

Have dried the tears from my eyes
The character has overcome their sadness and pain.

No more lonely cries
The character is no longer alone in their suffering.

My only bleedin' hope
Hope is the only thing keeping the character going.

Is for the folk who can't cope
The character hopes to inspire and help others who are struggling.

Wit such an endurin' pain
People who are in constant pain and struggle.

That it keeps 'em in the pourin' rain
The pain is so intense that it feels like being stuck in a never-ending storm.

Who's to blame
The character wonders who is responsible for the difficult circumstances.

For tootin' caine in your own vein
A reference to drug addiction and self-destructive behavior.

What a shame
The character is disappointed by the harmful choices people make.

You shoot and aim for someone else's brain
By harming ourselves, we also harm those who care about us.

You claim the insane
The character believes that people who engage in self-destructive behavior are not in their right mind.

And name this day in time
The character sees this moment in time as significant and important.

For fallin prey to crime
Blaming someone else for the choices we make and the consequences that follow.

I say the system got you victim to your own mind
The character believes that societal expectations and influences can lead us to harm ourselves.

Dreams are hopeless aspirations
Dreams may seem impossible given the current circumstances.

In hopes of comin' true
But despite this, we continue to hold onto hope and work towards our goals.

Believe in yourself
The character encourages self-confidence and self-belief.

The rest is up to me and you
We are responsible for our own paths and must take action to achieve our dreams.