Whether you want the traditional song, upbeat party anthems, or something more low-key, here's where to start. Looking for the words to go with the music? See our birthday wishes.
The Classic Song
Still the centerpiece of most celebrations
- "Happy Birthday to You" — the original, most universally recognized birthday song, traditionally sung right before blowing out the candles.
- Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday" — written to help make Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a national holiday, now a joyful staple at parties.
- "Cumpleaños Feliz" — the Spanish-language version of the classic tune, popular at bilingual celebrations.
Upbeat Party Anthems
For dancing, not just singing along
- "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang — a party-playlist staple for any milestone.
- "Happy" by Pharrell Williams — upbeat and universally likable for a crowd of any age.
- "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire — pure feel-good energy that works for almost any birthday crowd.
- "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars — reliable for getting people up and dancing.
Low-Key & Chill
For a smaller, quieter gathering
- "Better Days" by OneRepublic — a warm, reflective option for a more intimate birthday dinner.
- "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles — gentle and optimistic, works well as background music.
- "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley — easy, feel-good, and low-energy without being flat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote "Happy Birthday to You"?
The melody is credited to sisters Patty and Mildred Hill in 1893, originally as a song called "Good Morning to All"; the now-famous birthday lyrics were added later and became one of the most recognized songs in the English language.
What's a good birthday song that isn't the classic tune?
Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday" is a popular alternative that still centers the celebration, while upbeat picks like "Celebration" or "Happy" work well for a party atmosphere.
How long was "Happy Birthday to You" under copyright?
The song was the subject of a long-running copyright dispute; a 2015 court ruling and subsequent settlement determined it was not validly copyrighted, effectively placing it in the public domain.