Three Little Birds – English Lyrics

• By: Bob Marley
• Album: Legend

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a language can be a joyful journey, and there's no better soundtrack for that journey than Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds." The song's simple, repetitive lyrics make it easy to sing along and learn key phrases in Jamaican Patois. Its universally uplifting message of hope and perseverance will keep you motivated as you explore the beautiful language and culture of Jamaica.

[English]

Don't worry about a thing

...

'Cause every little thing gonna be alright

Singing, don't worry about a thing

'Cause every little thing gonna be alright

Rise up this morning, smile with the rising sun

Three little birds pitch by my doorstep

Singin' sweet songs of melodies pure and true

Sayin', this is my message to you

Singin', "Don't worry about a thing"

'Cause every little thing is gonna be alright

Sayin', don't worry (don't worry) about a thing

'Cause every little thing gonna be alright

Rise up this morning, smile with the rising sun

Three little birds pitch by my doorstep

Singin' sweet songs of melodies pure and true

Sayin', this is my message to you

Meanin', don't worry about a thing

(Worry about a thing no) 'cause every little thing is gonna be alright (don't worry)

Singin', "Don't worry about a thing" (I won't worry)

...

'Cause every little thing gonna be alright (gonna be alright)

...

Singin', "Don't worry about a thing"

...

(Worry about a thing no) 'cause every little thing is gonna be alright (don't worry)

Singin', "Don't worry about a thing" (I won't worry)

'Cause every little thing gonna be alright (gonna be alright)

Singin', "Don't worry about a thing"

(Worry about a thing no) 'cause every little thing is gonna be alright (don't worry)

Singin', "Don't worry about a thing"

'Cause every little thing is gonna be alright

Every little thing is gonna be alright (is gonna be alright)

Don't worry about a thing (worry about a-, worry about a thing no)

'Cause every little thing gonna be alright (I won't worry)

Singing, don't worry about a thing (worry about a thing, no, no)

'Cause every little thing gonna be alright

Singing, don't worry about a thing

(Worry about a-, worry about a thing no)

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
worry /ˈwʌri/ A2	verb - to feel or show anxiety and concern about actual or potential problems noun - a state of anxiety and concern
thing /θɪŋ/ A1	noun - an object that one need not, cannot, or does not wish to give a specific name to
alright /ˌɔːlˈraɪt/ A2	adjective - satisfactory or acceptable
rise /raɪz/ A2	verb - get up from lying, sitting, or kneeling noun - an upward movement; a move to a higher position
morning /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/ A1	noun - the period of time between sunrise and noon
smile /smaɪl/ A1	verb - form one's features into a pleased, kind, or amused expression noun - a pleased, kind, or amused facial expression
sun /sʌn/ A1	noun - the star that provides light and heat to Earth
birds /bɜːrdz/ A1	noun - a warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate animal of the class Aves
pitch /pɪtʃ/ B1	verb - to throw something
doorstep /ˈdɔːrstɛp/ B1	noun - a step in front of an outside door
sing /sɪŋ/ A1	verb - make musical sounds with the voice
sweet /swiːt/ A2	adjective - having a pleasant taste like that of sugar
songs /sɔːŋz/ A1	noun - a musical composition with words
melodies /ˈmelədiz/ B2	noun - a sequence of single notes that is musically satisfying
pure /pjʊr/ B2	adjective - not mixed or adulterated with any other substance or material
true /truː/ A2	adjective - in accordance with fact or reality
message /ˈmesɪdʒ/ B1	noun - a verbal, written, or recorded communication sent to or left for someone

Key Grammar Structures

• Don't worry about a thing

  ➔ Imperative with negative form. Using "Don't" + verb in base form to give a command or instruction.

  ➔ This is a direct instruction telling the listener not to be concerned about anything.

• 'Cause every little thing gonna be alright

  ➔ Informal contraction of "because" ('cause) and future tense using "gonna" (going to).

  ➔ "Gonna" is a very common colloquial way to say "going to" indicating a future event.

• Rise up this morning, smile with the rising sun

  ➔ Imperative verb in the positive form ("Rise up", "smile"). It's a call to action or encouragement.

  ➔ This is an instruction to the listener to take positive action - to get up and be happy.

• Three little birds pitch by my doorstep

  ➔ Simple present tense, describing a recurring event. "Pitch" could also be used in a slightly less common transitive sense, implying they positioned themselves.

  ➔ "Pitch" here means to land or settle down, usually used for birds.

• Singin' sweet songs of melodies pure and true

  ➔ Present participle used as an adjective ("singing") modifying "songs". "Of" expressing the contents of the songs.

  ➔ Describes the songs as being sweet and having pure and true melodies, and uses a shortened form "Singin'" instead of "Singing".

• Sayin', this is my message to you

  ➔ Present participle ("Sayin'") used to describe the action of the birds. "This is my message to you" – a simple statement of direct communication.

  ➔ Emphasizes the birds' role as messengers. The birds are conveying a specific message.

• Meanin', don't worry about a thing

  ➔ Present participle ("Meanin'") to introduce the meaning or implication of something. Reinforces the message of reassurance.

  ➔ Connects the previous statement to its intended message: a carefree attitude towards life.