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".
Windows
Bobby McFerrin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You count every word I say
Over again you might find a way
Seven verses to magnify
Drop the feathers you will never fly
Tapestries of black and gold they're crying
Looking through the windows I am watching you
Turn on a wave of fire
Your pale skin can't turn any whiter
Grab a wheel sing a bitter tune
Never stops to forget you've seen
Tapestries of black and gold they're crying
Looking through the windows I am watching you
You as you go by
Walk along a lonely mile
Saw a bird falling at my feet
Crawling like a wounded child
Moving farther out of reach
Don't want to be alone, no
Come on, come on, come on
You count every word I say
Over again you could find a way
Seven verses to magnify
Drop the feathers you will never fly
Tapestries of black and gold they're crying
Looking through the windows I am watching you
You as you go by
The lyrics of "Windows" by Bobby McFerrin are deeply metaphorical, and they invite listeners to reflect on themes like personal growth, self-awareness, and the search for inner balance. In the first stanza, the singer seems to be addressing someone who is overly critical of his words and actions: "You count every word I say / Over again you might find a way / Seven verses to magnify / Drop the feathers you will never fly." Here, dropping the feathers might symbolize letting go of the past and embracing change, while the "seven verses" evoke a sense of completion or wholeness.
The chorus, "Tapestries of black and gold they're crying / Looking through the windows I am watching you / You as you go by," builds on the idea of self-examination and introspection. The "tapestries" might represent the complexities and contradictions of the human psyche, while the "windows" suggest that it's possible to observe and learn from one's own behavior. The repetition of the phrase "you as you go by" reinforces the idea that life is a journey, and that we can't escape ourselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, oh
The singer begins with an expression of affirmation, indicating that he is ready and willing to communicate with the listener.
You count every word I say
The listener pays close attention to the singer's words, analyzing every phrase for possible interpretation.
Over again you might find a way
Through repetition and careful listening, the listener may find new meanings in the lyrics, discovering insights that may not have been immediately apparent.
Seven verses to magnify
The song has seven verses, each containing its own unique message and thematic development, in order to more fully explore the song's core themes.
Drop the feathers you will never fly
The singer urges the listener to shed the things that hold them back, to leave behind their fears and doubts and take flight.
Tapestries of black and gold they're crying
The rich, ornate imagery painted by the song is beset by sorrow and lamentation, mourning the hardships of life that can dim even the brightest of accomplishments.
Looking through the windows I am watching you
The singer observes the listener from afar, keenly aware of their struggles and pains, and longing to connect with them in a meaningful way.
You as you go by
The listener's life continues to unfold, marked by the same struggles and uncertainties that plague all of us.
Turn on a wave of fire
The singer exhorts the listener to embrace their passions and throw themselves headlong into the world, without fear or reservation.
Your pale skin can't turn any whiter
The listener is already fearful and anxious, and cannot become any more so.
Grab a wheel sing a bitter tune
Even when we are feeling most distressed, the singer invites the listener to take control of their lives and create something meaningful from their pain.
Never stops to forget you've seen
An admonition to the listener to remember what they have witnessed in their lives, the many varied experiences that have shaped their being, and to hold fast to those memories as they move forward.
Walk along a lonely mile
The listener may feel that their path in life is a solitary one, without the comfort of companionship or guidance.
Saw a bird falling at my feet
An image of loss and despair, where even nature itself seems to echo the listener's innermost pain.
Crawling like a wounded child
The bird, a symbol of freedom and beauty, is reduced to a state of utter helplessness and vulnerability, echoing the listener's own feelings of weakness and woe.
Moving farther out of reach
The listener may feel that their goals and dreams are becoming ever more distant and unattainable, no matter how hard they strive to reach them.
Don't want to be alone, no
An acknowledgement that the human experience is a communal one, that we all need the support and nurture of others in order to live meaningful lives.
Come on, come on, come on
An invitation to the listener to join the singer in a shared journey towards healing and self-discovery.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHICK COREA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind