Chris Tomlin - Waterfall Lyrics

Waterfall

Waterfall Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Chris Tomlin's song "Waterfall," released on July 1, 2014, as part of the album *Love Ran Red*, is a powerful expression of spiritual longing and the overwhelming nature of God's love. The lyrics open with a direct address, a cry of seeking and a desire to align oneself with the divine movement. This initial expression conveys a deep spiritual thirst, acknowledging that God is the source of fulfillment, far exceeding any earthly desire or expectation.

The central theme unfolds through a series of rich water-based metaphors, describing God's presence and love. It is initially presented as an "ocean to my soul," an image suggesting vastness, depth, and an all-encompassing presence. This sets the stage for the dominant metaphor, the "waterfall," which is described as "running wild and free" and "raining down on me." This imagery signifies abundance, power, unrestrained grace, and a constant flow of divine favor. The repetition of "waterfall, waterfall" emphasizes the persistent and overwhelming nature of this love.

The song connects the human experience of calling out to God with the divine response, stating, "You hear my heart when I call, when I call." The line "Deep calls, to deep" resonates with biblical language, suggesting a profound connection between the human spirit yearning for God and God's Spirit responding in kind. This reflects a mutual recognition and drawing together, an intimate spiritual communion. The imagery shifts slightly to a "dry and desert land," a common biblical metaphor for spiritual desolation or difficulty, where God is sought. Here, God is portrayed as the provider who leads the seeker to "streams of mercy once again," highlighting His faithfulness in refreshing and sustaining in times of need.

Later verses expand the water metaphors to include a "flood," dancing "in the rain," and being covered "in rivers of grace." These images escalate the sense of the magnitude and impact of God's love and grace. The "flood" suggests an overwhelming inundation of blessing and presence, while "dancing in the rain" signifies joy and freedom experienced within this divine outpouring. Being covered in "rivers of grace" speaks to the complete washing away or covering of past actions, emphasizing the redemptive power of God's mercy, which is described as "amazing."

The song concludes by reinforcing the transformative and constant nature of this divine love. The lifting of hands is a gesture of surrender, worship, and acceptance of this grace. The declaration "Your love never changes" provides a foundation of security and trust, assuring the listener that this abundant, wild, free, and covering love is eternally reliable. The repetition of the "waterfall" chorus and the phrase "raining down on me" serves as a final emphasis on the continuous and overwhelming nature of God's presence and grace in the life of the believer.