About The Song
“Don’t Worry Baby” is a song by The Beach Boys, released in March 1964 as the B-side to the single “I Get Around.” It was later included on their album Shut Down Volume 2. The song was written by Brian Wilson and Roger Christian, and produced by Brian Wilson. It was recorded on February 12, 1964, at Western Recorders in Hollywood, California.
The song was inspired by the 1956 hit “Be My Baby” by The Ronettes. Brian Wilson aimed to create a song with a similar emotional depth and production style. Roger Christian, known for writing car-themed lyrics, co-wrote the song’s words with Wilson. Brian Wilson has stated that the song is partly autobiographical, reflecting his own feelings of vulnerability and reassurance. The lyrics tell the story of a young man nervous about a car race who is comforted by his girlfriend.
Upon release, “Don’t Worry Baby” reached number 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Although it was the B-side to the chart-topping “I Get Around,” it gained significant radio airplay and became one of The Beach Boys’ most popular songs. The song did not chart separately in the UK.
Musically, “Don’t Worry Baby” is noted for its rich vocal harmonies, lush production, and dramatic arrangement. The track features a memorable drum fill at the start, a prominent piano part, and string arrangements that build emotional intensity throughout the song.
Music critic Richie Unterberger described “Don’t Worry Baby” as “one of the Beach Boys’ finest ballads” and “one of Brian Wilson’s most emotionally resonant songs.” John Lennon famously called it one of his favorite songs and reportedly told Brian Wilson, “That’s the greatest record ever made.”
The vocal lead on the track was sung by Brian Wilson, which was less common as Mike Love usually took lead vocals on many Beach Boys songs. The song’s theme of reassurance and emotional vulnerability was unique within the surf rock genre.
The song was recorded in a single session with multiple takes. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains a key example of Brian Wilson’s early songwriting and production genius.
There is no official contemporary music video for “Don’t Worry Baby.” However, the song has appeared in various live performance recordings, documentaries, and tribute videos that highlight Brian Wilson’s career and The Beach Boys’ legacy.
Video
Lyric
Well it’s been building up inside of me
For oh I don’t know how long
I don’t know why
But I keep thinking
Something’s bound to go wrongBut she looks in my eyes
And makes me realize
And she says “Don’t worry, baby”
Don’t worry, baby
Don’t worry, baby
Everything will turn out alrightDon’t worry, baby
Don’t worry, baby
Don’t worry, babyI guess I should’ve kept my mouth shut
When I started to brag about my car
But I can’t back down now because
I pushed the other guys too farShe makes me come alive
And makes me wanna drive
When she says “Don’t worry, baby”
Don’t worry, baby
Don’t worry, baby
Everything will turn out alrightDon’t worry, baby
Don’t worry, baby
Don’t worry, babyShe told me “Baby, when you race today
Just take along my love with you
And if you knew how much I loved you
Baby nothing could go wrong with you”Oh what she does to me
When she makes love to me
And she says “Don’t worry, baby”
Don’t worry, baby
Don’t worry, baby
Everything will turn out alrightDon’t worry, baby
Don’t worry, baby
Don’t worry, baby
Everything will turn out alright