He has also worked in collaboration with instrumental performers including pianist Chick Corea and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. This collaboration has established him as an ambassador of both the classical and jazz worlds. His recordings have sold over 20 million copies.
In addition to his vocal performing career, Mr. McFerrin was appointed in 1994 as creative chair of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.
He is the subject of a persistent yet wholly unfounded rumour that he has committed suicide. The rumor was so strong that the official Bobby McFerrin FAQ addressed the question.
Mr. McFerrin and his oft-maligned hit "Don't Worry, Be Happy" were parodied on "The Simpsons" as "I'm Worried - Need Money".
Autumn Leaves
Bobby McFerrin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The autumn leaves of red and gold
I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sun-burned hands I used to hold
Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
But I miss you most of all my darling
C'est une chanson, qui nous ressemble
Toi tu m'aimais et je t'aimais
Nous vivions tous deux ensemble
Toi qui m'aimais moi qui t'aimais
Mais la vie separe ceux qui s'aiment
Tout doucement sans faire de bruit
Et la mer efface sur le sable les pas des amants desunis
The lyrics of Bobby McFerrin's Autumn Leaves evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia for a lost love. The falling leaves outside the window serve as a metaphor for the changing seasons and the passing of time. The singer reminisces about the warm, passionate summer days when they were in love and held hands. However, the relationship has ended, and the singer is left to face the long days of winter ahead, missing their darling the most when the autumn leaves begin to fall.
The second verse is sung in French and adds an extra layer of complexity to the song. The lyrics speak of two lovers who once lived together and loved each other deeply. However, despite their love, life has separated them "slowly and quietly." The ocean erases the footprints of these parted lovers on the sand. This verse adds a bittersweet tone to the song, highlighting the inevitability of change and the pain of endings.
Overall, Bobby McFerrin's Autumn Leaves is a beautiful and poignant song that captures the fleeting nature of love and life. The falling leaves serve as a powerful symbol for the passage of time, and both the English and French lyrics offer different perspectives on love and loss.
Line by Line Meaning
The falling leaves drift by the window
I'm watching the autumn leaves float by outside my window.
The autumn leaves of red and gold
These leaves are a beautiful mix of red and gold.
I see your lips, the summer kisses
I remember kissing you last summer and the way your lips felt.
The sun-burned hands I used to hold
I miss holding your hands, even though they were sunburned at times.
Since you went away the days grow long
My days feel really long ever since you left.
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
Winter is coming and it feels like it will be a long one without you.
But I miss you most of all my darling
I miss you more than anything, my love.
When autumn leaves start to fall
The falling of these leaves reminds me of how much I miss you.
C'est une chanson, qui nous ressemble
This song represents us both so well.
Toi tu m'aimais et je t'aimais
We both loved each other so much.
Nous vivions tous deux ensemble
We used to live together and it was amazing.
Toi qui m'aimais moi qui t'aimais
You loved me and I loved you back.
Mais la vie separe ceux qui s'aiment
But sometimes life separates those who love each other.
Tout doucement sans faire de bruit
It happens so quietly and gently.
Et la mer efface sur le sable les pas des amants desunis
And just like the ocean washes away the footsteps of separated lovers on the sand, our love has faded away too.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jacques Prevert, Joseph Kosma
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Adam
This ones always something to return to whenever I feel like I’ve lost some love for music. Always an inspiration. RIP Chick
This Is Our Experience
Ronin Adrian We don't. Don't ruin a heartfelt comment with the nonsense
twocatchtwenty_
how can you have such clean bending on a bass (double bass? sorry english is not my first language) ? everythings incredible but that just gave me chills.
Luis Flores
True
Nils Kavanagh
I feel the exact same way
wolfiesown
Bobby‘s vocals are out of this world as usual. And with such musicians around him he can shine even brighter. Insane talent combined 👏👏👏👏👏👏
S Önder
RIP Chick Corea, what a listener, what a musician, what a guy!
Lou M
Amen
bigPianist99
That build-up at 12:20 is one of the greatest moments in the history of Jazz. The interaction, the creativity, the tension- damn, I am an adult man and I wet my pants everytime I get to hear this passage!
Po Tato
Chick and his ability to listen and respond and learn from, has and always will be his best attribute. Miles knew it.