Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'

Subject: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 08:38 AM

I know that it's the best known tune in the world and it brings joy to zillions of people over their lifetimes, but the original and best known version of 'Happy Birthday' is getting a mite boring for me - a sure sign that I'm closer to my 100'th than my first anniversary.

While recently watching a movie length episode of Frost (English detective TV series), two girls sang a delightful song with completely different lyrics and tune. The story line was roughly about a teenage girl who was a part time prostitute/student who seduced her friend's father and was ultimately murdered. Does the plot sound familiar?

Any good song sleuths out there who may be able to help? I can't remember too much, but it certainly wasn't repetitious or sing-songy.

Best Regards,
John

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 11:02 AM

'Mudge and I have cringed at each singing (not by us!!!) of that "original and best known" version for many, many years. We usually do a variant of the Halleluyah Chorus or "For He/She's a Jolly Good Fellow" instead.

Would love to know more about the option you've discovered; hope someone posts words and tune, etc.

Linn

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 11:22 AM

John McCutcheon has a great one. Dunno if he wrote it or just performs it. Try his website for a lyric and maybe a sound clip-- Happy Birthday to You is the title I think.

~S~

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: Amos
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 11:41 AM

To the tune of the Volga Boatmen -- a slow, minor dirge:

Children cryyyyyy-ing!
People dyyyyyyyyyyy-ing!
Miiii-se-ry all over the world!
Haaaaaapy Biiiiiirthday!


Am Dm Am
Am Dm Am
Am C F Em
Am Dm Am

(chords from memory)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 11:41 AM

The "traditional" and hackneyed version is still under copyright, which is one reason that restaurants, when called on to honor a birthday boy/girl, frequently go to other extents, like the one to the tune of The Mexican Hat Dance. Ugh!


Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: hesperis
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 12:24 PM

Just to be silly, here's one to the tune of Hava Nagila:

Happy, Happy-a-Birthday, Happy-a-Birthday, Happy-a-Birthday to you!
Happy, Happy-a-Birthday, Happy-a-Birthday, Happy-a-Birthday to you!

Now tell how old you are, now tell how old you are,
Wishing you many more birthdays for you!

(I just made that up. Warning, it could get repetitive too.)

There's also a round sung a lot in the Sacred Circle Dance community, I think it originated in Findhorn:

To you we sing
And happiness we bring
To celebrate your birth
An angel here on earth

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: Mudlark
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 01:32 PM

I tired of this old chestnut too, so a couple of years ago started making up personal birthday songs to the tune of My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean. Verse usually starts out with "Today is so-and-so's birthday..." and goes on from there. All are tailored specifically for b'day person, for close friends there are multiple verses. Chorus is usually just "Hap-py Birth-day, to you dear so-and-so, to you , to you, etc. (This can really make up for forgetting to send a card!!)

Subject: Lyr Add: HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONG (Arrogant Worms
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 01:47 PM

I whip out The Happy Birthday Song by The Arrogant Worms

THE HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONG
The Arrogant Worms

Once a year, we celebrate
With stupid hats and plastic plates,
The fact that you were able to make
  Another trip around the sun;
And the whole clan gathers round,
And gifts and laughter do abound,
And we let out a joyful sound,
  And sing that stupid song.

Happy birthday! Now you're one year older.
Happy birthday! Your life still isn't over.
Happy birthday! You did not accomplish much,
But you didn't die this year. I guess that's good enough.

So let’s drink to your fading health,
And hope you don't remind yourself
Your chance of finding fame and wealth
  Decrease with every year.
Does it feel like you’re doing laps,
And eating food, and taking naps,
And hoping that someday perhaps
  Your life will hold some cheer?

Happy birthday! What have you done that matters?
Happy birthday! You're starting to get fatter.
Happy birthday! It's downhill from now on.
Try not to remind yourself your best years are all gone.

If cryogenics were all free,
Then you could live like Walt Disney
And live for all eternity
  Inside a block of ice;
But instead, your time is set.
This is the only life you get,
And though it hasn't ended yet,
  Sometimes you wish it might.

