Beyond Words

1. Invocation
2. Kalimba Suite
3. A silken Road
4. Fertile Field
5. Dervishes
6. Ziggurat
7. Sisters
8. Circlings
9. Chanson
10. Windows
11. Marlowe
12. Mass
13. Pat & Joe
14. Taylor Made
15. A Piece, A Chord
16. Monks/The Shepherd

Beyond Words

Blue Note, 2002

Beyond Words is where Bobby finds the magic in music, and that is the title of his most recent recording (March 2002), the twelfth in a highly creative journey that has already brought him 10 Grammy Awards. The album was marketed jointly by the legendary jazz label Blue Note and revered classical imprint Angel Records. McFerrin was signed to the sister labels under the Jazz & Classics umbrella of Capitol Records in early 2001 and both are a natural home for the performer whose creative energy flows freely through the worlds of jazz, classical, pop, choral, a capella, and world music.

Produced by Linda Goldstein and co-produced by Gil Goldstein, Beyond Words takes the listener on a pilgrimage through Bobby's influences from around the world. African, Asian, Spanish, Middle Eastern, Western and traditional jazz elements can be heard on pieces like 'Invocation', 'A Silken Road', 'Ziggurat', and 'Marlowe'. Bobby even flirts with drum and bass music on 'Taylor Made', a song in which he teams with his son Taylor on mouth percussion. McFerrin uses keyboards to create layers of sound that interweave with multiple layers of vocal textures. He composed all 16 tracks, except for his adventurous take on Chick Corea's 'Windows.' Besides, Chick, Bobby is backed by Richard Bona, Omar Hakim, and Cyro Baptista.

Circlesongs

1. Circlesong One
2. Circlesong Two
3. Circlesong Three
4. Circlesong Four
5. Circlesong Five
6. Circlesong Six
7. Circlesong Seven
8. Circlesong Eight

Circlesongs

Sony Classical, 1997

Circlesongs is the result of Bobby's solo and group vocal explorations that have evolved into his own version of chant and sacred music. Created with twelve highly accomplished singers from vocal disciplines as diverse as classical to jazz to musical theater, it is steeped in an oral tradition that summons the ancient magic of tribal gatherings. For Bobby, "One of the simplest and most direct ways of praying and meditating is through singing and singing in community is exceptionally powerful."

Circlesongs are very special to Bobby. Under his creative guidance he leads his group in completely improvised music performance; every moment is free of preconceptions and is created anew.

Voicestra members on Circlesongs include:

• Nick Bearde
• Joey Blake
• Pierre Cook
• Sussan Deyhim
• Kirsten Falke
• Paul Hillier
• Raz Kennedy
• Beth Quist
• Rhiannon
• Janis Siegal
• Pamela Warrick Smith
• David Worm

Bang!Zoom

1. Bang!Zoom
2. Remembrance
3. Selim
4. Freedom is a Voice [lyrics]

   Freedom is a voice
   freedom is a song
   freedom is a spirit
   for the people who are strong
   
   Freedom is a city
   freedom is a land
   freedom is the courage
   to take another hand
   
   (Bobby McFerrin; ProbNoblem Music, BMI / Russell Ferrante)

5. Friends [lyrics]

   Of all life's treasuries
   one is most preciously
   kept in my heart
   and that's the loyalty of friends
   and family gathered 'round
   and making joyous sounds
   familiar voices warm the heart
   I find myself alone and feelin' blue
   then I know what to do
   I phone my friends in melancholy
   and then sometimes I'm filled with doubt
   something will chase it out
   it's having friends, their faith will win it out
   
   the problems that we face
   are easier to take when you have friends
   to share the ways and how you knew
   that they will share the load
   and you can always go by day or night
   you know that you're with folk, of course
   I know that some of you
   can't think of any who
   you might call friend
   but listen and I'll tell you that
   you've heard it said before
   and of it's truth i'm more
   convinced that you have friends just be one
   
   no thing comes even close
   to what we treasure most
   then to be with friends
   
   (Bobby McFerrin; ProbNoblem Music, BMI)

6. Heaven's Design [lyrics]

   Just got home to your letter
   it comes as no surprise
   and I know that I could have done better
   and I realize
   that something more you wanted from me
   but I wouldn't comply
   and I know that I could have done better
   I was so occupied
   
   in my world
   with my things
   you were feeling so alone
   now I ready
   to make a change
   cause I know that you're my own
   and I'm no good on my own
   
   there is no one better than you for me
   my heart must have been blind
   and I know that I will wait for you
   you're my heaven's design
   
   nothing sacred so it said
   now I know that's a lie
   if only I'd paid close attention
   to the tears in your eyes
   I only hope it's not too late
   to try and make things right
   if only I'd paid close attention
   I wouldn't be lonely tonight
   
   in my world
   with my things
   you were feeling so alone
   now I'm ready
   to make a change
   cause I know that you're my own
   and I'm no good on my own
   
   there is no one better than you for me
   my heart must have been blind
   and I know that I will wait for you
   you're my heaven's design
   
