“The Way of Water” Through TLC’s “Waterfalls”

“Don’t go chasin’ waterfalls, Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to.”

“Waterfalls” by TLC

“The highest good is like water. Water gives life to the ten thousand things and does not strive.”

Lao Tzu, Dao De Jing

And so, this gently bubbling essay begins with the blend of pop culture and Daoist wisdom.

TLC’s “Waterfalls” communicates a profound lesson about leading a balanced life and adhering to one’s own path. It’s a flashy warning against chasing after illusory goals or ambitions that might lead us off our true track – a reflection of the Dao’s emphasis on naturalness (Ziran) and effortless action (Wu wei) – and an encouragement to follow our own rivers and lakes.

“Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to,” is a plea that nudges us toward a Daoist virtue – to accept and appreciate what we have, to follow the flow of life (think of your life as a river). This resonates with the Daoist concept of being content with simplicity and finding peace in our own personal journey.

A strong undertone in the song is the tragic outcomes of seeking something more, something possibly dangerous or unattainable – “chasing waterfalls” – which leads to the suffering of the self and others. This could be seen as a contrast to the Daoist principle of ‘Pu’ – the uncarved block, representing a state of pure potential which is the primordial condition of the mind before the arising of experience.

Let’s touch on the line, “I know that you’re gonna have it your way or nothing at all, But I think you’re moving too fast.” This reflects our societal obsession with rapid progress and immediate gratification. It could be seen as a counterpoint to the Daoist understanding of ‘Wu Wei’, the principle of doing-by-not-doing, and suggests that sometimes, slower is better. As Lao Tzu wrote, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”

The most poignant part of the song contains the lyrics: “dreams are hopeless aspirations in hopes of coming true, believe in yourself, the rest is up to me and you.” Here we see an alignment to the Dao concept of ‘De’ which means virtue or integrity. It acts as a reminder of the paradoxical nature of dreams and desires and reinforces the importance of authenticity and personal integrity.

And there you have it, an exploration of TLC’s “Waterfalls” through the lens of Daoism. It seems, then, that even in a 90s R&B hit, the wisdom of ancient philosophies can help us understand our place in the flow of life, underscoring the timeless, borderless, and deeply interwoven tapestry of human experience.