Happy birthday! You wish you had more money.
Happy birthday! Your life's so sad it's funny.
Happy birthday! How much more can you take?
But your friends are hungry, so just cut the stupid cake.

Happy birthday! Happy birthday! Happy birthday, dear--


:-)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: C-flat
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 02:10 PM

I like that Clinton! Must seek out the Arrogant Worms version for the next birthday bash.
C-flat.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: kendall
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 04:36 PM

Why was he/she born so beautiful,
Why was he/she born at all?
He's/she's no bloody use to anyone
No bloody use at all.

He/she ought to be publically pissed on
He/she ought to be publically shot
And put in a public urinal
And left there to fester and rot.
Then the Volga song

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: Rapparee
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 09:25 PM

You are mean
You are rotten
When you die
You'll be forgotten.
Happy, Happy Birthday!
Happy, Happy Birthday!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 10:07 PM

To the tune of Silver Threads Among the Gold:

Let's say the birthday girl is Betty:

Betty, you are growing ol-der
Rocks don't get as old as you!
You're not quite as old as God is
But you're older than primord-ial stew!

Yes, my Betty, you will be, will be
Older than the rocks and trees!
Oh, yes, Betty, you will be-ee
Older than the rocks and trees!


Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: Joybell
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 11:48 PM

Dave I really like that one. Is it yours or aren't you saying? I think I'll request it for my 60th birthday. Joybell should fit well. Joy-horrified that she was able to say she was heading-for-60.

Subject: Lyr Add: HAPPY BIRTHDAY (tune: Volga Boatmen)
From: John M.
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 11:56 PM

Happy Birthday  Size: 198KB  Time: 1:06

Happy Birthday
Tune: Volga Boat Men

Chorus:

Happy Birthday, Ugh.
Happy Birthday, Ugh.
Ha-a-a-a, Happy Birthday, Ugh.

Pain and sorrow in the air,
Death around us everywhere.

chorus

One year closer to the grave,
Think of all the food we'll save

chorus

Easter Bunny broke his leg,
Bled all over the Easter Eggs,

Santa Claus wrecked his sleigh,
No more presents on Christmas day.

chorus

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 19 Jul 04 - 12:46 AM

The 'Volga Boatman' Birthday saong was extremely popular in the SCA - if you search the web on SCA lyrics sites (there are even relevant webrings) you will find hubdreds of verses.

Robin

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: Celtaddict
Date: 19 Jul 04 - 01:10 AM

I teach my children that we celebrate birthdays not because someone is getting older but because we are glad they were born. There must be some more agreeable sounding song choices out there.
(My preferred song is probably actually virtually any song that the celebrant loves, as a way of honoring the celebrant. But it is nice to think of one that all the friends and relations can join in...)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 19 Jul 04 - 04:55 AM

Sandy Bradley and the Small Wonder String Band (a/k/a Greg and Jere Canote) recorded one with a chorus that goes:

Makes me feel like the good old days
Happy Birthday to you!
Sure grew out of your baby ways
Happy Birthday to you!
____ birthday, we wish you many more
Health and wealth and friends by the score
So cut the cake and let's eat some more
Happy Birthday to you!

That one's pretty agreeable...I'm sorry I don't remember the name of the author. Each verse is about a different birthday in a person's life when he wasn't feeling particularly cared for, and then there was a surprise party and "His friends jumped up and they hollered real hard, 'Happy Birthday to you!'"

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: rich-joy
Date: 19 Jul 04 - 05:47 AM

Hi John! Good to see you at the Top Half FF recently (maybe we'll see you up at ABOFOTS in Maleny, someday??!!)

re the eternal happy birthday song problem : some years ago, an artist based in Australia (I THINK?), named Jean-Paul Wobatai, recorded a great new African-style version. I'm just not sure of the details ...
Maybe some other Oz 'Catter can assist???

Cheers! R-J

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 19 Jul 04 - 06:54 AM

Yes, I do understand being upset about the copyright issues around the best-known song, but quite frankly, it's as close to folk music as the popular culture is going to get and for that reason I like it!

Having said that, here are a few contributions:

(To the tune of (I think) the Merry Widow Waltz)
Happy birthday, happy birthday, We love you.
Happy birthday, and may all your dreams come true.
When you blow out the candles, one light stays aglow,
It's the love-light in your eyes where-e're you go.

