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".
Freedom Is A Voice
Bobby McFerrin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Freedom is a song
Freedom is a spirit
For the people who are strong
Freedom is a city
Freedom is a land
Freedom is the courage
The lyrics of Bobby McFerrin's song "Freedom Is A Voice" convey the idea that freedom is not just a physical state but also an emotional and spiritual one. McFerrin suggests that freedom is not merely a concept, but a voice that speaks for those who are courageous and strong enough to seek it. He also suggests that freedom is a song and a spirit, a way of life that expresses itself through the music and art of a community. Furthermore, he implies that freedom is something that can be shared between people who are willing to take each other's hands and support each other in their quest for liberation.
One interpretation of the song is that McFerrin is urging listeners to view freedom as a collective goal rather than an individual one. The lyric "For the people who are strong" suggests that those who have the strength to work for freedom must also be willing to share that freedom with others. The lines "Freedom is a city / Freedom is a land" imply that freedom is not just a personal state of being but a communal one that requires the building of social structures and institutions that promote equality and justice.
Line by Line Meaning
Freedom is a voice
Freedom is the ability to speak up and express oneself without fear or repression.
Freedom is a song
Freedom is the melody of individuality and creativity that cannot be silenced or constrained.
Freedom is a spirit
Freedom is the essence of humanity, the intangible force that drives us to seek justice and equality.
For the people who are strong
Freedom is not for the faint of heart, it requires the strength and determination to stand up for what is right.
Freedom is a city
Freedom is a place where diverse cultures and ideas mix and flourish without the imposition of conformity or uniformity.
Freedom is a land
Freedom is the birthright of all people, a vast expanse of opportunity and possibility that cannot be contained or oppressed.
Freedom is the courage
Freedom requires the bravery to face adversity and opposition, to stand up for oneself and others without faltering.
To take another hand
Freedom is the willingness to reach out to others and form connections, to work together towards common goals and share the joys and struggles of life.
Contributed by Nora B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.