The "Acoustic Standard" of 90s R&B
Water Runs Dry is one of Boyz II Men's most commercially successful hits, produced by the legendary Babyface. Unlike their heavy harmonies on "End of the Road," this track relies on a stripped-back acoustic guitar arrangement. This means there is nowhere to hide; your vocal tone and emotional delivery must be flawless.
The song requires a smooth transition between breathy lower-register verses and powerful, belted ad-libs in the climax. It teaches control, dynamics, and the art of the "R&B Run" (melisma). Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Runs
Many singers slur the notes during the ad-libs. Our analysis shows that practicing the pentatonic scale slowly improves your score. Each note in the "run" should be distinct, not muddy.
Phase 1: The Acoustic Verse (0:00 - 1:04)
The song begins in A major with a soft, conversational tone. The line "We don't even talk anymore" should not be sung with full projection. Think of it as intimate storytelling.
The Trap: Because the instrumentation is quiet, singers often go flat at the end of phrases. Maintain your breath support even when singing softly (mezzo-piano) to keep the pitch center true.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build (1:04 - 2:10)
As the percussion kicks in, you need to add more chest resonance. The lyrics "Maybe we can talk it over" require a warmer tone. This is where you begin to blend the smooth "crooner" style with a slightly more aggressive pop placement.
- Harmony Check: If you are singing with the app, pay attention to the background vocals. Ensure your lead vocal cuts through but doesn't clash with the underlying chords.
- Diction: Keep your vowels open. Do not close your jaw on words like "try" or "dry," or the sound will become nasal.
Phase 3: The Climax & Ad-Libs (2:10 - End)
This is the signature Wanya Morris territory. The song modulates and the vocals become intense. The ad-libs require you to belt up to a B4 (and higher in falsetto).
To hit these high notes without strain, engage your core and think "down" while singing up. This anchors your larynx. The emotion here should feel desperate and pleading, contrasting the calm beginning of the song.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted chest-voice note is a B4. However, the falsetto ad-libs and harmonies reach higher into the 5th octave.
Yes. The verses are very comfortable for Baritones (E3-A3 range). For the high climax, Baritones may need to rely more on falsetto or mix voice rather than full chest belt.
Break the run down note-by-note. Slow the playback speed in the Singing Coach AI app to 50% and sing it staccato first, then smooth it out into legato as you speed up.
