LadyDpiano: How To Play: Don't Worry, Be Happy

In 1988 Bobby McFerrin, an American vocalist, wrote a very catchy song... Don't Worry, Be Happy. He's also a 10 time Grammy Award winner. He's worked with Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock. For more information on this songwriter, visit his website, http://spirityouall.bobbymcferrin.com/

No, I'm not into the philosophy of Meher Baba, but I think this acapella song in just 4 words is pretty cool. Dont Worry Be Happy 12"

I play it in the Key of Bb, 4/4 time signature and brightly. First, here's a chord chart that I found online.

Simple chords to the song:

C
Here is a little song I wrote 
G
You might want to sing it note for note 
F/C         C       F/C       C       F/C
Don't worry be happy
C
In every life we have some trouble 
G
When you worry you make it double 
F/C         C       F/C       C       F/C
Don't worry, be happy 

C
Ain't got no place to lay your head 
G
Somebody came and took your bed 
F/C         C       F/C       C       F/C
Don't worry, be happy 
C
The land lord say your rent is late 
G
He may have to litigate 
F/C         C       F/C       C       F/C
Don't worry, be happy 

C
Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style 
G
Ain't got not girl to make you smile
F/C         C       F/C       C       F/C
But don't worry be happy 
C
Cause when you worry, your face will frown 
G
And that will bring everybody down 
F/C         C       F/C       C       F/C
So don't worry, be happy

C
There is this little song I wrote 
G
I hope you learn it note for note 
F/C         C       F/C       C       F/C
Don't worry, be happy; Listen to what I say
C
In your life expect some trouble 
G
But when you worry, you make it double 
F/C         C       F/C       C       F/C
Don't worry, be happy

Here's what I'm playing:

Bb
Here is a little song I wrote 
Cm
You might want to sing it note for note 
Eb         Bb       Eb      Bb       Eb
Don't worry be happy
Bb
In every life we have some trouble 
Cm
When you worry you make it double 
Eb         Bb       Eb       Bb       Eb
Don't worry, be happy 

Bb
Ain't got no place to lay your head 
Cm
Somebody came and took your bed 
Eb        Bb      Eb       Bb       Eb
Don't worry, be happy 
Bb
The land lord say your rent is late 
Cm
He may have to litigate 
Eb         Bb       Eb       Bb      Eb
Don't worry, be happy 

Bb
Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style 
Cm
Ain't got not girl to make you smile
Eb         Bb       Eb       Bb       Eb
But don't worry be happy 
Bb
Cause when you worry, your face will frown 
Cm
And that will bring everybody down 
Eb        Bb       Eb       Bb       Eb
So don't worry, be happy

Bb
There is this little song I wrote 
Cm
I hope you learn it note for note 
Eb        Bb       Eb       Bb       Eb
Don't worry, be happy; Listen to what I say
Bb
In your life expect some trouble 
Cm
But when you worry, you make it double 
Eb         Bb       Eb       Bb       Eb
Don't worry, be happy

Don't Worry Be Happy (In the Style of Bobby McFerrin) [Instrumental Only] - Single

Melody for the right hand (single notes):

D, C, D, C, D, D, F Here's a little song I write
G, C, C, Bb, C, Bb, D, Bb, C You might want to sing it note for note
D, Bb, Bb, D, Bb, Bb Don'y worry, be happy

C, D, C, D, C, D, F, F, F In every life we have some trouble
Bb, C, Bb, C, C, Bb, D, Bb, C, Bb but when you worry you make it double
F, Bb, Bb, D, Bb, Bb Don't worry, be happy.

Bb, G, F, G, C, D Oo
F, D, C, Bb, C, D, C Oo Don't worry
F, D, C, Bb, C, D, C Oo Be happy

Db, C, Bb, G, Bb Oo Don't worry, Be happy

Chord Breakdown:

Bb/DFD
C/EbGC
EbGBb/EbG

Here's some Oos to play with:

G/FBb
/DF
/CEb
D/BbD
C/CEb
C/DF
C/CEb

or

F/FBb
/DF
/CEb
Bb/BbD
Eb/CEb
Eb/DF
G/CEb

or

F/DF
G/CEb
Bb/BbD
G/GBb
Bb/BbD

or

Bb/BbDF
G/GCEb
F/FBbD
/GCEb
/CFG
/DGBb
G/FBbD
/DFBb
/CEbG
D/BbDF
C/CEbG
C/DFBb
C/CEbG

and

Bb/FBbD
/DFBb
F/CEbG
/BbDF
Eb/CEbG
Eb/DFA
Eb/CEbG

F/DbFA
/CEbG
F/BbDF
F/GBbD
Bb/BbDF

You may be interested in, Chords 101 and 102

Hope this song puts a smile on your face.

Best,