Beyond “Happy Birthday”: The Stories, Meanings, and Magic Behind Birthday Songs

We have all been there: standing in a circle of friends or family, watching the glowing candles flicker on a cake, and awkwardly belting out the same four familiar lines. It is arguably the most widely sung song in the English language. Yet, have you ever stopped to wonder where those lyrics came from, or what other musical masterpieces exist around the world to celebrate another trip around the sun?