"But, if there's any aspect of my career that needs attention, it's writing"
About this Quote
The intent lands like a corrective to the myth of effortless genius. McFerrin's career has been proof that craft can look like play, and that play can be rigorous. By singling out writing, he highlights the unsexy labor behind music: decisions made when the audience isn't there, when you can't ride the feedback loop of a crowd. It's also an artist's way of insisting his legacy isn't just a highlight reel of live magic. Writing is what stays when the performance is over; it's the infrastructure that lets improvisation feel inevitable instead of lucky.
There's subtext, too, about genre and credibility. A musician associated in the public mind with "Don't Worry, Be Happy" has every reason to be vigilant about being flattened into a vibe. Emphasizing writing signals seriousness: not just the guy who can do astonishing things with a microphone, but a composer thinking about form, intent, and what remains on the page. It's a reminder that even virtuosity wants a blueprint.
Quote Details
| Topic | Writing |
|---|---|
| Source | Help us find the source |
| Cite |
Citation Formats
APA Style (7th ed.)
McFerrin, Bobby. (2026, January 17). But, if there's any aspect of my career that needs attention, it's writing. FixQuotes. https://fixquotes.com/quotes/but-if-theres-any-aspect-of-my-career-that-needs-40929/
Chicago Style
McFerrin, Bobby. "But, if there's any aspect of my career that needs attention, it's writing." FixQuotes. January 17, 2026. https://fixquotes.com/quotes/but-if-theres-any-aspect-of-my-career-that-needs-40929/.
MLA Style (9th ed.)
"But, if there's any aspect of my career that needs attention, it's writing." FixQuotes, 17 Jan. 2026, https://fixquotes.com/quotes/but-if-theres-any-aspect-of-my-career-that-needs-40929/. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.