This round has an original tune (not mine). I could probably rustle up a midi on request:
We wish you a happy birthday
A joyous and celebrated birthday
To our dear _______
We wish you a long, long life!

As for the lyrics posted by Mark Cohen, they are in fact the chorus to the song WYSYWYG referred to by John McCutcheon. The title of the song is "Cut the Cake".

But I still like "Happy Birthday to you..."

Allison

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: clueless don
Date: 19 Jul 04 - 09:35 AM

Fred Rogers (of "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood") wrote an alternative to the usual song. It went something like

Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday
Dear (name of person), we sing to you
Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday to you

to a nice tune. However, it may still be under copyright.

Don

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: open mike
Date: 19 Jul 04 - 05:41 PM

the song that is sung by John McCutcheon
(it caN BE FOUND ON HIS HOWJADOO ALBUM)
and the folks that Mark Cohen mentions
in his post is called Cut the Cake
words & music by Tina Liza Jones

We're gonna let 2nd grade out early today
Which made little Mikey kinda blue
He just turned 7 years old that day
And he thought he'd get a party at school
He walked back home and he's taken off his guard
There's chairs and tables all over the yard
And his friends jumped up and they hollered real hard,
"Happy Birthday to You!"

CHORUS:

It makes me think of the good old days
Happy birthday to you
You sure grew out of your baby ways
Happy birthday to you
(7th 23rd, 92nd) birthday we wish you many more
Health and wealth and friends by the score
Cut the cake and let's eat some more
Happy birthday to you

Now Mike's 22 and he's working for his Pop
And his head's full of business thru and thru
He was planning out a whole new system at the shop
And he forgot he had a birthday due
He drove back home and he's taken off his guard
There's chairs and tables all over the yard
And his friends jumped up and they hollered real hard,
"Happy Birthday to You!"

CHORUS

Now it's old man Michael in a rocking chair
Admiring the view
He's still got all his teeth and he's still got all his hair
And today he's 92
He turns in his seat and he's taken off his guard
There's chairs and tables all over the yard
And his friends jumped up and they hollered real hard,
"Happy Birthday to You!"

CHORUS

YOU CAN LISTEN TO SOME OF IT HERE:
http://www.folkmusic.com/f_music.htm

JOHN usulally sings it at concerts
picking out a birthday person from
the audience.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 20 Jul 04 - 02:48 AM

OK.'ve lost my backup, but I'll type it in again (the story behind it is in another thread...) It is an Aussie Birthday Card (with pictures) invention by The Ink Group.

Hippo Birdie, Two Ewes!
Hippo Birdie, Two Ewes!
Hippo Birdie, Hippo Birdie! (or Dear XXXX)
Hippo Birdie, Two Ewes!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: Nerd
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 12:42 AM

On The Simpsons, at the run-down Chucky Cheese type restaurant they go to, the threadbare animatronic animals sing:

You're the Birthday
You're the Birthday
You're the Birthday
Boy or Girl!

Sort of the opposite of making a more personal version!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 10:12 AM

Happy, happy birthday, to every girl and boy,
Hope this very special day brings you lots of joy.
Hope the birthday presents you get from Mom and Dad
Will make this very special day the best you ever had.

--from Roger Awsumb, who, in his role as Casey Jones, starred in a local kids' TV show in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, from 1953 to 1972, and frequently sang the song on the air.

Subject: Lyr Add: JA, MÅ DU LEVA
From: open mike
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 10:41 PM

Swedish Birthday Song "JA, MÅ DU LEVA"

A birthday celebration in Sweden often starts early in the morning. The family "surprises" the one with a birthday by bringing in a special breakfast tray with a hot beverage, sweet roll and lighted candle and singing "Ja, må du leva".

This song is sung to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions. The Swedish version as well as an English translation are presented here.
Swedish Version

Ja, må du (han,hon, dom) leva, Ja, må du (han,hon, dom) leva,
Ja, må du (han,hon, dom) leva uti hundrade år.
Ja, må du (han,hon, dom) leva, Ja, må du (han,hon, dom) leva,
Ja, må du (han,hon, dom) leva uti hundrade år.

