According to various sources, including, "Waterfalls" by TLC is an episodic song that tells several different stories, each of which unfolds as a cautionary tale against various vices. The songs lyrics address issues that primarily affect young people, such as drug dealing, HIV/AIDS, and promiscuity. The first verse describes a mother-son relationship in which the son resorts to unorthodox methods to make money, and his greed ultimately leads to his death. The second verse deals with a mans relationship with a woman, and his "waterfall" is casual sex, which leads to his contraction of HIV/AIDS and eventual death. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Dont go chasing waterfalls," which refers to self-destructive and unsafe behavior, encouraging people to stick to the "rivers and the lakes that youre used to". Overall, "Waterfalls" is a song with a serious tone that addresses important issues, and it received universal critical acclaim from music critics).