   (Bobby McFerrin; ProbNoblem Music, BMI)

7. My Better Half [lyrics]

   I like your eyes they can
   open up a hole when you're lookin' at romance
   and you see
   you see through me
   but when I'm lookin' in your eyes my mind begins to dream
   of love so deep
   the kind that ______
   the kind that makes you weep
   you know that I
   will try to win your love cause I'm convinced you're my better half
   
   I like your lips they can
   tenderly explore the secret places of romance
   and when, and when you speak
   I can hear the angels up above me begin to sing
   of love so deep
   the kind that makes me shiver
   the kind that looks _____
   you know that I
   will try to win your love cause I'm convinced that you are my better half
   
   I like your sweet caress
   and when you hold me in your arms I love's tenderness
   with your touch, your touch I feel
   a tremor in my body and it brings me to my knees
   to a love so deep
   the kind that Romeo and Juliet could not achieve
   will try to win your love cause I'm convinced that you are my better half
   
   (Bobby McFerrin; ProbNoblem Music, BMI)

8. Kid's Toys
9. Mere Words [lyrics]

   All these songs of love's first flight
   they don't sing ours just right
   so I stayed up have the night
   to write a song of love for you
   
   there are the words that say these things
   but I can't think of one that brings
   all the joy that I could sing in a song of love for you
   
   this is crazy
   I'm so hazy
   and not so sure of myself
   all the love I feel in my heart for you
   a mere song couldn't handle
   so I'll abandon this project
   who am I foolin'
   I know full well
   I just thought if you didn't know yet
   that I need your love to see me through
   
   yes I'm a failure
   I couldn't see my way through to the end
   I know we're not through, my friend
   there's so much for us left to do
   cause there's no one quite like you
   there's no one quite like you
   
   (Bobby McFerrin; ProbNoblem Music, BMI)

Bang!Zoom

Blue Note, 1996

Recorded in 1995, Bang!Zoom features Bobby in a number of different collaborations including the members of jazz fusion group The Yellow Jackets.

Billboard Magazine: "Bobby McFerrin outdoes himself with this collaboration with the Yellowjackets. These tunes showcase the fluid melodicism of the contemporary jazz outfit and McFerrin's incomparable vocal improvisations."

The San Francisco Chronicle writes: "Only an artist with Bobby McFerrin's extraordinary vocal gifts and imagination could pull off a pastiche like this pleasing concoction. He overdubbed his voice to create a shifting web of harmonies, counterparts, and choirs. He sings joyous, wordless, African-based songs - filled with dancing melodies and shimmering textures"

Guest performers include:

• Bob Mintzer, sax & bass clarinet
• Paul Jackson, Jr., guitar
• Paulinho Da Costa, percussion
• Russel Ferrante, piano and synth
• Jimmy Haslip, bass
• William Kennedy, drums
• Scott Wendholt, trumpet
• Paul Nagel, fender rhodes
• Tower of Power Horn Section

Mozart Sessions

1. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No.23 in A Major, K. 488
2. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 20 in D minor, K. 466
3. Song for Amadeus, Improvisation on Mozart's Sonata No. 2 in F Major K. 280/189e:II Adagio

The Mozart Sessions

Sony Classical, 1996

Like other pianists of his time, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart prided himself on his ability to improvise at the keyboard, both in solo works and concertos. That long-abandoned practice is one of the elements of Mozartean style that conductor Bobby and pianist Chick Corea explore in The Mozart Sessions, which includes recordings of Mozart's Piano Concertos No.20 in D minor, K.466, and No.23 in A Major, K.488, performed with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. The Mozart Sessions was released in October, 1996.

Not only does Corea play his own cadenzas in the concertos, he and Bobby link their individual improvisations to lead the listener directly into each of the concertos. What makes these improvisations so unusual is the fact that both Bobby and Chick, a jazz pianist, bring their own distinctive creative styles to bear on Mozart's music. Improvisation was considered an essential talent for a concert pianist in the late 18th century. Both Mozart and Beethoven dazzled audiences with their skill at improvisation. When he was still a performing pianist, Beethoven frequently played Mozart's D minor concerto -- one of the few Mozart works he championed -- adding his own cadenzas, which have become standard since Mozart's own cadenzas for this concerto were never notated.

With their inimitable Mozart improvisations drawing the audience into a performance of the same Mozart concerto, McFerrin and Corea, joined by the Orchestra of St. Luke's, were featured in a PBS "Great Performances" concert special entitled "Classic Innovations".

