Bobby McFerrin – Opportunity

About The Song

The Real Bobby McFerrin: A Renaissance Man of Music

Bobby McFerrin is a rare talent—a singer, songwriter, conductor, and vocal improviser who defies categorization. His music is a gumbo of styles, encompassing jazz, pop, classical, and world music. He is perhaps best known for his 1988 hit single “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” but his body of work is much more extensive and impressive.

McFerrin was born in New York City in 1950. His father, Robert McFerrin Sr., was a noted operatic baritone, and his mother, Sara McFerrin, was a singer and pianist. McFerrin began studying music at an early age, and he attended the Juilliard School and the California State University, Long Beach.

In the early 1980s, McFerrin began to emerge as a major talent. He released his first album, “Bobby McFerrin,” in 1982, and it was a critical and commercial success. The album featured the hit single “The Way I Love You,” which won McFerrin his first Grammy Award.

McFerrin’s second album, “Spontaneous Inventions,” was released in 1985. It was an even more ambitious album than his first, and it featured McFerrin’s virtuosic vocal improvisations. The album won two Grammy Awards, including Best Jazz Vocal Performance.

In 1988, McFerrin released his third album, “Simple Pleasures.” The album featured the hit single “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” which became a worldwide phenomenon. The song won McFerrin three Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year.

“Opportunity”

“Opportunity” is a song from McFerrin’s 1990 album, “Medicine Music.” The song is a powerful and uplifting anthem about the importance of seizing opportunities and making the most of life. McFerrin’s vocals are soaring and passionate, and the lyrics are full of hope and inspiration.

The song begins with a simple, yet powerful statement: “Opportunity is knocking at your door.” McFerrin then goes on to sing about the importance of taking risks and following your dreams. He urges the listener to “step outside your comfort zone” and “reach for the stars.”

The song’s message is one of hope and empowerment. McFerrin reminds us that we all have the power to create our own destiny. He encourages us to embrace life’s challenges and to never give up on our dreams.

“Opportunity” is a timeless song with a message that resonates with people of all ages. It is a song that inspires us to believe in ourselves and to reach for our full potential.

In conclusion, “Opportunity” is a powerful and uplifting song by a true Renaissance man of music. McFerrin’s soaring vocals and inspiring lyrics combine to create a song that is both timeless and timely. It is a song that will stay with you long after you hear it.

Video

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 calibre 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 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 opened
The knowledge in my head
And he said
Opportunity
World wide adventure
Let me take your hand
Let me take your hand

Opportunity
Came to my door
When I was down
On my luck
In the shape
Of an old friend
With a plan
Guaranteed
With a plan
Guaranteed
With a plan
Guaranteed