It then held that chart position for two weeks. The title of the song is taken from a famous quote by Meher Baba, an Indian mystic and spiritual master, who often used the expression “Don’t worry, be happy” when contacting his followers in the West. When interviewed by Bruce Fessier for the USA Weekend magazine in 1988, McFerrin said “Whenever you see a poste of Meher Baba, it usually says ‘Don’t worry, be happy’ which is a pretty neat philspohy in four words, I think.” The original music video stars the actors and comedians Robin Williams and Bill Irwin.
The ‘instruments’ in the a cappella song are entirely overdubbed voice parts, with other sounds made by McFerrin and no actual instruments used at all. The music video for the song is considerably shorter than the album version and is also regarded as one of the most frequently miscited songs in history, with many people thinking it was written by the Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician, Bob Marley.
The song was included in the soundtrack of the Tom Cruise movie, Cocktail. As a result, the song reached number 2 in the UK Singles Chart during its fifth week in the chart in 1988. It is ranked as number 31 on VH1’s 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of the 80s and also appears on Rolling Stone’s list of the 15 Best Whistling Songs of All Time. At the Grammy Awards in 1989, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” won the awards for Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
Here is 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......
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 am happy
Don't worry, be happy
Here I give you my phone number
When you worry call me I make you happy
Don't worry, be happy
Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style
Ain't got not girl 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 (now).....
There is this little song I wrote
I hope you learn it note for note
Like good little children
Don't worry, be happy
Listen to what I say In your life expect some trouble
But when you worry
You make it double
Don't worry, be happy......
Don't worry don't do it, be happy
Put a smile on your face
Don't bring everybody down like this
Don't worry, it will soon pasts
Whatever it is
Don't worry, be happy
