Don't Worry, Be Happy
"Don't Worry, Be Happy" is the title and famous principal lyric of a
novelty song by jazz composer
Bobby McFerrin, the first
a cappella song to reach number one on the
Billboard Hot 100 chart, holding that position for two weeks in September of
1988. The song's title is taken from a famous quote by
Meher Baba. (
Time Magazine, Oct. 17, 1988)
Public Enemy referenced the song in their song "Fight the Power," which featured the lyric, "'Don't Worry Be Happy' was a number one jam/Damn, if I say it you can slap me right here."
A common misconception is that the song was written by
Bob Marley, even though he had died almost a decade prior to its release.
The song has entered urban myth in that the 'composer' was to have committed suicide right after writing it; the rumour that McFerrin did so is unfounded. (See this
FAQ)
The original
music video stars
Robin Williams and
Bill Irwin.
|
Meher Baba on a "Don't Worry, Be Happy" poster |
Meher Baba (1894 - 1969) often used the expression "Don't worry, be happy" when cabling his followers in the west. Among numerous examples, on December 6, 1958, following a severe automobile accident outside
Satara, India, Meher Baba gave this personal message to his followers: "Don't worry, be happy. All will be well. Faithfully carry out the instructions given by me."
[Meher Prabhu: Lord Meher, The Biography of the Avatar of the Age, Meher Baba. Bhau Kalchuri, Manifestation, Inc. 1986. p. 5134] Later, in the 1960's, this well used expression by Baba was printed up on inspiration cards and even
day-glo posters of the era. In 1988, Bobby McFerrin noticed a similar poster in the apartment of the band
Tuck & Patti of San Francisco. Inspired by the expression's charm and simplicity McFerrin wrote the now famous song, "Don't Worry, Be Happy."
It was featured on the
soundtrack of the
Tom Cruise film
Cocktail, which may have helped its popularity. More recently it was featured in the film
Jarhead, in which it was used as an ironic soundtrack to many violent and distressing war scenes.
The song was used in
George H. W. Bush's campaign in the
1988 U.S. presidential election until McFerrin objected, and the campaign desisted. The phrase has entered the English language, often used as an ironic criticism of the attitude someone has about a worrisome issue. For example: "His attitude towards flood insurance was, 'Don't Worry, Be Happy.'"
The song is also a Karaoke favorite and has been parodied on the animated shows
Futurama and
The Simpsons, which claimed McFerrin released a sequel called "I'm Worried, Need Money"..
The song was adapted for several Alamo Rent-a-car commercials to coincide with their slogan "Drive Happy." It has also recently been used in advertisements for
Walkers crisps in the
UK which feature
Gary Lineker.
*
Hot 100 number-one hits of 1988 (USA)*
Song lyrics*
Bobby McFerrin Website