Paper Music

1. Overture to The Marriage of Figaro (Mozart)
2. Menuet from String Quintet No. 1 in E Major, Op.13, No.3 (Boccherini)
3. Pavane (Faure)
4. Minuetto & Finale from Pulcinella Suite (Stravinsky)
5. Concerto in G minor for 2 Cellos, Strings and Continuo (Vivaldi)
6. Scherzo from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61, No.1 (Mendelssohn)
7. First Movement from Concerto for Violin, Strings and Continuo in A minor (Bach)
8. Eine kleine Nachtmusic, K. 525 (Mozart)

Paper Music

Sony Classical, 1995

Released in 1995, Paper Music was Bobby's first classical album, and featured him both conducting and singing with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra to fascinating and beautiful results. The same voice that climbed the pop charts, redefined vocal jazz, and invented an entirely new a capella vocabulary is equally at home replacing a cello in a Vivaldi Concerto, or singing Faure's haunting melodies.

Bobby was appointed Creative Chair of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra in 1994, and this album beautifully marked the beginning of his second career as an orchestral conductor.

Hush

1. Grace
2. Andante from Concerto in D minor for two Mandolins (Vivaldi)
3. Flight of the Bumblebee (Rimsky-Korsakov)
4. Stars
5. Hush Little Baby [lyrics]

   Hush little baby don't say a word
   Papa's gonna buy you a mockingbird
   And if that mockingbird won't sing
   Papa's gonna buy you a diamond ring
   And if that diamond ring is brass
   Papa gonna buy you a looking glass
   And if that looking glass will break
   Papa gonna buy you a chocolate cake
   When the chocolate cake you eat
   Papa's gonna buy you a puppy sweet
   And if that puppy, puppy won't bark
   Papa gonna buy you a horse and cart
   And if that horse and cart break down
   Papa's gonna buy you a big toy clown
   Hush little baby, don't you cry
   Mama's gonna sing you a lullaby
   
   (Arranged by Bobby McFerrin; ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

6. Vocalise (Rachmaninoff)
7. Musette (J.S. Bach)
8. Coyote
9. Allegro Prestissimo from Sonata for 2 Cellos (Barriere)
10. Ave Maria (Gounod/Bach)
11. Howdown!
12. Air from J.S. Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 3 (J.S. Bach)
13. Goodbye

Hush

Sony Classical, 1992

Hush is the result of a deep friendship between Bobby and renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, which developed from a meeting between the two at the late Leonard Bernstein's 70th birthday in the summer of 1988 at Tanglewood. The intriguing collaboration -- solely involving the two leading artists -- features 13 tracks, including five McFerrin original compositions alongside such classical pieces as Rachmaninoff's 'Vocalise', J.S. Bach's 'Air' from Orchestral Suite No. 3, and Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Flight of the Bumblebee.'

"'Hush' is a celebration of life, from youth to old age", says Ma. "While in so many ways it speaks to children, it is equally true that the album's central goal -- to use Bobby's phrase -- is to 'release the child in the adult.'"

Adds Bobby, "We simply had a ball because Yo-Yo brings such a wonderful childlike attitude to new adventures. Working with him was absolutely fabulous, among the most enjoyable four days I've ever had musically. And it wasn't just the combination of cello and voice, but voice and Yo-Yo Ma which made it happen."

Play

1. Spain
2. Even From Me
3. Autumn Leaves
4. Blues Connotation
5. Round Midnight
6. Blue Bossa

Play

Blue Note, 1991

Bobby and Chick Corea banded together to record 'Play', an ebullient romp of jazz standards, improvisations, and generally good-natured audio hijinx, for Blue Note Records. The album was recorded in 1992 before enthusiastic audiences at New York's Carnegie Hall and Washington DC's Wolf Trap Amphitheater, and was a dazzling display of a musical friendship's spontaneity.

Bobby's comments on Chick:

"The title of this album was inspired by Chick. He reminded me that this is the first musical command of teachers to students when they begin their musical journey together. Most musicians today have forgotten that and disregard "play" as the essential element in all honest music making. Chick takes this "play"ing seriously and our time together was like letting two children with sweet tooths on OVERDRIVE in a candy store without adult supervision. What magic! What brilliance! What eagerness to let the music just happen itself. Chick is a master at letting the audience "in" on every clunk, every whisp, slam dunk, drop-kick, snort, grunt, giggle, heavy, lightness of music making. Chick, my sincere thanks for letting me in."

Chick's comments on Bobby:

"Playing these 6 concerts with Bobby has been a total joy. We chased the Muse each night. We explored nooks and crannies of our imaginations. We took each nuance and impulse as it came along and made them all live. We discarded nothing. We admired each other's offerings with no reservations. But the real magic was that the audience was part of the creation the whole way. Bobby's command of artistic communication is magnificent and inspiring. I learned a great deal from him about the art of performance. It was an adventure and incredible fun! We really played. Thank you, Bobby"

