Don't You Worry ' Bout A Thing
Stevie Wonder Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Everybody's got a thing
But some don't know how to handle it
Always reachin' out in vain
Just taking the things not worth having but

Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't you worry 'bout a thing, mama
'Cause I'll be standing on the side
When you check it out

They say your style of life's a drag
And that you must go other places
But just don't you feel too bad
When you get fooled by smiling faces but

Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't you worry 'bout a thing, mama
'Cause I'll be standing on the side
When you check it out

When you get it off your trip
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't you worry 'bout a thing

Bam bambam bambam bambam
Bambambambam bambambambam
Bam bambam bambam bambam
Bambambambam bambambambam

Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't you worry 'bout a thing, mama
'Cause I'll be standing on the side
When you check it out

When you get it off your trip
Everybody needs a change
A chance to check out the new
But you're the only one to see
The changes you take yourself through but

Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't you worry 'bout a thing, pretty mama
'Cause I'll be standing in the wings
When you check it out
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Yeah
Bam bambam bambam bambam
Bambambambam bambambambam
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't you worry 'bout a thing, sugar
Don't you worry 'bout a thing, mama
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't worry, don't worry, don't worry
Don't you worry 'bout a thing, sugar
Don't you worry 'bout a thing




Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't you worry 'bout a thing

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of the song suggest that everyone has their own individual problems or "thing", but not everyone knows how to deal with them. The song emphasizes the importance of not being too concerned about these things and to focus on the positive aspects of life. Stevie Wonder sings about standing by the side of the person he is addressing, assuring them that everything will be okay.


The verse "They say your style of life's a drag" may be interpreted as criticism from others towards the person Stevie is addressing, suggesting that they should change their lifestyle. However, the person should not feel too bad about this because even though there may be people who try to put them down, they will always have someone who will support them.


The chorus repeats the message of not worrying about things, and the repeated rhythm of "Bam bambam bambam bambam" adds a sense of energy and positivity to the song. The final verse acknowledges the importance of change, but emphasizes that the only person who can make meaningful changes is the individual.


Overall, Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing" is a song that encourages listeners to not get weighed down by worries and negative opinions from others. The uplifting message of the song is conveyed through a catchy melody and energetic rhythm, making it an enduring hit.


Line by Line Meaning

Everybody's got a thing
Everyone has their own unique character or talent


But some don't know how to handle it
But not everyone knows how to use or express their unique character or talent


Always reachin' out in vain
Often seeking things that are not worth having or unattainable


Just taking the things not worth having but
They settle for things that are not worth having


Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't stress or fret about anything


Don't you worry 'bout a thing, mama
Don't stress or fret about anything, Mom


'Cause I'll be standing on the side
Because I'll be there to support or assist you


When you check it out
When you investigate or explore something


They say your style of life's a drag
People criticize the way you live your life


And that you must go other places
People suggest that you should go somewhere else


But just don't you feel too bad
But don't feel too upset or discouraged


When you get fooled by smiling faces but
When you are deceived by insincere or fake people who appear friendly


When you get it off your trip
When you return from your journey or adventure


Everybody needs a change
Everyone needs to make a change or experience something new


A chance to check out the new
An opportunity to try or experience something new


But you're the only one to see
But only you can realize or understand


The changes you take yourself through but
The personal changes or growth that you experience


Don't you worry 'bout a thing, pretty mama
Don't stress or fret about anything, beautiful mother


'Cause I'll be standing in the wings
Because I'll be there to support or assist you, from the sidelines


Don't worry, don't worry, don't worry
Don't be anxious or troubled, no need to fret or fear


Don't you worry 'bout a thing, sugar
Don't stress or fret about anything, dear




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Stevie Wonder

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@OldSusannah1

Is this not the most positive, magical song ever? I remember being a little girl and hearing it through the radio - and was enchanted. Still totally am. It's sooooo beautiful and uplifting. Kind of like the man himself.

@wickedshadesproductions5254

there’s also Don’t Worry Be Happy and all of James Brown

@jefffirnhaber6250

I love you

@t.j.7789

Just what I need today!!!

@0921AV

Agree, agree, agree!!! It lifts my spirit every time.

@aquariuscheers9191

Absolutely.❤️

1 More Replies...

@glenncsombok3377

I'm 63 year old. I've been listening to this song since it came out. It's still one of my all time favorite songs! What a voice and talent. Thank you Steveland Hardaway Junkins!

@PaulPattiPhD

Me too, well just a bit younger at 61. But I remember the summer of ‘74 well and always will. Thank you, Stevie!!❤️⭐️👍🏆

@cathywulschner3646

Stevie Wonder is a blessing to the whole world

@irw4350

He's Mistra know it all............ Tha knows 😆😆😆

More Comments

More Versions