Finish the lyric from 'Don't Worry, Be Happy': 'In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry you make it...'

The story behind the answer

The lyric from Bobby McFerrin's 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' finishes with the word 'double.' The line presents the song's central idea in a compact rhyme: worrying about a problem can make its burden feel larger.

McFerrin wrote, arranged, and performed the song, which was released in 1988. The recording is notable for being created almost entirely from McFerrin's voice, including the lead vocal, backing parts, and vocal imitation of instruments. Its relaxed delivery contrasts with the song's unusually strong commercial performance.

The phrase 'don't worry, be happy' came from a motivational image associated with Indian spiritual teacher Meher Baba, who used the expression on cards and posters. McFerrin encountered that phrase and built the song around it. The single became the first a cappella recording to reach number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was featured prominently in the film 'Cocktail.'

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Aug. 2026

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