Medicine Music

1. Medicine Man [lyrics]

   i am a medicine man, i do a medicine dance
   i am a medicine man, i sing a medicine chant
   i am a medicine man, i have a medicine tale
   i am a medicine man, i walk a medicine trail
   
   i got potions that'll heal your wounds
   and the rhythms that i drum will soothe,
   i got harmonies to give you hope
   i'm a medicine man
   healin's my plan
   
   i am a medicine man………(chorus)
   
   i got melodies to take you home
   and my dance will help your blood to flow
   i got words to make the devils go
   i'm a medicine man, healin's my plan
   
   whatever could be ailin' you
   i got music to dispel your blue
   there is nothing that I cannot do
   i'm a medicine man
   healin's my plan
   
   (Bobby McFerrin; ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

2. Baby [lyrics]

   baby runnin' everywhere,
   baby runnin' here and there,
   baby lookin' what we do,
   baby watchin' want to do it too.
   
   baby listenin' what we say,
   baby walkin', talkin' want to play,
   playin', growin', you an me to be,
   have you thought of what you're makin' baby up to be.
   
   mama treat your baby tenderly,
   papa bounce your baby on your knee,
   tell you baby stories, play your baby games,
   teach your baby, sharin' makin' love your aim.
   
   what we gonna leave our babies when we leave this place,
   how we gonna help our babies take our place,
   'cause baby lookin' what we do,
   baby watchin' want to do it too.
   
   (By Bobby McFerrin; ©ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

3. Yes, You [lyrics]

   I don't know what to do
   ain't no words comin through
   can't seem to think when I'm looking at you
   when I'm thinking of the words to say
   all I think of are two
   
   yes, you
   
   when I'm all alone
   my heart's like a stone
   but you give me the strength when I'm on my own
   I start thinking of some words to say
   there's only two that I know
   
   yes, you
   
   I'm on bended knee
   and my heart you see
   you there's no one else who can set me free
   when I'm thinking of the words to pray
   there's only two that I need
   
   yes, you
   
   (By Bobby McFerrin; ©ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

4. The Garden [lyrics]

   And there was day and there was night
   There was dark and there was light
   
   There was the earth, there was the sky
   And there in the tree there crawled a lie
   
   There in Eden, there was good
   There in the garden where the Tree of Life stood
   
   There the snake was, there the pain
   And we're tryin' to get back to the garden again
   
   There was fire, there was rain
   There was talk, there was shame
   
   They were moanin', they were cryin'
   But there still is a glimmer in the big man's eye
   
   (Bobby McFerrin; ©ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

5. Common Threads
6. Sweet in the Mornin'
7. Discipline [lyrics]

   no discipline seems pleasant at the time but painful (4X)
   later on however it produces a harvest of righteousness
   and peace, for those who have been trained by it,
   no discipline seems pleasant at the time but painful.
   
   strengthen up your feeble arms, strengthen up your weakened knees,
   fix your mind on things above, above where he is king,
   above where we are free.
   strengthen up your feeble arms, strengthen up your weaked knees,
   set your heart on things above, above where we will be,
   above where we will be.
   
   for those who have been trained by it,
   no discipline seems pleasant at the time but painful.
   
   make level paths for your feet
   make level paths for your feet
   straighten out your feeble mind
   so he can make it heal, so he can make it heal,
   strengthen up your feeble arms,
   strengthen up your weakened knees,
   fix your mind on things above
   above where we are free
   above where we will be
   
   for those who have been trained by it,
   no discipline seems pleasant at the time but painful.
   
   (By Bobby McFerrin; ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

8. He Ran All the Way
9. Angry [lyrics]

   What gets my goat, what gives me pain
   Wrinks up my crown, fills me with shame
   Heats up my blood, drives me insane
   Knowin' my brothers they ain't all treat the same
   I'm mad, I'm mad, I'm angry
   
   I'm all wound up, I'm all tied down
   Balled up inside and spinnin' all around
   My pain is deep, my hurt is so wide
   I hear you cryin' freedom but freedom is denied
   I'm mad, I'm mad, I'm angry
   
   Woe, woe
   Hope is a mannequin, Hope is a mannequin
   Love is a battlefield, Love is a battlefield
   
   I ain't playin' those games, ain't playing those games
   All prejudice is just inane
   My brothers blood from the ground cries out
   Let's stop this bloodstained freedom shout
   
   I'm mad, I'm mad, I'm angry
   
   (By Bobby McFerrin; ©ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

10. The Train
11. Soma So De La De Sase [lyrics]

    ah mi no tah so mae o shaena
    soma so la de sase
    ah ki o tah so lae osha
    soma so la de sase
    
    is there a mind behind the voice,
    are we awake or sleeping?
    is there a hand to guide the choice,
    is there rest from our weeping?
    where is the rare one?
    where is the sage?
    who has the words of beauty?
    who will awaken us from sleep?
    who will perform their duty?
    
    ah mi no tah so mae o shaena
    soma so la de sase
    ah ki o tah so lae osha
    soma so la de sase
    
    (By Bobby McFerrin; ©ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

12. The 23rd Psalm [lyrics]

    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
    
    (Arr. by Bobby McFerrin; ©ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

Medicine Music

EMI, 1990

Recorded in 1989, "Medicine Music" features Bobby skills as an orchestrator as well as a vocalist in music ranging from latin to gospel to spiritual. The album features his vocal ensemble Voicestra on two tracks, as well his father, baritone Robert McFerrin, Sr. (who was the first Afro-American singer ever to appear on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera).

