About the Song
Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” is more than just a song; it’s an infectious melody that has been uplifting spirits for decades. Released in 1988, this unique track captured the hearts of millions worldwide and remains a timeless classic. What sets “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” apart is its simplicity and its ability to evoke a sense of joy and optimism.
One of the most striking features of this song is its a cappella style. Bobby McFerrin, a virtuoso vocalist, creates a rich and full sound using only his voice. His vocal percussion and harmonies are nothing short of extraordinary, and they give the song a distinctive and memorable quality. The absence of any instruments forces the listener to focus solely on the power of the human voice, making the lyrics all the more impactful.
The lyrics themselves are incredibly simple yet profound. The repeated refrain, “Don’t worry, be happy”, is a universal message that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s a gentle reminder to find joy in the simple things and to let go of stress and anxiety. The song’s upbeat tempo and positive lyrics create a sense of euphoria, making it difficult not to tap your foot or hum along.
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” was a groundbreaking success, becoming the first a cappella song to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, and it has been featured in countless films, television shows, and commercials. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal.
Beyond its commercial success, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” has had a significant cultural impact. It has become an anthem for positivity and optimism, inspiring people to look on the bright side of life. The song’s message of happiness and contentment is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced and often stressful world.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Bobby McFerrin or you’re just discovering his music for the first time, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” is a song that is sure to bring a smile to your face. Its catchy melody, uplifting lyrics, and innovative a cappella style make it a truly special piece of music. So, the next time you’re feeling down, put on this classic tune and let the music lift your spirits.
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