I loath, despise and detest the usual "Happy birthday to you". Hearing it only once in one's life would be boring enough, because it drags a few words out into a whole stanza by excessive repetition, over a turgid tune. But one hears it very often, which makes it even more boring. For my own 60th birthday party I gave notice that I would leave instantly if that song were sung. My friends respected my wish.

They have a MUCH better song in Sweden (which I'm afraid I can't quote). It ends with wishing that the person will live for a hundred years. Though I suppose that might be a problem if someone is already celebrating their 100th or later birthday ...

Richard