The album features "Common Threads" the song featured on the AIDS documentary of the same name (and which won Bobby an Emmy for Best Original Score), as well as "23rd Psalm" a beautiful arrangement of religious choral music.

Simple Pleasures

1. Don't Worry Be Happy [lyrics]

   Here's a little song I wrote
   You might want to sing it note for note
   Don't worry, be happy
   In every life we have some trouble
   But when you worry you make it double
   Don't worry, be happy
   Don't worry, be happy now
   
   Ain't got no place to lay your head
   Somebody came and took your bed
   Don't worry, be happy
   The landlord say your rent is late
   He may have to litigate
   Don't worry, be happy
   Don't worry, be happy
   
   (By Bobby McFerrin; ©ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

2. All I Want [lyrics]

   All I want
   All I want is you
   
   (Bridge)
   
   All I want
   All I want is you
   All I need
   All I need is you
   
   (By Bobby McFerrin; ©ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

3. Drive My Car [lyrics]

   Asked a girl what she wanted to be
   She said baby, can't you see
   I wanna be famous, a star on the screen
   But you can do something in between
   
   Baby you can drive my car
   Yes I'm gonna be a star
   Baby you can drive my car
   And baby I love you
   
   I told a girl that my prospects were good
   And she said baby, it's understood
   Working for peanuts is all very fine
   But I can show you a better time
   
   Baby you can drive my car
   Yes I'm gonna be a star
   Baby you can drive my car
   And baby I love you
   
   Beep beep'm beep beep yeah
   
   Baby you can drive my car
   Yes I'm gonna be a star
   Baby you can drive my car
   And baby I love you
   
   I told a girl I can start right away
   And she said listen babe I got something to say
   I got no car and it's breaking my heart
   But I've found a driver and that's a start
   
   Baby you can drive my car
   Yes I'm gonna be a star
   Baby you can drive my car
   And baby I love you
   
   Beep beep'm beep beep yeah
   
   (By John Lennon and Paul McCartney)

4. Simple Pleasures [lyrics]

   C'mon now sing it now
   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 got these two little boys Taylor and Jevon
   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
   
   (By Bobby McFerrin; ©ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

5. Good Lovin' [lyrics]

   Good lovin'
   Good lovin'
   
   I was feelin'so bad
   I asked my family doctor just what I had
   I said "Doctor, (Doctor), Mr. M.D., (Doctor)
   Now can you tell me what's ailin' me (Doctor)"
   He said, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah"
   (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
   Yes indeed
   All I, I really need
   
   Good lovin' (Now gimme that good, good lovin')
   Good lovin' (All I need is lovin')
   Good lovin' (Good, good lovin', baby)
   Good lovin'
   
   Honey, please squeeze me tight (squeeze me tight)
   Don't you want your baby to be all right (be all right)
   I said baby (baby) now it's for sure (it's for sure)
   I got the fever, yeah, and you got the cure (got the cure)
   Everybody: yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
   (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
   Yes indeed
   All I really need
   
   Good lovin' (C'mon, gimme that lovin')
   Good lovin' (All I need is lovin')
   
   (By Rudy Clark and Artie Resnick)

6. Come To Me [lyrics]

   When I'm feeling anxious in my head
   He tell me to come to Him instead
   Come to Him when weary
   Come to Him when low
   He will lift this burden, this I know
   
   Take my yoke upon you learn from me
   Take my yoke upon you and you'll see
   Come to me I'll strengthen
   Come to me I'll help
   Come to me I'll still anxiety
   
   So when I find that I have gone astray
   I can go to Him and he won't send me away
   
   Come to me I'll strengthen
   Come to me I'll help
   Come to me and listen what I say
   Come, come, come to me
   
   When I'm feeling anxious in my head
   He tell me to come to Him instead
   Come to Him when weary
   Come to Him when low
   He will lift this burden, this I know
   
   Take my yoke upon you learn from me
   Take my yoke upon you and you'll see
   Come to me I'll strengthen
   Come to me I'll help
   Come to me I'll still anxiety
   
   (By Bobby McFerrin; ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

7. Suzie Q [lyrics]

   Oh Suzie Q, oh Suzie Q
   Oh Suzie Q., baby I love you
   Suzie Q
   
   I like the way you walk
   I like the way you talk
   I like the way you walk, I like the way you talk
   Suzie Q
   
   Said that you'll be mine
   Said that you'll be mine
   Said that you'll be mine, baby all the time
   Suzie Q
   
   Well say that you will be true
   Say that you will be true
   Say that you will be true and never leave me blue
   My Suzie Q
   
   Oh Suzie Q, oh Suzie Q.
   Oh Suzie Q, baby I love you
   My Suzie Q
   
   (By Eleanor Broadwater, Dale Hawkins and Stanley S. Lewis)

