“Don’t Worry Baby” is a song by American rock band The Beach Boys from their March 1964 album Shut Down Volume 2. Written by Brian Wilson and Roger Christian, Wilson’s lead vocal on the track is considered one of his defining performances, and he later referred to “Don’t Worry Baby” as perhaps the Beach Boys’ finest record. It was issued in May 1964 as the B-side of “I Get Around”, and charted separately at number 24.

Deriving from Wilson’s obsession with the Ronettes’ 1963 hit “Be My Baby”, “Don’t Worry Baby” has a similar musical structure, but different subject matter and production approach. The lyrics are told from the perspective of a braggadocious man who regrets agreeing to a drag race, but is ultimately consoled by his girlfriend with the song’s title phrase. The song was originally offered to the Ronettes, but was rejected by their producer, Phil Spector, leaving Wilson to produce it for his own band.

Once again, we are living in a world of uncertainty and strife, and situations like Ukraine could easily cause a person to become quite distressed and worried for the future. Though the problems presented in the lyrics are incredibly mundane in comparison, I find that the first verse and chorus, especially, has a rather touching and relatable quality in its description of unease and worry. “Don’t Worry Baby”, I hope, brings a level of nostalgia to your musical listening (who doesn’t love The Beach Boys?) and perhaps some brief comfort in this age of anxiety.

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 wrong

But 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 alright
Don’t worry, baby
Don’t worry, baby
Don’t worry, baby