Lyric discussion by Bandie 

Cover art for When I Fall lyrics by Barenaked Ladies

This is an interesting song. To me the situation in it, i.e., window washing, insn't a metaphor for anything, but i think that his fear of falling is meant to be ironic. It's like a lion tamer who is allergic to cats.

And I think that the transition from "if i fall" to "when i fall" is important. the washer has given up struggling with fate, his kismet is to fall off his scaffold and die.

"would you catch me if I fall?"

They're frightened of jumping, in case they survive

I wish I could step from this scaffold Onto soft green pastures, shopping malls, or bed With my family and my pastor and my grandfather who's dead

the window washer hopes that when he falls, god will "catch" him, I.E., take him to heaven

I agree with Catheriniks, it is pretty unbelievable the range of maturity, or immaturity, that these guys produce.