8. Drive [lyrics]

   Gonna get in my car
   Drive away
   Drive so far
   No one's gonna find me
   Put my foot on the gas
   Accelerate
   Drive so fast
   No one's gonna catch me
   
   Gonna get in my car
   Drive away
   Drive so far
   No one's gonna find me
   Put my foot on the gas
   Accelerate
   Drive so fast
   No one's gonna catch me
   
   Gonna get in my car
   Drive away
   Drive so far
   No one's gonna find me
   Put my foot on the gas
   Accelerate
   Drive so fast
   No one's gonna catch me
   
   (By Bobby McFerrin; ©ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

9. Them Changes
10. Sunshine of Your Life [lyrics]

    It's getting near dawn,
    When lights close their tired eyes.
    I'll soon be with you my love,
    To give you my dawn surprise
    I'll be with you darling soon,
    I'll be with you when the stars start falling
    
    I've been waiting so long
    To be where I'm going
    In the sunshine of your love
    
    I'm with you my love,
    The light's shining through on you
    Yes, I'm with you my love,
    It's the morning and just we two
    I'll stay with you darling now,
    I'll stay with you till my seas are dried up
    
    I've been waiting so long
    To be where I'm going
    In the sunshine of your love
    
    (By Eric Clapton/ Jack Bruce/ Peter Brown)

Simple Pleasures

EMI/Manhattan, 1988

Although 'Simple Pleasures' was Bobby's fourth album, many consider it his breakout effort, as it featured the mega hit "Don't Worry Be Happy" (which incidentally was composed and recorded in the last minute). Unknown to many, the album only features Bobby's voice, albeit with much overdubbing.

'Simple Pleasures' went on to win 3 Grammy Awards in 1988 - Record of the Year, Song of the Year ("Don't Worry"), and Best Pop Vocal, and topped the Billboards in the US, Europe, and Asia.

Spontaneous Inventions

1. Thinkin' About Your Body [lyrics]

   Oh baby I'm thinkin' about your body
   Oh baby I'm thinkin' about your face
   Oh baby I'm thinkin' about your body
   thinkin' about your face
   
   (By Bobby McFerrin; ©ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

2. Turtle Shoes
3. From Me To You [lyrics]

   If there's anything that you want,
   If there's anything I can do,
   Just call on me and I'll send it along with love from me to you.
   I've got everything that you want,
   Like a heart that's oh so true,
   Just call on me and I'll send it along,
   With love from me to you.
   I got arms that long to hold you,
   And keep you by my side,
   I lips that long to kiss you,
   And keep you satisfied.
   If there's anything that you want,
   If there's anything I can do,
   Just call on me and I'll send it along,
   With love from me to you.
   Just call on me and I'll send it along,
   With love from me to you.
   I got arms that long to hold you,
   And keep you by my side,
   I got lips that long to kiss you,
   And keep you satisfied.
   If there's anything that you want,
   If there's anything I can do,
   Just call on me and I'll send it along,
   With love from me to you.
   
   (By John Lennon and Paul McCartney)

4. There Ya Go
5. Cara Mia
6. Another Night in Tunisia
7. Opportunity [lyrics]

   Opportunity
   Came to my door
   When I was down
   On my luck
   In the shape
   Of an old friend
   With a plan
   Guaranteed
   Showed me the papers
   As he walked me to the car
   His shoes
   Finest leather
   He said
   You could wear this style
   Follow my advice
   He owned a gun
   The caliber escaped me
   But I noticed
   Straight away
   It made me itch
   Carried an address
   With numbers on the back
   And an L-shaped
   Bar of iron
   What's that for
   I asked my man
   With eyes
   Wide opened
   And the knowledge in my head
   And he said
   Opportunity
   World wide adventure
   Money in the bank
   We did the job
   The work was so well done
   No one saw us coming
   Much less leave
   But what I dropped
   Carried my credentials
   And a black and white
   Shot of you and me
   What's that for
   I asked the cop
   With eyes of innocence
   The knowledge in my head
   And he said
   Opportunity
   World wide adventure
   Let me have your hand
   
   (By Joan Armatrading)

8. Walkin'
9. I Hear Music
10. Beverly Hills Blues [lyrics]

    People get ready there's a limousine comin'
    People get ready there's a limousine comin'
    Don't need no baggage, just a pair of funky shoes
    You know you're ready when you paid your membership dues
    To take you to the country club
    Bring your golf clubs and your tennis racquet too
    We'll bang a few balls
    cause we're singing the Beverly Hills Blues
    Beverly Hills
    Walkin' down Rodeo Drive
    Beverly Hills
    There's a Gucci store, it's open late
    Beverly Hills
    Japanese men buying things they don't need
    Beverly Hills
    So, so expensive for no need
    Couldn't start my Porsche
    Couldn't start my Mercedes Benz
    Had to call up one of my German friends
    Listen very carefully you can hear credit cards sliding out of their wallets right now
    There goes your Visa, your Mastercard, your American Express
    All that great, great American excess
    feel the money go beyond your credit
    Oh you'll have to pay one day but not right now
    come on baby, Beverly Hills, oh you gotta love it somehow
    
