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".
Sightless Bird
Bobby McFerrin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've got to quiet down
Enough of this runaround
I′ve got to get out of town
So I sit alone among parting thought
Looking for an empty space
A living and breathing place
A bit of sustaining grace
And exchange graceful liting melodies with a sightless bird
My unfeathered spirit taking flight
Telling my secrets to unsighted friends
As I lay my back upon a cool moss tree
Looking out towards the sky
I can see clouds roll by
I can feel tension die
And I lay my head upon pillowed hands
Sightless bird sings to heal
Weariness I may feel
That sometimes may seem too real
Out here I bid all my troubles bye
And exchange graceful liting melodies with a sightless bird
My unfeathered spirit taking flight
Telling my secrets to unsighted friends
The lyrics of Bobby McFerrin's song, Sightless Bird, present a powerful yet poignant message, chronicling the journey of an individual seeking solace and respite from the chaos and confusion of modern life. The opening lines, "I haven't been alone much lately, I think I've got to quiet down," highlight the desire for an escape from the persistent noise and distraction, indicating a need for introspection and contemplation. The singer is yearning for detachment, which is evident from his words, "Enough of this runaround, I've got to get out of town."
Later in the song, the singer finds his desired seclusion, and in this state of nature, he connects with a sightless bird. McFerrin uses the metaphor of the bird to evoke the imagery of detachment and unburdening. The singer lays his "unfeathered soul down" while telling his secrets to the unsighted bird, conveying the sense that by entrusting his secrets to an animal, he can relieve himself of the weariness he feels, freeing him from the weight of his troubles.
In conclusion, Bobby McFerrin's Sightless Bird portrays a powerful theme of finding solace in nature and friendship, which can help relieve us of our worries and revitalize our spirits.
Line by Line Meaning
I haven’t been alone much lately I think
Recently I haven't spent much time alone and I feel the need to be by myself.
I've got to quiet down
I need to slow down and calm my mind.
Enough of this runaround
I'm tired of being busy and having a hectic schedule.
I've got to get out of town
I need to leave this place and go somewhere else to clear my mind.
So I sit alone among parting thought
I sit by myself, lost in deep contemplation.
Looking for an empty space
I seek a space where I can be alone and undisturbed.
A living and breathing place
A space where I can feel alive and connected with nature.
A bit of sustaining grace
I need a space that can provide a sense of support, comfort and peace.
Out here I bid all my troubles bye
Being in this space allows me to leave all my worries behind.
And exchange graceful liting melodies with a sightless bird
I join in harmony with a bird, where our music complements each other.
My unfeathered spirit taking flight
I feel a sense of freedom and release from my troubles.
Telling my secrets to unsighted friends
I feel comfortable enough to share my deepest secrets with the bird, who represents my closest companion.
As I lay my back upon a cool moss tree
I rest my back against a tree covered in moss, providing a soothing coolness.
Looking out towards the sky
I gaze upwards, taking in the beauty of the sky and its surroundings.
I can see clouds roll by
Observing the movement of clouds and feeling a sense of wonder and peace.
I can feel tension die
I am aware of my stress levels calming down and dissipating.
And I lay my head upon pillowed hands
I make myself comfortable, and let myself rest and enjoy the peace.
Sightless bird sings to heal
The bird's song brings comfort and healing to me.
Weariness I may feel, that sometimes may seem too real
I may feel very tired and worn down, more than I can handle sometimes.
Writer(s): Robert Mcferrin Jr.
Contributed by Gabriel G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.