Ja, visst ska du (han, hon, dom) leva, Ja, visst ska du (han, hon, dom) leva,
Ja, visst ska du (han, hon, dom) leva uti hundrade år.
Ja, visst ska du (han, hon, dom) leva,
Ja, visst ska du (han, hon, dom) leva,
Ja, visst ska du (han, hon, dom) leva uti hundrade år.

"Ett fyraldigt leve... leve du (han, hon, dom). HURRAH, HURRAH, HURRAH, HURRAH."

English Translation

Yes, may you (he, she, they) live, Yes, may you (he, she, they) live,
Yes, may you (he, she, they) live for a hundred years.
Yes, may you (he, she, they) live, Yes, may you (he, she, they) live,
Yes, may you (he, she, they) live for a hundred years.

Oh sure, you (he, she, they) will live,
Oh sure, you (he, she, they) will live,
Oh sure, you (he, she, they) will live for a hundred years.
Oh sure, you (he, she, they) will live,
Oh sure, you (he, she, they) will live,
Oh sure, you (he, she, they) will live for a hundred years.

"A four fold cheer ... cheer for you (him,her, them). HURRAH, HURRAH, HURRAH, HURRAH."

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: CapriUni
Date: 23 Jul 04 - 01:25 PM

Not a song, but an essay I wrote last November as part of an evening of literary performance, on the whole spirit that I hope is part of whatever song you sing to someone on their natal anniversary (could it be that the songs like the Volga Boat Song version are like telling an actor to "break a leg!" before going on stage?.

The Birthday Effect

We could always tell which old family pictures were taken at my birthday because I'd be in pajamas, and there'd be a box of Kleenex™ in the foreground (ah, the joys of a birthday in deep midwinter). It got better. For my tenth, my parents took some friends and me to the American Museum of Natural History to see the dinosaurs. And then, there was my nineteenth. Two teachers "borrowed" me from a writing class and escorted me down the hall to the nursery school, where my health was toasted by a room full of four-year olds.

The birthday parties that made the deepest impression, however, were not for me. They each took place a few tables away at a restaurant. The restaurants' names, décor and menus were all different, of course. But other things were always the same. Conversations would be interrupted by the familiar strains of "Happy Birthday to you!" and all the customers would join in, as a gaggle of waiters made their way down the aisle with a candlelit desert for the guest of honor. We would applaud when the song was over, and then return our attention to our own dinners and lives.

That doesn't happen as much, these days. Restaurant owners, aware that "Happy Birthday" is a copyrighted song, teach their waiters to hail the guest of honor with a peppy chant that no one's heard before. Still, the phrase "Happy Birthday" is in there somewhere, and if you watch those within earshot, you'll see the hint of a smile move across their faces.

I call it "The Birthday Effect." When we learn that it is someone's birthday, we'll wish them a happy one. It doesn't matter if the person is a stranger. And we don't need proof that our good wishes are deserved. Even people who dread their own birthdays, either because they fear the future or regret the past, will wish 'many happy returns' to someone else.

I don't know why this happens. Perhaps it's because birthdays are like holidays, and by saying "Happy Birthday," we get to take part in the celebration, if only for a moment. Maybe it helps us remember those times when others wished us a happy birthday. Maybe it's just being polite. Maybe it's for all of these reasons.

But whatever the reason, one thing is undeniable: it is always someone's birthday -- for at least one out of every three hundred and sixty-five people. At first, it may seem pretty slim odds that you'll actually meet one of them -- until you consider how many people you see in a day. There is, roughly, a one in five chance that someone in this theater is celebrating a birthday tonight.   Now, I'm neither a statistician nor a demographer, but it wouldn't surprise me if, after you factor in all the people you've seen today – maybe standing in line with you at the grocery store, or driving beside you on the roads -- the following statement were true: "You crossed a birthday person's path today."

And so, I'd like to leave you with the following suggestion: treat all the people you meet as if you know they're celebrating a birthday. Don't worry if they are strangers, or if they deserve it. Do it to take part in a celebration, or in memory of kindnesses others have shown you. If nothing else, do it to be polite. You don't need to burst into song, or give them a card. Just let the hint of a smile move across your face, and wish them many happy returns.

