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".
The 23rd Psalm
Bobby McFerrin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The Lord is my Shepard, I have all I need,
She makes me lie down in green meadows,
Beside the still waters, She will lead.
She restores my soul, She rights my wrongs,
She leads me in a path of good things,
And fills my heart with songs.
Even though I walk, through a dark and dreary land,
There is nothing that can shake me,
She has said She won't forsake me,
I'm in her hand.
She sets a table before me, in the presence of my foes,
She anoints my head with oil,
And my cup overflows.
Surely, surely goodness and kindness will follow me,
All the days of my life,
And I will live in her house,
Forever, forever and ever.
Glory be to our Mother, and Daughter,
And to the Holy of Holies,
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
World, without end. Amen
The lyrics to Bobby McFerrin's "The 23rd Psalm" capture the essence of Psalm 23, which is a biblical passage that speaks of the Lord as a compassionate shepherd, guiding and protecting his flock. In the song, the Lord is referred to as "She," which may be seen as a deviation from the traditional male pronoun used in referring to God. The use of feminine pronouns in the song may be interpreted as a way to reimagine God as a nurturing and loving mother figure, as opposed to the traditional images of a stern male deity.
In the first stanza, the singer declares that the Lord (or "She") is his shepherd, and he has everything he needs. The second stanza continues this theme of abundance, with the Lord providing rest and refreshment in green meadows and still waters. In the third stanza, the singer speaks of how the Lord restores his soul and guides him on the path of righteousness, which fills his heart with joy and song.
The fourth stanza introduces the theme of journeying through difficult times, with the singer walking through a dark and dreary land. However, he takes comfort in the knowledge that the Lord will not forsake him and that he is in the Lord's safe hands. In the fifth stanza, the Lord is depicted as providing for the singer in the midst of his enemies, anointing his head with oil and filling his cup to overflowing. The final stanza concludes with a declaration of faith that goodness and mercy will follow the singer all the days of his life, and that he will dwell in the Lord's house forever.
Overall, "The 23rd Psalm" is a powerful reimagining of a biblical passage that presents God as a nurturer and guide, rather than a stern and distant male figure. The use of feminine pronouns in the song provides a refreshing perspective on this timeless text and speaks to the power of reimagination in shaping our understanding of the divine.
Line by Line Meaning
The Lord is my Shepard, I have all I need,
My protector guides me in the right direction and makes sure I have everything I require.
She makes me lie down in green meadows,
Beside the still waters, She will lead.
She provides me with restful environments and calm experiences, and guides me towards them.
She restores my soul, She rights my wrongs,
She leads me in a path of good things,
And fills my heart with songs.
She rejuvenates my spirit when I am sapped, corrects my mistakes, and leads me towards joyful paths.
Even though I walk, through a dark and dreary land,
There is nothing that can shake me,
She has said She won't forsake me,
I'm in her hand.
Even in challenging times, I am unfazed as She has promised to be there for me and keep me secure.
She sets a table before me, in the presence of my foes,
She anoints my head with oil,
And my cup overflows.
She provides me with abundance and true nourishment, even in the midst of my adversaries.
Surely, surely goodness and kindness will follow me,
All the days of my life,
And I will live in her house,
Forever, forever and ever.
I am confident that She will continue to bless me with love and sincere benevolence, throughout my life, and I will always be in her care.
Glory be to our Mother, and Daughter,
And to the Holy of Holies,
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
World, without end. Amen
We offer adoration to the feminine divine in all her forms and sites of worship, who existed at the dawn, is with us always, and will continue to exist forever.
Contributed by Elijah P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.