Three Little Birds
"Three Little Birds" is a reggae song written and recorded by Jamaican musician Bob Marley with his band the Wailers. Released in 1977 on the album Exodus, the track is celebrated for its optimistic and reassuring lyrics, particularly the chorus "Don't worry about a thing, / 'Cause every little thing gonna be all right," which has become one of Marley's most iconic refrains.[1][2] The song's inspiration draws from three small birds—likely canaries—that frequently visited Marley's home at 56 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica, where they would perch and sing, providing a sense of comfort and positivity during his time there in the 1970s.[3][2] Marley's backing vocalists, known as the I Threes, have also suggested that the title and lyrics metaphorically refer to themselves, symbolizing unity and support.[1] Although not initially issued as a single, "Three Little Birds" was released in that format in 1980, reaching number 17 on the UK Singles Chart and contributing to the enduring legacy of Exodus, which Time magazine later named the best album of the 20th century in 1999.[3][2] Over the decades, the song has achieved widespread cultural significance, with numerous covers by artists including Maroon 5, Robbie Williams, and Marley's son Ziggy Marley, as well as features in films like I Am Legend (2007) and television series such as The Handmaid's Tale.[1][3] It has also been embraced as an anthem by sports fans, notably the supporters of Dutch football club Ajax Amsterdam since 2008, who sing it to rally before matches.[1] The track's message of hope and resilience continues to resonate globally, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of reggae music and Marley's catalog.[2]Background and composition
Writing and inspiration
"Three Little Birds" was written by Bob Marley in 1977, inspired by birds at his home in Jamaica, for the album Exodus, the recording sessions for which took place in London.[1] The song is composed in the key of A major, featuring a simple chord progression that contributes to its uplifting reggae rhythm.[4] The lyrics of "Three Little Birds" emphasize themes of reassurance and positivity, with the iconic refrain "Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing gonna be alright" serving as a mantra against anxiety and hardship.[5] This message reflects Marley's broader songwriting approach, often drawing from personal and spiritual observations to promote hope amid adversity.[6] The inspiration behind the song's lyrics remains disputed among those close to Marley. One prominent account attributes it to three actual birds—specifically canaries—that would perch and sing outside the window of Marley's home at 56 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica. Friend and associate Tony "Gilly" Gilbert recalled, "They were pretty birds who would come by the window at Hope Road," noting how Marley drew direct inspiration from their cheerful presence during a turbulent time in Jamaica.[2] Marley himself affirmed this in a 1980 interview, stating, "That really happened. That’s where I get my inspiration," linking the birds to a sense of natural reassurance.[1] An alternative interpretation comes from the I-Threes, Marley's backing vocalists Marcia Griffiths, Rita Marley, and Judy Mowatt, who have claimed the "three little birds" symbolized their supportive role in his music and life. Rita Marley described it as "our song, officially for I-Three," expressing the unity of the group.[1] Judy Mowatt echoed this, recalling that Marley and others told them the song was written specifically for the trio, though Marley never explicitly confirmed it himself.[7] Griffiths further noted referring to themselves as the "three little birds," highlighting their collaborative bond during the Exodus era.[6]Recording and production
"Three Little Birds" was recorded in 1977 at Island Studios (now known as Basing Street Studios) in London, England, as part of the sessions for Bob Marley and the Wailers' album Exodus. The track was captured during a period of exile for Marley following an assassination attempt in Jamaica, with rehearsals beginning in February 1977 and the studio booked for extended, flexible access around the clock. Production was handled by Bob Marley and the Wailers, with oversight from Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, emphasizing a live recording approach that included basic tracks of drums, bass, keyboards, guitars, and initial vocals before extensive mixing to refine the sound.[8][9][10] The core musicians on the track included Bob Marley on lead vocals, rhythm and acoustic guitar, and percussion; Junior Marvin on lead electric guitar; Aston "Family Man" Barrett on bass; Carlton Barrett on drums; and Tyrone Downie on keyboards. Backing vocals were provided by the I-Threes—Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths, and Judy Mowatt—contributing to the song's signature harmonious chorus. This lineup reflected the Wailers' evolving ensemble during their London sessions, blending Jamaican roots with the studio's resources to create a polished yet organic sound.[11][12] The song embodies roots reggae with its distinctive acoustic guitar introduction by Marley, offbeat skanking rhythm driven by the Barrett brothers' rhythm section, and layered harmonies in the chorus. Clocking in at 3:01, "Three Little Birds" was engineered to capture the genre's laid-back yet uplifting essence, prioritizing feel over technical complexity during the Exodus sessions.[8]Release and commercial performance
