‘Happy Birthday’ is arguably the most sung song globally. We’ve all belted out the first verse for friends and family countless times, maybe even adding some dramatic harmonies on that final line. You know the one:
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear (name)
Happy Birthday to you.
But what if there’s more to this ubiquitous tune than meets the ear? Prepare to have your birthday song knowledge expanded! There are actually two additional verses to ‘Happy Birthday’ that are rarely sung, but add a richer layer to this celebratory standard.
These extra verses are:
From good friends and true,
From old friends and new,
May good luck go with you,
And happiness too.
How old are you now?
How old are you now?
How old, How old
How old are you now?
These verses offer a warm wish for well-being and even a playful, if direct, question about the birthday person’s age. Hearing them might just change how you sing ‘Happy Birthday’ forever!
Who Actually Wrote ‘Happy Birthday’ and its Original Happy Birthday Song Lyrics?
The melody of ‘Happy Birthday’ was composed by two American sisters, Patty and Mildred J. Hill, in 1893. Patty was an educator, and Mildred was a pianist and composer. However, the Original Happy Birthday Song Lyrics weren’t actually for birthdays at all!
The sisters crafted the tune for a song called ‘Good Morning to All’, intended for Patty’s kindergarten students. These original happy birthday song lyrics melody was meant to accompany greetings, not birthday celebrations. It was only later that the birthday-specific words were adapted to fit the already popular tune.
Listen to how well the original lyrics of ‘Good Morning to All’ fit the melody:
Good morning to you,
Good morning to you,
Good morning, dear children,
Good morning to all.
It’s clear to hear how easily the familiar birthday words replaced these original lines.
The Complete ‘Happy Birthday’ Lyrics
So, for the next birthday celebration, why not surprise everyone with the full version? Here are all the lyrics together, including those extra verses:
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear (name)
Happy Birthday to you.
From good friends and true,
From old friends and new,
May good luck go with you,
And happiness too.
How old are you now?
How old are you now?
How old, How old
How old are you now?
Next time you sing ‘Happy Birthday’, consider adding these often-forgotten verses. You’ll not only be sharing the original happy birthday song lyrics more completely, but also adding a touch of extra warmth and fun to the celebration!
