Waterfall

James' song 'Waterfall' delves into the themes of self-reflection, the clutter of modern life, and the yearning for liberation. The lyrics open with a poignant image of the singer's mirror laughing at him, symbolizing a moment of self-awareness and the realization of aging. This mirror serves as a metaphor for introspection, revealing the 'junk' accumulated in life—both physical and emotional—that hinders personal growth. The line 'life's pay as you go' suggests the transient nature of existence and the importance of living in the moment, while questioning how much of life is predetermined from birth ('set up in utero') adds a layer of existential contemplation.

The recurring imagery of the waterfall represents a place of purity and clarity, contrasting sharply with the chaos of everyday life. The singer's desire to escape ('One day I'm going to break from my life / Due south down to Mexico') and the drastic notion of burning down his house symbolize a radical need to cleanse and start anew. This act of destruction is seen as the only way to let go of the accumulated 'stuff' that stifles growth. The waterfall, described as 'cool and cold and clear,' becomes a sanctuary where the singer can find solace and clarity away from the 'beat of concrete' and the relentless pace of modern technology.

The song also touches on the idea of reconnecting with nature as an antidote to the artificiality of contemporary life. The imagery of running hands across a horse's flanks and feeling the 'pulse of blood, the heat and the force' contrasts with the lifelessness of 'mobile phones and plasma screens.' This connection to the natural world offers a sense of grounding and authenticity that is missing in the singer's current existence. The repeated refrain of 'Under the waterfall' serves as a mantra for this desired state of purity and simplicity.

In the final verses, the singer's cynicism is laid bare, highlighting the struggle to find a way out of the disillusionment. The metaphor of water droplets building up to create a spray suggests that small changes can accumulate to bring about significant transformation. The song ultimately portrays a journey of self-discovery and the quest for a more meaningful, uncluttered life, symbolized by the cleansing and rejuvenating power of the waterfall.