About the song
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” performed by the exceptionally talented American musician Bobby McFerrin, is a song that has brought joy and positivity to listeners worldwide since its release in 1988. This iconic tune is featured on McFerrin’s album “Simple Pleasures” and quickly became a cultural phenomenon with its uplifting message and catchy melody.
Bobby McFerrin, known for his incredible vocal range and ability to create music using only his voice, wrote “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” as an antidote to the stresses of daily life. The song’s title and lyrics were inspired by a popular saying attributed to the Indian mystic Meher Baba, which encapsulates the philosophy of staying positive despite life’s challenges.
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” achieved remarkable commercial success, becoming the first a cappella song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It held the top spot for two weeks and earned McFerrin several accolades, including the Grammy Awards for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1989.
The song’s minimalist arrangement, featuring McFerrin’s layered vocal harmonies and rhythmic beatboxing, creates a soothing and infectious sound that has become instantly recognizable. Its simple yet profound lyrics encourage listeners to let go of their worries and embrace a carefree attitude: “In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry you make it double.”
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” was further popularized by its music video, which featured a lighthearted and humorous performance by McFerrin alongside actors Robin Williams and Bill Irwin. The video perfectly complemented the song’s cheerful message and helped solidify its place in popular culture.
For fans of Bobby McFerrin and those who appreciate feel-good music, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” is a timeless anthem of positivity and resilience. Its enduring popularity and universal appeal make it a beloved classic that continues to inspire and uplift listeners across generations.
Video
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
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