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".
Beverly Hills Blues
Bobby McFerrin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People get ready there's a limousine comin'
Don't need no baggage, just a pair of funky shoes
You know you're ready when you paid your membership dues
To take you to the country club
Bring your golf clubs & your tennis racquet too
We'll bang a few balls
cause we're singing the Beverly Hills Blues
Walkin' down Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills
There's a Gucci store, it's open late
Beverly Hills
Japanese men buying things they don't need
Beverly Hills
So, so expensive for no need
Couldn't start my Porsche
Couldn't start my Mercedes Benz
Had to call up one of my German friends
Listen very carefully you can hear credit cards sliding out of their wallets right now
There goes your Visa, your Mastercard, your American Express
All that great, great American excess
feel the money go beyond your credit
Oh you'll have to pay one day but not right now
come on baby, Beverly Hills, oh you gotta love it somehow
The song Beverly Hills Blues by Bobby McFerrin is a commentary on the materialistic and luxurious lifestyle of Beverly Hills. The start of the song urges people to get ready as a limousine is coming to take them to a country club where they'll play golf and tennis. The lyrics imply that this is a lifestyle only available to those who can afford membership dues and expensive equipment. The song then goes on to describe the excesses of Beverly Hills. Rodeo Drive, with its expensive stores, is mentioned, and the lyrics highlight the consumerism and wastefulness of buying things that are not needed. The mention of Porsche and Mercedes Benz not starting and then having to call German friends for help indicates the over-reliance on luxury products and the shallow connections made for self-gain. The song mentions the use of credit cards for the purchase of expensive items and sarcastically notes how people think they are beyond their financial limits with the implication that they would eventually have to pay for this indulgent lifestyle.
Overall, the song brings attention to the materialistic lifestyle and consumerism culture that exists in Beverly Hills. The use of irony and sarcasm in the lyrics draw attention to the destructive effects of indulgence and over-consumption.
Line by Line Meaning
People get ready there's a limousine comin'
Get ready to go in style, a limousine is arriving.
Don't need no baggage, just a pair of funky shoes
Travel light, all you need is your unique shoes.
You know you're ready when you paid your membership dues
You're ready to go when you've paid the necessary fees.
To take you to the country club
The limousine will bring you to the posh country club.
Bring your golf clubs & your tennis racquet too
Don't forget your expensive golf and tennis gear.
We'll bang a few balls
They will play some golf and tennis.
cause we're singing the Beverly Hills Blues
They're enjoying the luxurious lifestyle of Beverly Hills.
Walkin' down Rodeo Drive
Strolling along the famous shopping district of Beverly Hills.
There's a Gucci store, it's open late
The posh Gucci store is open even at night.
Japanese men buying things they don't need
Rich Japanese shoppers are buying luxury items they probably won't even use.
So, so expensive for no need
The items are ridiculously pricey and unnecessary.
Couldn't start my Porsche
Bobby McFerrin's fancy car wouldn't start.
Couldn't start my Mercedes Benz
Neither would his other expensive car.
Had to call up one of my German friends
He called a German friend who perhaps has more knowledge about cars.
Listen very carefully you can hear credit cards sliding out of their wallets right now
People are spending loads of money with their credit cards.
There goes your Visa, your Mastercard, your American Express
People are using different types of credit cards to pay for their purchases.
All that great, great American excess
Excessive buying and spending is a common trend in America.
feel the money go beyond your credit
Spending so much money, it's beyond their credit limit.
Oh you'll have to pay one day but not right now
They'll have to pay their bills eventually but they don't seem to care at the moment.
come on baby, Beverly Hills, oh you gotta love it somehow
Despite the excess and ridiculousness of Beverly Hills, one can't help but enjoy and love it.
Contributed by Taylor B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.