Don't Worry, Be Happy: Difference between revisions
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'''Don't Worry, Be Happy''' is the title and iconic 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]]. |
'''Don't Worry, Be Happy''' is the title and iconic 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 has also been ranked at number 9 on VH1's 50 most Awesomely Bad Songs...Ever. |
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The song's title is taken from a famous quote by [[Meher Baba]]. |
The song's title is taken from a famous quote by [[Meher Baba]]. |
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Revision as of 12:56, 21 February 2006
Don't Worry, Be Happy is the title and iconic 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 has also been ranked at number 9 on VH1's 50 most Awesomely Bad Songs...Ever. The song's title is taken from a famous quote by Meher Baba.
It was featured on the soundtrack of the Tom Cruise film Cocktail, which may have helped its popularity. 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."
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 was adapted for several Alamo Rent-a-car commercials to coincide with their slogan "Drive Happy."
The song is also a Karaoke favorite and has been parodied on the animated show Futurama .
A common misperception is that the song was written by Bob Marley, even though he had died almost a decade prior to its release.