True, the chances are, most of the people you meet will not be celebrating a birthday. But the chances are also pretty good that at least one of them will be.

And maybe, just maybe, you'll get invited to the party.

---

Now, I'm all inspired to try and write my own birthday song, to a familiar tune...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: GUEST,John Porcino
Date: 31 Jan 07 - 06:17 PM

At the local dance jam they sing -- to kind of a swing tune.

"God danced the day you were born
the angels did the bump to Gabrials horn
God danced the day you were born
So grateful for the gift of you "

There's two verses I have not learned that continue in that same vain. Give a call at 413-549-5448 if you want to here the tune.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: Padre
Date: 31 Jan 07 - 09:55 PM

From some long-forgotten kids' radio show:

Today is a birthday, I wonder for whom [I love the corect grammar]
I know it's for someone who's right in this room
So look all around you for somebody who,
Is smiling and happy - my godness, it's you

Happy Birthday [and here, fill in the name of the birthday folk]
From all of us to you;
Happy Birthday [same name]
From mommy and daddy too
[At this point, I can't remember the rest of the song]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: charles92027
Date: 31 Jan 07 - 10:36 PM

This is your birthday song,
It isn't very long.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: GUEST,BB
Date: 01 Feb 07 - 10:20 AM

That above, from charles92027, is sung by a guy at our pub. It's to the tune of Ta-ra-ra-boom-de-ay (Richard Morton, 1890s). Here's a link to the tune, if you can't remember it.
http://www.heftone.com/recordings/ta-ra-ra-boom-de-ay.mp3

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: GUEST,BB
Date: 01 Feb 07 - 11:13 AM

Here's another some of us like. It's sung in the 1970 film, The Railway Children; the song is from Edith Nesbit's 1906 book on which the film was based. The birthday girl is named Roberta, so any birthday person's name would be substituted in for her name.

Our darling Roberta,
No sorrow shall hurt her
If we can prevent it
Her whole life long.
Her birthday's our fete day,
We'll make it our great day,
And give her our presents
And sing her our song.

May pleasures attend her
And may the Fates send her
The happiest journey
Along her life's way.
With skies bright above her
And dear ones to love her!
Dear Bob! Many happy
Returns of the day!

About the text - E. Nesbit writes, "Roberta knew that Mother had written the words on purpose for her birthday." One would assume that Nesbit is responsible for the words, but there is some indication that she used an older source, John Hartley's Halifax Almanac (known as The Clock Almanac), first published 1865. I can't find good info on that possibility online.
The tune Nesbit specifies in the book is "the first part of the tune of St. Patrick's Day." This is the tune: "St. Patrick," 1902, by Charles Villiers Stanford, b. Dublin, Ireland (1852-1924).
St. Patrick (Stanford)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: Cool Beans
Date: 01 Feb 07 - 01:32 PM

Padre, the rest of the song is:
We congratulate you
And pray good luck follows, too.
Happy birthday (Na-ame)
May all of your good dreams come true.

---
It's from "Big Jon and Sparkie," a radio show in the 1950s.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: Cool Beans
Date: 01 Feb 07 - 01:35 PM

"Hurray, Today's Your Birthday"
(Tom Glazer)

Hurray, Hurray, Hurray, Hurray,
Hurray. Today's your birthday.
Hurray, Hurray, Hurray, Hurray
Hurray, Today's your birthday.
It's not the beaver's or the bear's,
Not the pickle's or the pear's,
It's not next week or yesterday.
Hurray. Today's your birthday.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: frogprince
Date: 01 Feb 07 - 02:15 PM

A few days ago, about 8 of the waitresses and staff at one of our local restaurants "treated" me to this, which I did find kinda cute:

I don't know, but I've been told,
Someone here is gettin' old....Sound Off; Sound Off

Good news is, we sing for free;
Bad news is, we sing off-key...Sound Off; Sound Off; SOUND OFF!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: GUEST,Julia
Date: 01 Feb 07 - 10:10 PM

There's a wonderful round that goes

WE wish you a very happy birthday
A joyous and celebrated birthday
to you dear-----------
WE wish you a long long life

I also like to call people up and sing the words "happy birthday" to the tune of the Hallelujah Chorus

Haaa-pee Birthday!
Haaa-pee Birthday!
Happy birthday! happy birthday!
Happ-eee-ee Birth DAY!

