Waterfalls
Paul McCartney
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Don't go jumping waterfalls Please keep to the lake People who jump waterfalls Sometimes cam 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 And it wouldn't be the same 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 second needs an hour Like a raindrop needs a shower 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 run after motor cars Please stay on the side Someone's glossy motor car Might take you for a ride And I need love, yeah I need love Like a castle needs a tower Like a garden needs a flower Yeah I need love, said 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 Please keep to the lake
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: PAUL MCCARTNEY
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Composition"Waterfalls" is a song off "McCartney II," the second solo studio album by Paul McCartney. It was released in 1980 as the debut single from the album.
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Chart Performance"Waterfalls" didn't have as much commercial success in the U.K., reaching only No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart. However, it did better in Ireland, where it topped the charts at No. 1.
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Musical StyleThe song features a minimalist arrangement and production, with McCartney playing a Fender Rhodes electric piano and the Yamaha CS-80 synthesiser accompanies it. This contributes to the song's gentle, melancholic mood.
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LyricsMcCartney wrote the lyrics using nature-based metaphors. He expresses empathy towards people who aspire for things they can achieve without trying to seek elusive goals metaphorically referred to as 'waterfalls' and 'rainbows'.
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Charge by John LennonA post-release conflict around the song centered on John Lennon's comment that McCartney's songs were too "muzak" or elevator music-like. This response was believed to have triggered by "Waterfalls".
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TLC CoverAn unrelated but more famous song also called "Waterfalls" was later released by popular '90s R&B group TLC, often leading to confusion between both the songs.
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Live PerformancesDespite being one of his singles, "Waterfalls" is rarely included in McCartney's live-sets. However, a live version was included in some editions of his "Unplugged (The Official Bootleg)" album which was recorded in 1991.
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ReceptionRetrospectively, "Waterfalls" has received critical acclaim. It is considered to be one of the standout tracks from "McCartney II," with critics praising its poignant lyrics and calming instrumentation.
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Notable QuotationA well-known phrase from the song is "Don't go chasing polar bears in the Arctic, son", which Paul often says was inspired by his father's wise words to him when he was a boy.
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Presence in Popular Culture"Waterfalls" is included in the 13-disc limited edition box set version of The McCartney Years, which was released on 12 November 2007 in the UK and 13 November 2007 in the US.
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