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".
Simple Pleasures
Bobby McFerrin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sing it with me now
Tell 'em brother Bobby
I like to get up early in the morning
About six A.M. to be exact
I have this chair I like to sit down in
I got the good book to sit down and read
Get my day started in the right way
I call them in the morning
I say boys get up its time for school
And they get on their clothes
I pour the cereal out and the sugar too, yes indeed
And I call my baby
Baby I say Debbie get up get up
Its time to get yourself together
It's such a beautiful day outside
Simple pleasures are the best
Yes they are
I'm so happy
I'm a happy man
Yes I am
Yes I am
I'm so happy
Simple pleasures are the best
Oh yeah
I'm so happy
I'm so happy
Yes I am
I'm so happy
Simple pleasures are the best
The song "Simple Pleasures" by Bobby McFerrin is an ode to finding happiness in life's small and simple joys. The song opens with a call to sing along, setting the tone for a joyful and uplifting anthem. McFerrin then describes his own morning routine, which involves waking up early, sitting down with a good book, and spending time with his children and partner. He revels in the simple pleasure of pouring cereal and sugar, simply enjoying the beauty of the day. Through his lyrics, McFerrin reminds us that happiness is not found in material possessions or grand experiences, but rather in the small moments of everyday life.
In the chorus, McFerrin declares his happiness and sings the praises of simple pleasures. The repetition of the phrase "simple pleasures are the best" underscores the message of the song and encourages listeners to focus on those things that bring joy and contentment. McFerrin's upbeat delivery and catchy melody create a sense of optimism and celebration that is infectious.
Overall, "Simple Pleasures" is a refreshing reminder to slow down and appreciate the small things in life. While the song's message may seem simplistic, its simple beauty and positivity make it a timeless classic that continues to inspire listeners today.
Line by Line Meaning
C'mon now sing it now
Encouraging others to sing and join in on the joyous feeling
Sing it with me now
Inviting and urging others to sing and enjoy the moment alongside him
Tell 'em brother Bobby
Asking the audience to listen and pay attention to what he is about to say
I like to get up early in the morning
Expressing a personal preference for waking up early
About six A.M. to be exact
Specifying a precise time of his preferred morning wake-up routine
I have this chair I like to sit down in
Describing a comfortable spot that he enjoys sitting in to start his day
I got the good book to sit down and read
Referring to a book he enjoys reading in the morning, which sets the tone for the rest of his day
Get my day started in the right way
Explaining how his morning routine sets the foundation for the rest of his day
I got these two little boys Taylor and Jevon
Mentioning his children by name and acknowledging his responsibility as a father
I call them in the morning
Describing his routine of waking up his kids for school
I say boys get up its time for school
Explaining what he says to his children when waking them up
And they get on their clothes
Describing what his children do in response to his command to wake up and get ready for school
I pour the cereal out and the sugar too, yes indeed
Explaining how he prepares breakfast for his family
And I call my baby
Referring to his partner or spouse
Baby I say Debbie get up get up
Telling his partner or spouse it's time to start the day
Its time to get yourself together
Encouraging his partner or spouse to start their day and get ready
It's such a beautiful day outside
Commenting on the weather and the beauty of the day
Simple pleasures are the best
Stating a personal belief that the simple things in life bring the most joy
Yes they are
Affirming the previous statement about the power of simple pleasures
I'm so happy
Expressing a feeling of happiness and contentment
I'm a happy man
Stating that he is a happy person, satisfied with his life
Oh yeah
Exclaiming with excitement and enthusiasm
Contributed by Wyatt V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.