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".

Peace
Bobby McFerrin Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

All we need in this world
Is to have a time if peace
A time of light and love
With all guidance from above
A time a man can understand
Being free
Oh in a time of peace

We need peace for our children
So that they may live a better life
What joy divine
What a perfect state of mind
With their worries and cares
Left behind

We need peace for our children
So that they may live a better life
What joy divine
What a perfect state of mind
With their worries and cares
Left behind
Oh what a peaceful time

Oh what a peaceful time
Oh what a peaceful time

Overall Meaning

Bobby McFerrin's song "Peace" speaks to the universal desire for a world without conflict, where people can live in harmony with one another. The lyrics emphasize the importance of creating an environment of peace and love, where individuals are free to live their lives without fear or oppression. The song is a call to action for the creation of a society where children can grow up without the burden of worry, stress and anxiety.

The lyrics of the song begin by pointing out that all we need in this world is peace. A time of light and love with guidance from above, where man can understand what it means to be truly free. The next verse throws light on the importance of peace for our children so that they may live a better life. The verses are repeated and stress continues on the need for peace for our children so that they may live a better life. The chorus of the song is a repetition of the phrase "Oh what a peaceful time" and is a powerful reminder of what the world can be like when we all work together to bring about peace.

The message of Bobby McFerrin's Peace is still relevant today, thirty-six years after its initial release. The lack of peace in the world and the enormous costs of war provide a compelling reason for people to seek peace. The song inspires individuals to come together to make a difference by working towards a world that is free from conflict, where people can live together in peace and harmony.

Line by Line Meaning

All we need in this world
The most essential element required in this world

Is to have a time of peace
Is to experience a state of tranquility and calmness

A time of light and love
A period filled with serenity and love

With all guidance from above
With divine direction and assistance

A time a man can understand
A phase when humans can comprehend themselves

Being free
Being liberated from all forms of distress and limitations

Oh in a time of peace
Oh, what an ideal period to flourish

We need peace for our children
Our little ones require peace

So that they may live a better life
They can have an improved existence

What joy divine
What an overwhelming feeling of happiness from heaven

What a perfect state of mind
What an impeccable state of emotions and thoughts