Worst That Could Happen

Jimmy Webb

About Worst That Could Happen

"Worst That Could Happen" is a song with lyrics and music written by singer-songwriter Jimmy Webb. Originally recorded by the 5th Dimension on their 1967 album of nearly all-Jimmy Webb songs, The Magic Garden, "Worst That Could Happen" was later recorded by Johnny Maestro & the Brooklyn Bridge and reached the Billboard Hot 100's top 40, at #38 on January 4, 1969, peaking at #3 on February 1-8, 1969. The song tells about a man wishing a woman well with whom he is still in love, but because the man was unwilling to settle down, she left him and is about to marry someone else who is more stable; the singer accepts the marriage but still feels that it is "the worst (thing) that could happen to (him)". It has been stated that, along with "MacArthur Park" and "By the Time I Get to Phoenix", "Worst That Could Happen" is about a relationship that Webb had had with a woman named Susan. The song is noted for the quoting of Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" from the incidental music to A Midsummer Night's Dream, which is heard at the end; in the Brooklyn Bridge version this is played by a handful of trumpets, while in the Fifth Dimension track, it is played by an electric organ. According to BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) the legal title of the song is "Worst That Could Happen." more »

Year:: 1996
: 3:41
: 29 Views

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Jimmy Webb

Jimmy Webb (born August 15, 1946) is an American songwriter, composer, and singer. He wrote numerous platinum-selling classics, including "Up, Up and Away", "By the Time I Get to Phoenix", "Wichita Lineman", "Galveston", "The Worst That Could Happen", "All I Know", and "MacArthur Park". His songs have been performed by many popular contemporary singers, including Glen Campbell, The 5th Dimension, Thelma Houston, The Supremes, Richard Harris, Johnny Maestro, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes, Art Garfunkel, Amy Grant, America, Linda Ronstadt, R.E.M., Michael Feinstein, Donna Summer, Barbra Streisand, and Carly Simon. According to BMI, his song "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" was the third most performed song in the fifty years between 1940 and 1990. Web… more »

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10 facts about this song

Song Creation "Worst That Could Happen" is a song written by Jimmy Webb. Jimmy Webb is known for his successful career as a songwriter, having written numerous hits for a variety of artists.
Song Interpretation Many people interpret the song as a heartbreaking ballad about an unrequited love. The narrator responds semi-optimistically to the idea of an end to a relationship.
Music Industry The song was first recorded by the group The 5th Dimension in 1967. It was featured on their album "The Magic Garden."
Commercial Success The most successful version of the song was recorded by Johnny Maestro & the Brooklyn Bridge, charting at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 13 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart in the US.
Pop Culture References The song continued to find success when it was used in the 1998 film "The Wedding Singer," gaining a new generation of listeners.
Legacy of the Song Despite its melancholic subject matter, "Worst That Could Happen" is often remembered fondly for its skillful composition and emotional delivery. The song continues to be a favorite on oldies radio stations.
Recognition Jimmy Webb has been recognized for his songwriting skills, including for "Worst That Could Happen," with multiple Grammy Awards for music, lyrics, and orchestration.
Cover Versions Numerous artists have covered "Worst That Could Happen," reaffirming its lasting appeal. This includes artists like Frank Sinatra, Art Garfunkel, and Glen Campbell.
Memorable Lyrics One of the most memorable lines in the song is "Girl, I heard you're getting married, heard you're getting married, this time you're really sure, and this is the end."
Inspired Works The title "Worst That Could Happen" is also used in a book by Jimmy Webb, in which he chronicles his songwriting career, including the creation of this iconic song.

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"Worst That Could Happen Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 7 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/26299417/Jimmy+Webb/Worst+That+Could+Happen>.

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