Bobby McFerrin, Don’t Worry Be Happy | Throwback Thursday 💎

Taking it back to 1988, Bobby McFerrin continues to captivate us all with “Don’t Worry Be Happy” on Throwback Thursday (TBT). 

Throwback Thursday (TBT) looks back at songs that have truly captivated or stuck with me for whatever reason.  In some cases, there’s a compelling story or memorable happening behind the fangirling.  Before rolling out the entire Weekly Gems, we rolled out the first TBT – Angie Stone, “No More Rain (In This Cloud)”.  For the first TBT associated with Weekly Gems No. 1, we look to Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” which was featured on a previous playlist, 11 Songs Filled with Overwhelming Worries.

“Don’t’ Worry Be Happy” is nothing short of iconic.  Even so, the Bobby McFerrin gem from Simple Pleasures (1988) remains a classic – NOT debatable! The song won three Grammy awards, for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male. My appreciation for the song came years after it was released; after all, I was a mere baby in 1988.

“Don’t Worry Be Happy” is classic for a variety of reasons.  A novel number, blending jazz and reggae, it’s a totally infectious, minimalist, a cappella record. McFerrin does wonders with his voice, and few will deny, as far as mainstream music, that this is among the best a cappella songs of all time. Furthermore, thematically, “Don’t Worry Be Happy” thrives off of its positivity.  Despite a number of unfortunate situations, such as “The landlord say your rent is late / He may have to litigate,” McFerrin urges us to embrace and embody the phrase, “Don’t worry, be happy.” He has a point, though still, an eviction is bound to happen… Even so, how can you listen to this song and not feel a sense of optimism and happiness? Perfect for throwback Thursday!

Bobby McFerrin • Simple Pleasures • Capitol • 1988

Photo Credit: Capitol