Lyric discussion by The Charade is Over 

Cover art for Clumsy lyrics by Our Lady Peace

I used to think of this song in a negative way, the people watching the person in trouble drown, but making no move to help him. I've done a lot of thinking about this song, and I think what it comes down to is that, the speaker (singer, whoever) doesn't know how to help his "drowning" friend so he just waits on the shore for his friend to come to him to talk. The speaker wants his friend to know that he's there for him, when he's ready. At least, that's what I think.

Tenacious Joe, the song "Little Things" is by Good Charlotte.

AS in: if you try to help someone who is drowning, they will take you down with them.

i had not thought about that... :)