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".
Yes You
Bobby McFerrin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Even if you cannot stay
I think you are the one for me
Here is where you ought to be
I just want to satisfy ya
Though you're not mine
I can't deny ya
Don't you hear me talking baby?
Oh sweet thing
You know you're my everything?
Oh sweet thing
You know you're my everything?
Yes, you are
I wish you were my lover
But ya act so undercover
To love you child my who life long
Be it right, or be it wrong
I'm only what you make me, baby
Don't walk away, don't be so shady
Don't want your mind, don't want your money
These words I say, they may sound funny, but
You are my heat
You are my fire
You make me weak with strong desire
To love you chile my whole life long
Be it right, or be it wrong
I just want to satisfy ya
Though you're not mine
I can't deny ya
Don't you hear me talking baby?
Love me now or I'll go crazy
You're my heat, you are my fire
You're not mine, I can't deny ya
Don't you hear me talking, baby?
Love me now, or I'll go crazy
The song "Yes, You" by Bobby McFerrin is a love song that speaks of the singer's unwavering love for someone who may not be able to reciprocate that love. It is a declaration of love despite the fact that the person may not be interested or may be unavailable. The opening lines "I will love you anyway, even if you cannot stay" set the tone for the rest of the song.
The chorus repeats "Oh sweet thing, you know you're my everything, Yes, you are" and reinforces the idea that the person being addressed is special and important to the singer. The verses continue this theme with the singer expressing their desire to make the person happy and to be with them, even if it's not possible. The lines "I just want to satisfy ya, though you're not mine, I can't deny ya" show the singer's willingness to love and care for the person, even if they can never be together.
The song is a beautiful ode to love and its power, even when it is unrequited or impossible. It reminds us that the heart wants what it wants, and sometimes, we can't help but love someone who may not love us back.
Line by Line Meaning
I will love you anyway
Regardless of the situation, my feelings for you will remain the same
Even if you cannot stay
Even if you have to leave, my love for you will not change
I think you are the one for me
I believe that you are the person I want to be with
Here is where you ought to be
I feel like you belong with me right here, right now
I just want to satisfy ya
All I want is to make you happy and fulfill your needs
Though you're not mine, I can't deny ya
Even though we may not be together, my attraction to you still exists
Don't you hear me talking baby?
Can you hear what I am saying to you?
Love me now or I'll go crazy
I need you to love me now, or else I will lose my mind
Oh sweet thing
Referring to the person as a term of endearment
You know you're my everything?
Do you realize how important you are to me?
Yes, you are
Affirming that the person truly is their everything
I wish you were my lover
I desire to have a romantic relationship with you
But ya act so undercover
You seem to be hiding your feelings and intentions
To love you child my whole life long
I want to love and care for you for the rest of my life
Be it right, or be it wrong
Whether it's the right or wrong decision, my love for you remains
I'm only what you make me, baby
My behavior and emotions depend on your actions and feelings towards me
Don't walk away, don't be so shady
Please don't leave me and don't be deceptive or unclear
Don't want your mind, don't want your money
I don't care about your thoughts or finances, I just want you
These words I say, they may sound funny, but
What I'm saying may sound strange or amusing, but it's true
You are my heat
You bring warmth and passion to my life
You are my fire
You ignite a strong desire within me
You make me weak with strong desire
You have the power to make me feel both vulnerable and strong at the same time
You're not mine, I can't deny ya
Even though we are not together, I cannot deny my feelings for you
Love me now, or I'll go crazy
I need your love right now, or I fear that I may lose control of myself
Don't you hear me talking, baby?
Can you understand what I am saying to you?
Writer(s): BOBBY MCFERRIN
Contributed by Julian P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.