Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill were two sisters known for creating one of the world’s most famous songs, Happy Birthday to You.
Though they did not become pop stars, their musical work shaped early childhood songs in America.
In 1996, they were honored posthumously with induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognizing their lasting mark on music. Their work still brings joy at every birthday celebration today.
About the Song
Happy Birthday to You is sung to celebrate someone’s birthday. The song has simple words that wish the person a happy birthday.
It is sung at parties while bringing out a cake, and people everywhere know the tune. The song is easy to learn and is used worldwide.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released Date | 1893 |
| Album | Stories for the Kindergarten (Children’s Book) |
| Writer | Patty Hill |
| Composer | Mildred J. Hill |
Happy Birthday to You Lyrics
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday, dear [name]
Happy birthday to you
Additional Verses of Happy Birthday
1. ” May your dreams all come true” verse from Christmas Songs and carols
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you!
May your dreams all come true
May your dreams all come true
May your dreams all come true
May your dreams all come true!
Happy long life to you
Happy long life to you
Happy long life to you
Happy long life to you!
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
2. “From good friends and true” Verse by Traditional Artists
From good friends and true,
From old friends and new,
May good luck go with you,
And happiness too.
3. “How old are you now?” Verse by Traditional Artists
How old are you now?
How old are you now?
How old, how old,
How old are you now?
4. “My dog says woof woof to you” – But personalized
Happy Birthday, (Name)
Happy Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday (Name)
Happy Birthday.
Happy B-day, (Name)
Happy Happy B-day
Happy B-day (Name)
Oh yeah.
Feliz cumpleaños, (Name)
My dog says woof woof to you (Name)
My dog says arooooou!
(Name), Birthday, Birthday (Name)
Happy B-Day, Happy B-Day, (Name)
Feliz cumpleaños, (Name)
Note: Feliz cumpleaños is Spanish for Happy Birthday.
Similar Songs Like Happy Birthday to You
Here are four similar songs by Patty and Mildred Hill that reflect the joyful spirit of Happy Birthday to You, each offering a unique tone:
- Happy Birthday, Kids: This cheerful version includes bright vocals and simple words, making it a favorite at children’s parties and family celebrations.
- Happy Birthday Piano: A calm and gentle piano version of the birthday melody, perfect for soft background music during a relaxed gathering.
- Hip Hop Birthday: Fun version adds a light hip-hop rhythm to the original tune, giving it a fresh and modern party feel.
- Happy Birthday Punk: With bold energy and a fast beat, this version gives the classic song a lively twist that kids can enjoy dancing to.
Award for the Song
| Award Name | Year | Awarded For | Presented By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towering Song Award | 1996 | Cultural impact and influence | Songwriters Hall of Fame |
Similar Artists Like Patty Hill and Mildred Hill
The artists given below have created songs that help children learn, sing, and celebrate joyfully, just like Patty and Mildred Hill.
- Raffi
Genre: children’s music
Top Albums: Singable Songs for the Very Young (1976), Baby Beluga (1980) - Ella Jenkins
Genre: folk/children’s music
Top Albums: Play Games (1966), You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song (1959) - Pete Seeger
Genre: folk/children’s music
Top Albums: American Favorite Ballads (1957), Pete Seeger and Sonny Terry Telling the Stories (1953) - Elizabeth Mitchell
Genre: folk/children’s music
Top Albums: You Are My Sunshine (2002), You Are My Little Bird (2006) - Woody Guthrie
Genre: folk/children’s music
Top Albums: Songs to Grow on for Mother and Child (1956), This Land Is Your Land (1944)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Happy Birthday to You Sung at Parties Worldwide?
Its simple tune and joyful words helped it become a global birthday tradition over the decades.
Can I Personalize Happy Birthday to You with a Name?
Yes! Most people add the person’s name in the third line instead of “dear [name]”.
Is It Legal to Perform Happy Birthday to You Publicly Now?
Yes, the song is in the public domain and can be freely sung or recorded anywhere.
Are there Child-Friendly Versions of Happy Birthday to You?
Many artists have made playful kid versions with claps, animal sounds, or fun tempo changes.
Have Popular Artists Recorded Happy Birthday to You?
Yes, many singers and shows have recorded it, including Barbie.
