Waterfalls

TLC

About Waterfalls

"Waterfalls" is a song by American recording group TLC. It was written by band member Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes with Marqueze Etheridge and Organized Noize for TLC's second album, CrazySexyCool (1994), featuring production by the latter. The song was released as the third single from the album on May 29, 1995 in the United States, followed by a United Kingdom release on August 5, 1995. Often considered the group's signature song, "Waterfalls" was an international hit, topping the charts in many different territories. The song spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving the group their second US No. 1. The song was the No. 2 song of the year on the Billboard 1995 year-end chart. "Waterfalls" also peaked at No. 1 in New Zealand and Switzerland while reaching the top ten in many other countries. "Waterfalls" received critical acclaim, earning two Grammy nominations at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards in 1996 for Record of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. 


Year:
2001
3:33
1,373 
#3

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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.

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


TLC

TLC is an American musical trio whose repertoire spanned R&B, hip hop, soul, funk, and new jack swing. Originally consisting of singer Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, rapper Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and singer Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, the group found success in the 1990s while also enduring a series of spats with the law, each other, and the group's record label. more »

3 fans

Written by: Raymon Ameer Murray, Rico Renard Wade, Lisa Nicole Lopes, Marqueze M. Ethridge, Patrick L. Brown

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Year
"Waterfalls" was released as a single on May 29, 1995, from TLC's second album, "CrazySexyCool."
Song Composition
The song was co-written by TLC member, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and Marqueze Etheridge. The production was handled by Organized Noize.
Highest Chart Position
"Waterfalls" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US, becoming TLC's second number-one single. It also peaked at number one in New Zealand and Switzerland.
Grammy Nominations
"Waterfalls" received two nominations at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards in 1996, for Record of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Impactful Messages
The song's lyrics address issues of unsafe sex and drug dealing, making it a powerful and thought-provoking track during times when these topics were taboo.
Successful Music Video
The music video of "Waterfalls" was a novelty at the time due its advanced special effects, depicting the group members as water droplets. It won at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1995 for Video of the Year.
Global Success
The single has sold over 1 million copies in the US, and has been certified platinum by RIAA. Worldwide, it has sold over 1.2 million copies.
Cultural Impact
"Waterfalls" is often deemed as a 90s classic and is frequently covered and sampled by various artists. It is also a staple in TLC's live performances.
Tribute
The rap verse from "Left Eye" Lopes in "Waterfalls" is often blocked out or replaced by a sample or a tribute to her during live performances following her death in 2002.
Cover Versions
Notably, the song was covered by British artist, Elton John during his 1995 Peachtree Road Tour. It was also covered by pop group, Stooshe, whose version reached the top 10 in the UK Singles Chart in 2013.

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    Waterfalls

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1995

    Billboard #1


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