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".
Feline
Bobby McFerrin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
how long, how long this time?
cried the young feline
you got some weird desire
but how long, how long will this go on?
I'll be waiting for you to come back home
Remember years ago you had told me so
took you by the hand and said I'd try to understand
but how long, how long will this go on?
I'll be waiting for you to come back home
Lying here alone waiting by the telephone
hope you are alright and takin' care your own
hope nobody steals ya, want ya home where I can feel ya
how long will this go on?
I'll be waiting for you to come back home
how long, how long will this go on?
I'll be waiting for you to come back home
The lyrics of Bobby McFerrin's "Feline" suggest a complicated relationship between the singer and another person who has a penchant for running away. The singer receives news that the other person has once again run away and expresses concern, wondering how long this will continue. The person is described as having a "weird desire" which may suggest that they struggle with commitments or are searching for something that they have not yet found. The singer reminisces about a conversation they had with the other person years ago, where they discussed their restlessness and helplessness and how it may hinder their relationship in time. The singer promised to understand and be there for the person, but it seems like the other person may still be struggling with their inner turmoil.
The singer's worries are evident in the lyrics as they lie alone, waiting by the phone for the other person's return. They hope that the other person is alright and taking care of themselves, while also longing for them to return home. The singer expresses a desire to be close to the other person and feel their presence. The chorus repeats the question of how long this will go on for and provides no real answer, leaving the listener to wonder if the other person will ever truly settle down and come back to the singer.
Overall, "Feline" is a poignant ballad about the struggles of being in a relationship with someone who may be emotionally transient or difficult to pin down. The lyrics are heartfelt and speak to the universal experience of missing someone you care about deeply, while also grappling with the complexity of their actions and emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
I got news today you had run away
I received information that you have left without prior notice
how long, how long this time?
For how much time have you been absent this time?
cried the young feline
The young feline burst into tears upon hearing the news
you got some weird desire
You have an unusual urge to leave without warning
but how long, how long will this go on?
How much longer will you continue this pattern of behavior?
I'll be waiting for you to come back home
I will patiently await your return to our shared home
Remember years ago you had told me so
I recall you telling me a long time ago
your restlessness, helplessness would hinder us in time
You explained that your inability to settle down would eventually cause problems in our relationship
took you by the hand and said I'd try to understand
I comforted you and promised to empathize with your situation
Lying here alone waiting by the telephone
I am alone and waiting for a phone call from you
hope you are alright and takin' care your own
I hope you are doing well and taking care of yourself
hope nobody steals ya, want ya home where I can feel ya
I hope no one takes advantage of you, and I want you back home where I can be close to you
how long will this go on?
How much longer do I have to endure this separation from you?
I'll be waiting for you to come back home
I will patiently await your return to our shared home
how long, how long will this go on?
How much longer will you continue this pattern of behavior?
I'll be waiting for you to come back home
I will patiently await your return to our shared home
Contributed by Avery F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.