TLC - Waterfalls - 1995

TLC's "Waterfalls" (1995)

TLC's "Waterfalls" is one of the most iconic songs of the 1990s, blending R&B with hip hop and delivering powerful messages through its lyrics. Released in 1995 on the album "CrazySexyCool," "Waterfalls" quickly became a massive hit, topping charts worldwide. Beyond its catchy melody, the song is renowned for its deep lyrical content, addressing issues such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic, drug addiction, and the impact of violence in communities. The song's chorus, which warns against the perils of chasing illusory or dangerous dreams, remains one of the most memorable in music history.

Background and Impact

"Waterfalls" was penned by Marqueze Etheridge, Organized Noize, and TLC member Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. Its production was handled by Organized Noize, known for their work with OutKast and Goodie Mob. The song's music video, directed by F. Gary Gray, was groundbreaking for its time, featuring cutting-edge special effects and a narrative that complemented the song's themes. This video played a significant role in the song's success, earning several MTV Video Music Awards and further cementing TLC's status as one of the premier groups of the 90s.

1990s Music: Overview of the era's music scene.
R&B and Hip Hop: Explore the genres' evolution during the decade.
Music Video Production: Learn about the art and impact of music videos.

Lyrics and Themes

The song's lyrics offer a cautionary tale, urging listeners to think carefully about the paths they choose in life. The first verse discusses a young man drawn into drug dealing for easy money, leading to his untimely death. The second verse shifts focus to a man's struggle with his HIV diagnosis, highlighting the era's urgent health crises. "Waterfalls" encourages listeners to stick to the safer, known paths in life rather than venture into dangerous waters.

Songwriting and Storytelling: The craft of conveying messages through music.
Social Issues in Music: Examining how music addresses societal challenges.
HIV/AIDS in Popular Culture: The depiction and impact of HIV/AIDS in media and music.

Interactive Tasks

Quiz: Questions on the song

What year was "Waterfalls" released? (1995) (!1985) (!1990) (!2000)

Who directed the music video for "Waterfalls"? (F. Gary Gray) (!Spike Jonze) (!Hype Williams) (!David Fincher)

Which TLC member co-wrote "Waterfalls"? (Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes) (!Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins) (!Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas) (!None of the above)

How many MTV Video Music Awards did the "Waterfalls" music video win? (Answer varies; research required) (!1) (!3) (!5)

Which issue is NOT directly addressed in the lyrics of "Waterfalls"? (!Drug addiction) (!HIV/AIDS) (!Chasing dangerous dreams) (Domestic violence)

Quiz: Questions on the Performer

What is the name of the album that features "Waterfalls"? (CrazySexyCool) (!FanMail) (!Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip) (!3D)

How many members are in TLC? (3) (!4) (!5) (!2)

Which member of TLC passed away in 2002? (Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes) (!Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins) (!Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas) (!None of the above)

What genre of music is TLC most associated with? (R&B/Hip-Hop) (!Pop) (!Rock) (!Country)

In what year was TLC formed? (1991) (!1989) (!1995) (!2000)

Quiz: Questions on the lyrics

What does the song "Waterfalls" advise against? (Chasing illusory or dangerous dreams) (!Ignoring the past) (!Forgetting to love) (!Giving up on dreams)

Which of the following themes is central to "Waterfalls"? (Social issues) (!Romantic love) (!Party culture) (!Self-empowerment)

How does "Waterfalls" portray the consequences of risky behavior? (Through narrative verses) (!With direct advice) (!Through abstract metaphors) (!Using historical references)

What metaphor is used in the chorus of "Waterfalls"? (Chasing waterfalls) (!Walking on thin ice) (!Climbing mountains) (!Running against the wind)

Which societal problem is explicitly mentioned in "Waterfalls"? (HIV/AIDS) (!Poverty) (!Racial discrimination) (!Environmental degradation)

Memory

1995	The year "Waterfalls" was released
CrazySexyCool	The album featuring "Waterfalls"
Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes	Co-writer and TLC member
F. Gary Gray	Director of the music video
Social issues	Central theme of the song