(Cyndi Lauper, Rob Hyman)
I went to the water's edge, forgot I couldn't swim
I went to the water's edge, all ready to jump in
I saw the water shimmer
I heard the wind howl
I saw my own reflection
I just can't see it now
You say it's the way of the world
To somehow co-exists
That eventually life unfurls
A path to happiness
So I whisper your little secret
And repeat it under my breath
I'll save it for you in my heart
In case we both forget [ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/c/cyndi_lauper/waters_edge.html ]
Oh, I wish you could wrap yourself around me
I am gripped by a loneliness
Oh, I wish you could wrap yourself around me
I'd be released in your tenderness
I'd be released in your tenderness
I went to the water's edge and saw my life eclipse
I went to the water's edge and then felt myself slip
I dreamed that I was floating, just coast until I grew fins
I want to catch this tide back home and feel you again
Oh, I wish you could wrap yourself around me
I am gripped by a loneliness
Oh, I wish you could wrap yourself around me
I'd be released in your tenderness
Oh, I wish you could wrap yourself around me
I am gripped by a loneliness
Oh, I wish you could wrap yourself around me
I'd be released in your tenderness
I'd be released in your tenderness
I'd be released in your tenderness
An attempt at a suicide by someone. The "i" in the song
Stumbles upon the suicide victim and wanted to help.
Then he/she remembers he/she cannot swim, unable to help
Save the drowning victim. Wishing she could become like a fish in order to help the victim or "grow fins" - hence, becoming capable of swimming and able to save the victim. The suicide may be interpreted not as literal as a possible attempt at suicide; but it could be a metaphor for being unable to help someone that the "i" so desperately cares for from any ill situation in that person's life that would be going on at that moment in time; and the "i" feeling helpless because he/she is incapable of fixing, or "making better", the person's problems; although he/she wishes desperately to do so.