“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin

Some people have interpreted this tune as being unrealistically optimistic in nature. But analyzing it based solely on its most-blaring phrase – “don’t worry, be happy” – may lead one to ultimately miss the overall point.

Yes, Bobby McFerrin is of course encouraging the listener to remain optimistic regardless of what challenges one may faces. And he goes on to list quite a few experiences that no one would want to go through as a pretext to drive this point home. But he doing so also serves as proof that he understands such unfavorable events do in fact occur.

Indeed as illustrated on the bridge, he is also telling the audience to expect some trouble.  In other words, unfortunate events in life which appear insurmountable are inevitable.  But what he is also able to recognize is that actually worrying while amidst such happenstances only makes these situations worst.  So rather it would be more beneficial to conscientously retain a “happy” disposition.  Indeed, Bobby feels that we should try to be in such a state all the time.

Music Video

The music video to this track features a couple of famous comedians, Bill Irwin and the legendary Robin Williams (1951-2014).

Facts about “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”

This song was written by Bobby McFerrin himself, and it was produced by Linda Goldstein. It was subsequently released by Manhattan Records (EMI) during September of 1988. It is featured on Bobby’s fourth album, “Simple Pleasures” which also came out that year.

Prior to that, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” was featured on a movie entitled “Cocktail” (1988) starring Tom Cruise.

“Don’t worry, be happy” is actually a phrase that was created by one Meher Baba (1894-1969), an Indian mystic who had influenced other musicians, such as the Beatles. In fact it was he whom The Who’s classic track “Baba O’Riley” (1971) was partially inspired by.

This song does not use any instruments. All of its effects are created by Bobby McFerrin’s voice. As such, it actually became the first a cappella tune in history to have topped the Billboard Hot 100. Moreover in 2011, Rolling Stone had recognized it as being amongst “the 15 Best Whistling Songs of All Time”.

In fact “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” was a monumental hit, also reaching number one in five other countries. Overall it charted in nearly 20 nations and in most cases made it onto the top 10 of their listings. For example, this track peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart.

And in addition to achieving gold status in the USA, it actually won approximately three Grammy Awards in 1989 in the following categories:

• Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
• Record of the Year
• Song of the Year

Popular Usage

Of course a song of this magnitude has retained a perpetual presence in American pop media. Perhaps its most-notable usage was when former US President George H. W. Bush decided to adopt it as his campaign song during the 1988 presidential election. This did not please Bobby McFerrin at all, and the singer became so displeased that eventually Bush discontinued using the track.

Quite a few musicians have covered this classic. And there is a popular, albeit fake rendition by Bob Marley that is also in circulation.