    (By Robin Williams & Bobby McFerrin; ©ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

11. Maņana Iguana [lyrics]

    I'm gonna say bye-bye
    I'm gonna say bye-bye
    I'm gonna call it quits so
    I can say later on so
    I'm gonna call it quits
    I'm gonna say bye-bye
    Bye-bye
    
    See you later, alligator
    after 'while, crocodile
    okey-dokey, artichokie
    not now, brown cow
    'til then, penguin
    maņana, iguana
    
    drive safely
    walk safely
    speak safely
    think safely
    eat safely
    sleep safely
    
    bye-bye baby
    bye-bye baby
    don't you cry now
    I'll be 'round now
    
    (By Bobby McFerrin; ©ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

Spontaneous Inventions

Manhattan/Blue Note, 1986

Bobby's follow up to his first album, 'The Voice', 'Spontaneous Inventions' features Bobby alone and with special guests including Herbie Hancock, Jon Hendricks, Manhattan Transfer, Wayne Shorter, and the comedian Robin Williams.

The song "Another Night in Tunisia" won a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal and Best Vocal Arrangement.

The Voice

1. Blackbird [lyrics]

   Blackbird singing in the dead of night
   Take these broken wings and learn to fly
   All your life
   You were only waiting for this moment to arise.
   Blackbird singing in the dead of night
   Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
   All your life
   You were only waiting for this moment to be free.
   Blackbird fly Blackbird fly
   Into the light of the dark black night.
   Blackbird fly Blackbird fly
   Into the light of the dark black night.
   Blackbird singing in the dead of night
   Take these broken wings and learn to fly
   All your life
   
   You were only waiting for this moment to arise
   
   (By John Lennon and Paul McCartney)

2. The Jump
3. El Brujo
4. I Feel Good [lyrics]

   Woh, I feel good, I knew that I wouldn't have
   I feel good, I knew that I wouldn't have
   So good, so good, I got you
   
   Woh, I feel nice like sugar and spice
   I feel nice like sugar and spice
   So nice, so nice, I got you
   
   When I hold you in my arms
   I know that I can do no wrong
   And when I hold you in my arms
   My love won't do you no harm
   
   And I feel nice like sugar and spice
   I feel nice like sugar and spice
   So nice, so nice, I got you
   
   When I hold you in my arms
   I know that I can't do no wrong
   And when I hold you in my arms
   My love can't do me no harm
   
   And I feel nice like sugar and spice
   I feel nice like sugar and spice
   So nice, so nice, well I got you
   
   Woh, I feel good, I knew that I wouldn't have
   I feel good, I knew that I would
   So good, so good 'cause I got you
   Hey! Oh yeah
   
   (By James Brown)

5. I'm My Own Walkman [lyrics]

   I'm my own walkman
   
   Say what?
   Say what?
   When you're walking down the street
   and you got your walkman and you're walkin' to the beat
   and you got your walkman and you're walkin' to the beat
   say what?
   let me tell you somethin'
   what I prefer
   instead of listnin' to the music in your ears
   try singing to yourself
   let me tell you somethin'
   say what?
   instead of puttin' on your walkman
   instead of puttin' on your walkman
   try singing a tune
   try singing
   all kinds of beats for all kinds of feets
   
   hey what
   say what
   real soulful beat, when you wanna look cool
   people sayin' "Hey , how you get to walk like that"
   you say "well I'm my own walkman"
   
   I'm my own walkman
   
   (By Bobby McFerrin; ©ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

6. Music Box
7. Medley
8. Donna Lee
9. Big Top
10. We're in the Money
11. I'm Alone
12. A-Train

The Voice

Elektra/Asylum, 1984

After touring with his own band and collaborating with such jazz artists as Herbie Hancock and Wynton Marsalis, Bobby McFerrin took a major and unprecedented step in 1983 when he began to offer solo, unaccompanied vocal concerts. This led to a solo tour of Germany, much of which can be heard on his second release, 'The Voice'.

'The Voice' was a milestone in jazz history; it was the first time a jazz singer had recorded an entire album solo, without accompaniment or overdubbing, for a major label. Bobby McFerrin's amazing ability to switch back and forth between bass notes and falsetto, along with his talent for jumping octaves, made this record quite a virtuoso showcase.

