About the song
Bobby McFerrin and the Joyful Anthem “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”
In the realm of music, there are songs that entertain, songs that educate, and songs that simply make us feel good. Bobby McFerrin’s 1988 classic, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”, falls into the latter category, a timeless anthem that has uplifted listeners for decades with its simple yet profound message of positivity and joy.
McFerrin, a renowned American vocalist known for his virtuosic a cappella performances, crafted this infectious tune with an unconventional approach, using only his voice to create a symphony of sound. The song’s opening line, “Ain’t no trouble here,” sets the tone for an experience that is both carefree and liberating.
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” is a masterclass in minimalist composition. McFerrin’s layered vocals, sometimes mimicking percussion and other instruments, weave a rich tapestry of sound that belies the song’s lack of traditional instrumentation. The melody, though seemingly simple, is incredibly catchy, burrowing into the listener’s mind and refusing to let go.
The song’s lyrics, penned by McFerrin himself, are as direct as they are profound. They offer a gentle reminder to let go of worries and embrace the simple joys of life. McFerrin’s repeated refrain, “Don’t worry, be happy,” serves as a mantra, a soothing balm for the soul in a world often filled with stress and anxiety.
The song’s impact extends far beyond its catchy melody and uplifting message. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” has become a cultural touchstone, appearing in countless films, television shows, and commercials. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect with people on a universal level, transcending language and cultural barriers.
Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” is more than just a song; it’s an experience, a state of mind. It’s an invitation to shed our worries and embrace the simple pleasures that life has to offer. In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, McFerrin’s gentle reminder to “don’t worry, be happy” is a balm for the soul, a timeless message of hope and positivity that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
Video
Lyrics
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy”
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
When you worry you make it double
Don’t worry, be happy
Don’t worry, be happy nowOoh, ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(Don’t worry)
Ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(Be happy)
Ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh
(Don’t worry, be happy)
Ooh, ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(Don’t worry)
Ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(Be happy)
Ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh
(Don’t worry, be happy)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
(Look at me I’m happy)Ooh, ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(Don’t worry)
Ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(Be Happy)
Ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh
Here I give you my phone number
When you worry call me, I make you happy
Ooh, ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(Don’t worry)
Ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(Be happy)
Ooh oo-ooh oo-oohAin’t got no cash, ain’t got no style
Ain’t got no gal to make you smile
But don’t worry, be happy
‘Cause when you worry your face will frown
And that will bring everybody down
So don’t worry, be happy
Don’t worry, be happy nowOoh, ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(Don’t worry)
Ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(Be happy)
Ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh
Don’t worry, be happy
Ooh, ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(Don’t worry)
Ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(Be happy)
Ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh
Don’t worry, be happyNow there, is this song I wrote
I hope you learned it note for note
Like good little children
Don’t worry, be happy
Listen to what I say
In your life expect some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don’t worry, be happy, be happy nowOoh, ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(Don’t worry)
Ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(Be happy)
Ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh
Don’t worry, be happy
Ooh, ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(Don’t worry)
Ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(Be happy)
Ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh
Don’t worry, be happyOoh, ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(Don’t worry)
Ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(Don’t worry, don’t worry, don’t do it, be happy)
Ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh
(Put a smile on your face, don’t bring everybody down like this)
Ooh, ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(Don’t worry)
Ooh oo-ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh
(It will soon pass, whatever it is)
Ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh
Don’t worry, be happy
Ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh
I’m not worried, I’m happy