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".
You've Really Got A Hold On Me
Bobby McFerrin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Seems that I'm always thinking of you.
Oh, oh, oh, you treat me badly,
I love you madly, you really got a hold on me.
You really got a hold on me, baby,
I don't want you, but I need you,
Don't want to kiss you, but I need you.
Oh, oh, oh, you do me wrong now,
You really got a hold on me, baby,
I love you and all I want you to do is just hold me,
Hold me, hold me, hold me.
I want to leave you, don't want to stay here
Don't want to spend another day here.
Oh, oh, oh, I want to split now, I can't Baby,
I love you and all I want you to do is just hold me,
Hold me, hold me, hold me.
You really got a hold on me.
You really got a hold on me.
You really got a hold on me.
You really got a hold on me.
You really got a hold on me.
The opening lines of Bobby McFerrin's song "You've Really Got A Hold On Me" may sound contradictory at first, as the lyrics state "I don't like you, but I love you." This line suggests that the singer is in love with someone who may not always treat him well, but he still loves them deeply. The next line of the song reinforces this idea as the singer admits to always thinking about his lover, despite the fact that they may mistreat him.
The chorus of the song repeats the title phrase "You really got a hold on me," which emphasizes the fact that the singer feels trapped in the relationship despite his desire to leave. He states that he does not want to kiss his lover but still needs them, which suggests a deep emotional connection between the two. Despite his desire to leave, he admits that his love for this person is strong and that they have a hold on him that he cannot escape.
The final lines of the song express the singer's desire to leave the relationship, but again he admits that he cannot because he loves his partner too much. The repeated plea to "hold me" reinforces the idea that the singer is emotionally trapped, despite knowing that the relationship may be toxic. Overall, the lyrics of "You've Really Got A Hold On Me" explore the complicated emotions that can arise in a dysfunctional relationship and the struggle to break free from a powerful emotional connection.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't like you, but I love you,
Despite not enjoying your company, I have grown attached to you.
Seems that I'm always thinking of you.
My thoughts often drift back to you, whether I want them to or not.
Oh, oh, oh, you treat me badly,
You are not always kind to me.
I love you madly, you really got a hold on me.
Despite your treatment, I am deeply in love with you and feel trapped by that love.
You really got a hold on me, baby,
Your grasp on me is strong and unyielding, my feelings for you are intense.
I don't want you, but I need you,
I don't want to want you, but my emotional dependence on you is so strong that I cannot help it.
Don't want to kiss you, but I need you.
Physical intimacy with you is not desirable, but I crave your emotional closeness.
Oh, oh, oh, you do me wrong now,
You frequently hurt me, intentionally or not.
My love is strong now you really got a hold on me.
Despite the hurt you cause me, my love for you persists and keeps me emotionally bound to you.
I love you and all I want you to do is just hold me,
All I desire is your physical presence and comfort, even though you may not reciprocate the fullness of my love.
Hold me, hold me, hold me.
Wrap your arms around me, embrace me tightly.
I want to leave you, don't want to stay here
Part of me desires to break free from this emotional hold you have on me and move on.
Don't want to spend another day here.
I do not want to continue existing in this state of emotional turmoil.
Oh, oh, oh, I want to split now, I can't Baby,
Despite my desire to leave, I am unwilling or unable to do so because of the grip you have on my heart.
You really got a hold on me.
You have complete control over my emotional state and will continue to hold onto me with or without my consent.
You really got a hold on me.
You continue to hold onto me despite my desire to break free from your control.
You really got a hold on me.
My feelings for you are intense and inescapable, and you will continue to have a powerful hold on me.
You really got a hold on me.
You are emotionally tied to me in a way that I cannot escape, and my infatuation with you will persist.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: William Robinson Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind