Bobby McFerrin (born New York City, March 11, 1950) is a jazz-influenced a … Read Full Bio ↴Bobby McFerrin (born New York City, March 11, 1950) is a jazz-influenced a cappella vocal performer and conductor. A ten-time Grammy Award winner, he is one of the world's best known vocal innovators and improvisers. His song "Don't Worry, Be Happy" (featured in the 1988 movie Cocktail, and the 2005 movie Jarhead) was a #1 U.S. pop hit in 1988.

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".

Manana Iguana
Bobby McFerrin Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I′m gonna say bye-bye
I'm gonna say bye-bye
I′m gonna call it quits so
I can say later on so
I'm gonna call it quits
I'm gonna say bye-bye
Bye-bye

See you later, alligator
After ′while, crocodile
Okey-dokey, artichokie
Not now, brown cow
′Til then, penguin
Mañana, iguana

Drive safely
Walk safely
Speak safely
Think safely
Eat safely
Sleep safely

Bye-bye baby
Bye-bye baby

Don't you cry now
I′ll be 'round now

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bobby McFerrin's song "Manana Iguana" convey a sense of farewell and a desire for safety and well-being. The repetition of "bye-bye" throughout the song signifies the act of bidding goodbye or parting ways. This repetition creates a playful and lighthearted tone, emphasizing the casual nature of these goodbyes.

The use of animal metaphors in the lines "See you later, alligator" and "After ′while, crocodile" adds a whimsical touch to the song, making it more enjoyable and memorable. The inclusion of phrases like "Okey-dokey, artichokie" and "Not now, brown cow" further adds to the playful nature and creates a sense of rhyming fun.

Towards the end, the lyrics shift towards providing advice for safety in various aspects of life, such as driving, walking, speaking, thinking, eating, and sleeping. This emphasis on safety highlights the importance of taking care and being cautious in our daily actions.

Overall, "Manana Iguana" is a catchy and light-hearted song that combines playful wordplay, animal metaphors, and advice on safety. It encourages listeners to bid farewell with a positive attitude and to prioritize their well-being in different aspects of life.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna say bye-bye
I am going to bid farewell

I'm gonna call it quits
I am going to end this

Bye-bye
Farewell

See you later, alligator
Until we meet again, my reptilian friend

After ′while, crocodile
After some time, my scaly companion

Okey-dokey, artichokie
Alright, my artichoke

Not now, brown cow
Not at this moment, my bovine friend

′Til then, penguin
Until that time comes, my flightless bird

Mañana, iguana
Tomorrow, my lizard

Drive safely
Operate a vehicle with caution

Walk safely
Exercise caution while walking