Cheers- Julia

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: EBarnacle
Date: 01 Feb 07 - 10:25 PM

One of the local radio stations used to have a show called Big John and Sparky on weekend mornings. They did a variant of the one Animaterra cited:

[To the tune of the Merry Widow Waltz]

Happy birthday, Happy Birthday, Just for you;
Happy Birthday and may all your dreams come true!
When you blow out the candles, one light stays aglow--
It's the sunshine of your smile, where-e'er you go!

I have used this one at numerous public events, including a hundredth birthday party. Generally when leading it, I line out the song after presenting it once around solo. The words seem memorable enough that the audience seems to pick it up very quickly.

I also find it amazing how many people come up to me afterward and remember hearing it on Big John and Sparky. Once, I was one of the kids they dedicated it to.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: GUEST,larly
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 05:10 AM

happy birthday (insert name here), i hope the years been fun, and all those who didnt like you, an take a great big run
so smil and blow out you candles , and sing a cheery tune
cause all you have in everything
is a day thats just for you

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: Joe_F
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 08:38 PM

There is a round that goes

We wish you a happy birthday,
A joyous and celebrated birthday.
To you, dear ----,
We wish you a long, long life.

Tune in solfa (lower octave in capital):

S.d.mmmrdTd.d...
r.m.sssfmrm.m...
f.s...s...s.....
f.m.ddS.S.d.....

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Feb 16 - 05:37 PM

To you we sing,
And happiness we bring.
To celebrate your birth,
An Angel here on earth

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: keberoxu
Date: 07 Feb 16 - 03:51 PM

I too have heard the Restaurant Sound-Off version, and it's funny. Especially when they make a point of singing off-key on those words.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: Felipa
Date: 07 Feb 16 - 08:21 PM

"Still Learning" by Eilidh Patterson

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: Felipa
Date: 07 Feb 16 - 08:27 PM

did John ever find the song he was searching for? Like many respondents I just named a song I think makes a good birthday song. I'd like Eilidh to sing Still Learning at MY birthday!

for a younger person, Joni Mitchell's "Circle Game"
Another coming of age song would be Murray McLaughlin, "Child's Song"

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: PHJim
Date: 07 Feb 16 - 11:09 PM

Too old, too old,
Too old to cut the mustard any more.
(S)He's gettin' too old, too old,
Too old to cut the mustard any more.

When I was young and in my prime
I used to do it all the time,
But now I'm old and gettin' grey
I only do it twice a day.

Too old. . .

He tried to act so debonair
She ran her fingers through his hair
The whole thing turned out pretty grim
'Cause none of his hair belonged to him

Too old. . .

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: PHJim
Date: 07 Feb 16 - 11:17 PM

from Todd Snider's Aged Like Wine:

Old Timer, Old Timer,
It's too late to die young now.
Old Timer, five and dimer
Tryin' to find a way to age like wine somehow.

I know every fool that's ever signed his picture on the walls
At the back of all these beer joints and concert halls
Been through five managers, seven labels
A thousand picks and patch cables
Five banjos, a bunch of guitar stands
And cans and cans and cans of beer
And bottles of booze and bags of pot
And a bunch of stuff that I forgot
I thought that I'd be dead by now
But I'm not.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: Felipa
Date: 08 Feb 16 - 04:58 AM

forever young (Bob Dylan)

I wish they'd do it now (itches in me britches) - I dont know who composed it, I know that song from the singing of John Roberts and Tony Barrand

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
From: GUEST,saulgoldie
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 08:39 AM

And all this time, everyone is wishing "Happy Birthday" when all of us has only ONE birthday; all the celebrations of "Happy Birthday" are celebrations of birth *anniversaries.* Eh, whatever.

But yeah, it's great to have alternatives to the once copyright-protected but now in public domain "classic" song.

Saul