Single release
"Three Little Birds" first appeared as the fourth track on side two of Bob Marley and the Wailers' 1977 album Exodus, issued by Island Records.[13] The album, recorded at London's Basing Street Studios, featured the song as part of its blend of reggae anthems addressing themes of faith and resilience.[2] The track was released as a single on 29 August 1980 in the United Kingdom and internationally through Tuff Gong/Island Records.[14] Initially available in 7-inch vinyl format, it later became accessible in digital formats as part of Marley compilations and streaming catalogs.[15] The B-side featured the non-album instrumental track "Every Need Got an Ego to Feed," a dub-oriented piece produced during the same era.[16] This single release capitalized on Bob Marley's escalating global popularity in the wake of Exodus' enduring success, which had solidified his status as a reggae icon.[17] The timing aligned with heightened interest in Marley's catalog following hits like "Could You Be Loved," prompting Island Records to reissue select tracks from the 1977 album.[2]Chart performance
"Three Little Birds" entered the UK Singles Chart on 13 September 1980 at number 73 and climbed steadily, reaching its peak of number 17 for three consecutive weeks in October.[18] The single spent a total of nine weeks on the chart that year, demonstrating solid performance in the British market following its delayed single release from the 1977 album Exodus.[18] In other European markets, the song also gained traction, particularly in Ireland where it debuted on 29 September 1980 and peaked at number 14, charting for eight weeks overall.[19] It entered charts across Europe during the 1980 release period but did not achieve significant positions in countries like the Netherlands or France based on available historical data. In the United States, the single did not enter the Billboard Hot 100, though it later reached number 1 on the Reggae Digital Song Sales chart and contributed to the enduring popularity of Marley's work on reggae-oriented charts in subsequent decades.[20][21] Posthumously, the track experienced renewed chart activity tied to compilations and digital streaming. A 1985 re-release associated with the Legend album promotion led to a brief UK chart entry at number 76 for three weeks.[22] In the 2010s, increased streaming visibility boosted its presence on modern charts, culminating in a 2024 re-entry on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 56 and charting for four weeks that year, influenced by the Bob Marley biopic and over one billion Spotify streams.[18][23]UK Singles Chart (1980)
| Date | Position |
|---|---|
| 13 September | 73 |
| 20 September | 35 |
| 27 September | 25 |
| Peak (October) | 17 |
| Country | Peak Position | Year | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 17 | 1980 | 9 |
| Ireland | 14 | 1980 | 8 |
| United Kingdom (re-entry) | 76 | 1985 | 3 |
| United Kingdom (re-entry) | 56 | 2024 | 4 |
Certifications
"Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley and the Wailers has achieved numerous certifications worldwide, reflecting its enduring commercial success across physical sales and streaming equivalents. In the United Kingdom, the single was certified 3× Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for 1.8 million units.[24] The track has also seen strong recognition in other markets. New Zealand awarded it 6× Platinum status by Recorded Music NZ (RMNZ) on April 6, 2025, equivalent to 180,000 units. In Denmark, it received Platinum certification from IFPI Denmark on May 10, 2025, for 90,000 units. Additionally, the song has earned Gold and Platinum awards in countries including Italy (FIMI), while global streaming achievements are accounted for through frameworks by RIAA and IFPI.[25]| Country | Certifying Body | Award | Units Sold | Certification Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | BPI | 3× Platinum | 1,800,000 | September 6, 2024 |
| New Zealand | RMNZ | 6× Platinum | 180,000 | April 6, 2025 |
| Denmark | IFPI Denmark | Platinum | 90,000 | May 10, 2025 |
| Italy | FIMI | Platinum | 70,000 | 2023 |