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".
Friends
Bobby McFerrin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One is most preciously
Kept in my heart
And that's the loyalty of friends
And family gathered 'round
And making joyous sounds
Familiar voices warm the heart
Then I know what to do
I phone my friends in melancholy
And then sometimes I'm filled with doubt
Something will chase it out
It's having friends, their faith will win it out
The problems that we face
Are easier to take when you have friends
To share the ways and how you knew
That they will share the load
Then you can always go by day or night
You know that you're with folk, of course
I know that some of you
Can't think of any who you might call friend
But listen and I'll tell you that
You've heard it said before
And of it's truth I'm more
Convinced that you have friends just be one
No thing comes even close
To what we treasure most
Then to be with friends
No thing comes even close
To what we treasure most
Then to be with friends
No thing comes even close
To what we treasure most
Then to be with friends
No thing comes even close
To what we treasure most
Then to be with friends
The lyrics of the song "Friends" by Bobby McFerrin represent the value of the companionship and loyalty of friends, which is seen as one of the most precious treasures in life. Throughout the song, Bobby praises the comforting presence of friends and the happiness and peace it brings to one's life. The first verse of the song suggests that the loyalty of friends is the most valuable possession one could ever have. The second verse goes on to talk about the joyous experiences shared with friends and family, highlighting how they warm the heart and bring comfort in times of loneliness and melancholy.
The chorus is repeated several times and serves as a reminder of how unique and indispensable friendship can be. Bobby expresses the idea that problems become easier to face when we have friends around who are willing to share the burden. The bridge of the song gives encouragement to those who feel they don't have any friends by stating that everyone has friends somewhere; they just need to reach out and be a friend to someone else. The outro of the song repeats the chorus once more, emphasizing the essential nature of friendship.
Overall, the song speaks to the human need for community and the way that friendship can provide us with the love and support that we all crave. It teaches us that having loyal and trustworthy friends can make our lives better, ease our burdens, and bring us happiness and peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Of all life's treasuries
Out of everything that life offers
One is most preciously
There is one that stands above the rest in value
Kept in my heart
Resides in my heart
And that's the loyalty of friends
And that is the committed fidelity of companionship
And family gathered 'round
And the presence of family near
And making joyous sounds
And making happy noises
Familiar voices warm the heart
Familiar voices provide comfort
I find myself alone and feelin' blue
I feel isolated and down
Then I know what to do
At this point, I know how to settle it
I phone my friends in melancholy
I call my close friends in my sadness
And then sometimes I'm filled with doubt
And sometimes I feel uncertain in myself
Something will chase it out
Something will remove that feeling
It's having friends, their faith will win it out
It's having friends whose faith will triumph over my uncertainty
The problems that we face
The troubles that we encounter
Are easier to take when you have friends
Are more manageable when we have close companions
To share the ways and how you knew
To exchange knowledge and techniques
That they will share the load
That they will distribute the burden of responsibility
Then you can always go by day or night
Then you can access them at any time
You know that you're with folk, of course
Certainly, you are with people
I know that some of you
I am aware that some individuals
Can't think of any who you might call friend
Cannot name anyone to contact as a friend
But listen and I'll tell you that
But pay attention and I will inform you that
You've heard it said before
You have already heard it said
And of it's truth I'm more
And I am even more convinced of its veracity
Convinced that you have friends just be one
Convinced that you have friends, just become one yourself
No thing comes even close
Nothing even approaches
To what we treasure most
What we value the most
Then to be with friends
Is to be with close companions
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROBERT MCFERRIN JR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind