|
"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. At the 1989 Grammy Awards, "Don't Worry Be Happy" won 'Best Song of the Year', and the album 'Simple Pleasures' won 'Album of the Year' and 'Best Pop Vocal Performance'. The song's title is taken from a famous quote by Meher Baba. The original music video stars Robin Williams and Bill Irwin.
Misconceptions and urban myths 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 not correct as he is still alive. History 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." 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 jazz band Tuck & Patti in San Francisco. Inspired by the expression's charm and simplicity McFerrin wrote the now famous song. It ought to be noted that Meher Baba did not mean to convey by this expression that one should not tie up their camel, the sentiment that led to the satyrical iconic image of a smiley face with a bullet through its head. He was scrupulous about tending to personal duties and facing reality head on. This is evidenced by the fact that his words were often, "Do your best, then don't worry, be happy." Usage in films, popular culture, and advertising See also | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||
 |
|
| |