When thinking of a song to welcome the New Year, festive or celebratory tunes often come to mind.
Three Little Birds by Bob Marley isn’t a New Year’s song, but it’s a song about trust — and that’s exactly why Ocarina recommends it as a listening choice to start the year, even for the little ones.
Released in 1977 as part of the album Exodus, Three Little Birds is built on a very simple musical structure: the rhythm is steady, the tempo relaxed, and the arrangement minimal. All these elements make the song instantly recognizable and easy to follow, even for first-time listeners.
The lyrics are just as straightforward and easy to remember. They consist of a few short lines that repeat, without complex imagery or difficult references. At the heart of the song lies the chorus — “Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing gonna be all right” — a line that even young children can understand and sing along to. There are no explanations or elaborate stories: the message comes through clearly, thanks to repetition and the comforting tone of the voice.
As a New Year’s wish, Three Little Birds works precisely because it doesn’t promise achievements, sudden changes, or goals to reach, but rather suggests an attitude: facing what comes with calm and confidence. It’s a simple message, yet not a superficial one — a message that speaks to all ages without needing adaptation.
In recent years, this message has been further amplified by the images accompanying the song. Alongside the original official video, in 2020 an animated version was released for Marley75, which has since become the most popular video associated with the track. The short film reimagines a classic fairy tale, showing a wolf and a piglet who, thanks to the help of the little birds, become friends — visually translating the “don’t worry” message into an immediate and accessible story. The success has been remarkable: the animated video has surpassed 200 million views on YouTube, while the song earned Triple Platinum certification in the UK, confirming its ability to transcend generations and languages.
With this spirit, we wish everyone a new year filled with listening, curiosity, and serenity.
Best wishes from the Ocarina team
