"In 1988, Bobby McFerrin wrote one of the most beloved anthems to happiness of all time. On September 24 that year, 'Don't Worry Be Happy' became the first a cappella song to reach #1 on the Billboard Top 100 Chart. But more than a mere feel-good tune, the iconic song is brimming with neuroscience and psychology insights on happiness that McFerrin -- whose fascinating musings on music and the brain you might recall from World Science Festival's Notes & Neurons -- embedded in its lyrics, whether consciously or not. To celebrate the anniversary of 'Don't Worry, Be Happy,' I unpack the verses to explore the neuropsychology wisdom they contain in the context of several studies that offer lab-tested validation for McFerrin's intuitive insight." Cultural curator Maria Popova shares more on the truth behind the tune.
