The song was written on the step at the back of 56 Hope Road, where Bob loved to sit and write songs. As spliffs were rolled, the seeds from the herb would be thrown onto the ground where birds would pick them up in their beaks. Hence the title, the three little birds being a trio of ground doves.

Three little birds

Don't worry about a thing
'Cause ev'ry little thing gonna be alright
Singin', "Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause ev'ry little thing gonna be alright."

Rise up this morning,
Smiled 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-u-u."
Singin'...
(Repeat)

"Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause ev'ry little thing gonna be al-right."