Waterloo
Various Artists Lyrics

Waterloo, Waterloo
A repeated phrase setting the tone for the song and possibly referring to a place of defeat.

Where will you meet your Waterloo?
Asking where each person's downfall or ultimate failure will occur.

Every puppy has his day, everybody has to pay
Everyone will eventually have their moment of triumph and also their moment of reckoning or punishment.

Everybody has to meet his Waterloo
Reiterating the concept that everyone will have to experience their moments of defeat.

Now old Adam was the first in history
Referring to the story of Adam and Eve in the Bible as an example of the first human being to experience a fall from grace.

With an apple he was tempted and deceived
Describing how Adam was tempted and deceived by the devil to eat from the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden.

Just for spite, the devil made him take a bite
Suggesting that the devil specifically aimed to cause Adam's downfall out of malice or vindictiveness.

And that's where old Adam met his Waterloo
Adam's downfall occurred when he disobeyed God and ate from the apple, leading to his expulsion from Eden and his ultimate defeat.

Little General Napoleon of France
Referring to Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military and political leader who attempted to conquer much of Europe.

Tried to conquer the world but lost his pants
Using a metaphor to describe Napoleon's defeat in the Battle of Waterloo, where he was forced to flee the battle and was rumored to have lost his pants in the process.

Met defeat known as Bonaparte's Retreat
Describing Napoleon's defeat as a strategic retreat, but one that nevertheless led to his overall loss and defeat.

And that's when Napoleon met his Waterloo
Napoleon's downfall occurred at the Battle of Waterloo, where he lost his final bid for military dominance and suffered a crushing defeat.

Now a feller, whose darling proved untrue
Referring to a man who was betrayed or disappointed by his lover or significant other.

Took her life but he lost his too
Describing how the man in question killed both his lover and himself, ending in their mutual defeat.

Now he swings where the little birdie sings
Referring to the man's execution or hanging, which takes place in a place where birds are singing or chirping.

And that's where Tom Dooley met his Waterloo
Using a specific example of a man named Tom Dooley who was hanged and defeated, similar to the other characters described in the song.