Left Eye, Lisa Lopes, of TLC died yesterday, and she was one of the authors of a song that has always meant a great deal to me, and means a lot to me right now, "Waterfalls."
Back when I worked in foster care, this song came out, 1994-95, and it was so so good to have three strong women (the members of TLC) sing about not letting yourself be a victim to the crack epidemic, and that support was in looking to the people who have loved you over the course of your life, as opposed to being seduced by the friends and easy sex that were/are rampant in the crack/drug scene. This was a song that meant a lot to the kids, since they could see the words of the song made real in the lives of their parent(s) and adults that they knew - which is why the kids were in foster care. It is also the first top ten song that I can recall that spoke about HIV and AIDS - even if the words are never mentioned, but HIV is what is referred to the line about "3 letters." Now someone may demur and say that Left Eye's life was often out of control, and it sometimes was. That she knew from the inside what she was singing about doesn't change the value of the message, perhaps only makes it more poignant. The last time that TLC was together that I know was at last August's MTV Video Awards and they did a very strong performance of Waterfalls... and it has special significance for me now more than ever since someone that I care for deeply is living out the sing from the inside. Linda, I think this song could be done in a folk style on a Spanish guitar, arranged to be a slower number the way James Taylor redid "Handyman" and could be that bridge between R&B and folk that we talked about, as well as serve as a song about you know who and me. Left Eye, for all the bizarre places that your life sometimes took you, and for all the things that peopple said are are now saying about you, you had guts, and you always held your head up high and kept moving on without letting yourself succumb. No one every thought you'd die in an auto accident -- way too young, but you left us a legacy in words and song that shall live. Rest Eternal grant Lisa, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon her. (the Rev) Vince "Waterfalls" 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 knows how Another body laying cold in the gutter Listen to me [Chorus] Don't go chasing waterfalls Please stick to the rivers and 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 gives 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 3 letters took him to his final resting place Y'all don't hear me [Chorus] Don't go chasing waterfalls Please stick to the rivers and 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 a rainbow yesterday But too many storms have come and gone Leavin' a trace of not one 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 With 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 [Chorus] Don't go chasing waterfalls Please stick to the rivers and 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