Bobby McFerrin

1. Dance With Me
2. Feline [lyrics]

   I got news today you had run away
   how long, how long this time?
   cried the young feline
   you got some weird desire
   but how long, how long will this go on?
   I'll be waiting for you to come back home
   
   Remember years ago you had told me so
   your restlessness, helplessness would hinder us in time
   took you by the hand and said I'd try to understand
   but how long, how long will this go on?
   I'll be waiting for you to come back home
   
   Lying here alone waiting by the telephone
   hope you are alright and takin' care your own
   hope nobody steals ya, want ya home where I can feel ya
   how long will this go on?
   I'll be waiting for you to come back home
   
   how long, how long will this go on?
   I'll be waiting for you to come back home
   
   (By Bobby McFerrin; ©ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

3. You've Really Got a Hold on Me [lyrics]

   I don't like you
   But I love you
   Seems that I'm always
   Thinking of you
   Oh, you treat me badly
   I love you madly
   You really got a hold on me
   You really got a hold on me
   
   I don't want you,
   But I need you
   Don't want to kiss you
   But I need to
   Oh, you do me wrong now
   My love is strong now
   You really got a hold on me
   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
   Tighter
   
   I want to leave you
   Don't want to stay here
   Don't want to spend
   Another day here
   Oh, I want to split now
   I can quit now
   You really got a hold on me
   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
   
   You really got a hold on me
   
   (By William Robinson Jr.)

4. Moondance [lyrics]

   Well, it's a marvelous night for a Moondance
   With the stars up above in your eyes
   A fantabulous night to make romance
   'Neath the cover of October skies
   And all the leaves on the trees are falling
   To the sound of the breezes that blow
   And I'm trying to please to the calling
   Of your heart-strings that play soft and low
   And all the night's magic seems to whisper and hush
   And all the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush
   
   Chorus:
   Can I just have one more Moondance with you, my love
   Can I just make some more romance with you, my love
   
   Well, I wanna make love to you tonight
   I can't wait 'til the morning has come
   And I know that the time is just right
   And straight into my arms you will run
   And when you come my heart will be waiting
   To make sure that you're never alone
   There and then all my dreams will come true, dear
   There and then I will make you my own
   And every time I touch you, you just tremble inside
   And I know how much you want me that you can't hide
   
   One more Moondance with you in the moonlight
   On a magic night
   La, la, la, la in the moonlight
   On a magic night
   Can't I just have one more dance with you my love
   
   (By Van Morrison)

5. All Feets Can Dance [lyrics]

   All feets can dance
   anybody without feet can dance on their hands
   
   (By Bobby McFerrin; ©ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

6. Sightless Bird [lyrics]

   Haven't alone much lately I think
   I've got to quiet down
   enough of this runaround
   I've got to get out of town
   
   so i sit alone in the power of thought
   looking for an empty space
   a livin', breathin' place
   a bit of sustaining grace
   
   out here I'll bid all my troubles by
   and exchange graceful lilting melodies with a sightless bird
   my unfettered spirit taking flight
   telling my secrets to unsighted friends
   
   as I lay my back upon a cool moss tree
   I'm looking out across the sky
   I can see clouds roll by
   I can feel tension die
   
   and I lay my head upon a hill
   sightless bird sings to heal
   weariness I may feel
   sometimes may seem too real
   
   out here I'll bid all my troubles by
   and exchange graceful lilting melodies with a sightless bird
   my unfettered spirit taking flight
   telling my secrets to unsighted friends
   
   (By Bobby McFerrin; ©ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

7. Peace [lyrics]

   All we need in this world is to have time of peace
   Time of Life and love with all guidance from above
   Time a man can understand
   Being free all in a time of peace
   We need peace for our children
   so that they may live a better life
   What joy divine what a perfect state of mine
   with their worries and cares left behind
   What a peaceful time
   We need peace for our children
   so that they may live better lives
   What joy divine what a perfect state of mind
   with their worries and cares left behind
   oh what a peaceful time
   oh what a peaceful time
   oh what a peaceful, what a peaceful time
   
   (By Horace Silver)

8. Jubilee [lyrics]

   There's excitement in the air
   and everywhere there's music and love to share
   everyone is free
   with everything we're pleased
   these great abilities
   we'll work 'em in you'll see the jubilee
   
   here's more than you will need
   take a joy filled on some happy fuel
   feel however you feel your feelings through
   and to it be true welcome in the new
   
   Where happiness abounds
   there it can be found
   here, here inside the heart
   and when nothing comes apart
   there's a brand new star arising
   
   Dancing on the sea
   not impossibly
   miracles a rule
   come and change your mind
   you don't have that much time
   wasted life's a crime
   love guarantees you'll find the jubilee
   
   (By Bobby McFerrin; ©ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

9. Hallucinations
10. Chicken

Bobby McFerrin

Elektra/Asylum, 1982

'Bobby McFerrin' was Bobby's debut recording. The remarkable singer is at his best on the unaccompanied "Hallucinations" and in a duet with drummer H.B. Bennett on "All Feets Can Dance"; also quite worthwhile are his versions of "Dance With Me" and "Moondance." Most of the diverse selections find McFerrin joined by a rhythm section led by pianist Victor Feldman. Phoebe Snow shares the vocal mike with McFerrin on "You've Really Got a Hold on Me."