'They Say It's Your Birthday!' 33 Best Happy Birthday Songs To Celebrate Your Big Day
Happy birthday to you! Everyone knows the traditional birthday song. But did you know that there are countless other songs about birthdays that are reflective and fun for celebrating your big day? Whether you prefer country, rock or rap, the best happy birthday songs are the ones you can relate to.
Some of the birthday songs are super upbeat party songs, others are purely romantic and some others are more reflective and somber for adults. But whatever your mood, you will love this list of the best birthday songs.
Maybe you're putting together a birthday party playlist, maybe you're looking for a unique song to play in the background of a birthday video for Instagram or TikTok—whatever your motivation, you'll definitely celebrate all the choices as you scroll through our list.
33 Best Birthday Songs
1. The Beatles - "Birthday"
They say it’s your birthday! This is such a popular song for the dance floor and for celebrating a birthday. The birthday song was written back in 1968 by Paul McCartney and was actually written in just one day.
2. Kenny Chesney - "Don’t Blink"
As an old man is being interviewed on his 102nd birthday, his advice is to not blink. Time goes by so fast!
3. Lori McKenna - "When You're My Age"
A sweet, sentimental song that's perfect for reflection on your child's birthday with lyrics like: "You'll outgrow your shoes, you'll outgrow your bed, you'll outgrow this house, just don't forget—when you're all grown up but you don't feel that way, you're still gonna be my baby, even when you're my age."
Related: Happy Birthday Wishes for Your Daughter
4. Stevie Wonder - "Happy Birthday"
About setting aside a time for showing someone how much they are loved on their birthday. This song was written specifically for Martin Luther King Jr.
5. Katy Perry - "Birthday"
This was written for Katy’s fourth studio album Prism in 2013. It’s a seductive birthday song about being the gift for her man.
6. Casting Crowns - "Just Another Birthday"
A sweet song about a father and daughter relationship throughout the milestone birthdays of 16, 19 and 21. "Just Another Birthday" is a sentimental one to listen to for sure.
7. Bon Jovi - "It's My Life"
With lyrics like "It's my life / It's now or never / But I ain't gonna live forever / I just want to live while I'm alive," this song is the perfect birthday mantra for seizing the day!
8. Destiny’s Child - "Birthday"
A celebration song that is romantic and includes a candlelit dinner.
9. Don McLean - "Birthday Song"
Written in 1972, this birthday song is all romance. The song is like a love letter, including lyrics like, "I don't believe in magic but I do believe in you."
10. Anne Marie - "Birthday"
This birthday song was released on February 7, 2020. The celebration song is more about growing up than aging.
11. Madonna - "B’Day Song"
Released in 2012, this happy birthday song is about a happy girl in a happy world!
12. The Crests - "Sixteen Candles"
A sweet 16 birthday love song that is endearing to listen to. It’s a perfect birthday song for someone turning 16.
13. Altered Images - "Happy Birthday"
"Happy birthday" is repeated frequently in this upbeat 80s song by Altered Images. The song was released in 1981 and entered the UK charts in September of 1981.
14. Rod Stewart - "Forever Young"
Not as much about birthdays as for staying forever young. A celebration of life and the gaining of wisdom.
Related: Happy Birthday Wishes for Your Son
15. New Kids On The Block - "Happy Birthday"
New Kids on the Block harmonize perfectly in this celebratory song with a 50s vibe.
16. 50 Cent - "In Da Club"
Go shorty! This song is by American rapper 50 Cent. It's a birthday rap song that includes partying like it is your birthday.
17. The Tune Weavers - "Happy, Happy Birthday Baby"
Although this is a break-up birthday song, it's a catchy tune from the doo-wop period and ends with good luck and well wishes to a former love.
18. Peter Hammill - "Birthday Special"
A punk rock birthday song where the singer has something to ask his birthday girl.
19. Selena Gomez - "Birthday"
"Jazz it up!" A super catchy song about partying like it’s your birthday every day. All you have to do is say it’s your birthday and nobody will ever know!
20. Joni Mitchell - "The Circle Game"
Another sentimental tune that puts a lot of emphasis on the continuation of time in our lives with lyrics like: "We're captive on the carousel of time / We can't return, we can only look / Behind, from where we came."
21. Louis Armstrong - "What a Wonderful World"
Louis Armstrong's classic is great for birthday celebrations—a time of looking back with gratitude on all our blessings!
22. Carly Simon - "Happy Birthday"
"So just blow out the candles, happy birthday" is a great birthday Instagram caption as well.
23. Jimmy Buffett and Martina McBride - "Trip Around The Sun"
This is a song about a birthday and the recognition of life—a reminder of all we have learned and experienced.
24. Conway Twitty - "Happy Birthday Darlin’"
Instead of giving a gift for this birthday, Conway sings about taking negative things away (things like suspicion, lonely moments and doubts).
25. They Might Be Giants - "Older"
A song that's about getting older and time marching on—a hilarious choice to send to your best friend on their big day to get some big laughs.
26. The Association - "Birthday Morning"
Another romantic birthday song with sweet lyrics about a lover's birthday morning—ideal for a loving tribute.
Related: Best Happy Birthday Wishes
27. Pink Floyd - "Time"
Add this nostalgic tune to your birthday playlist, as it reflects on how your perspective changes from when you're younger to when you are growing older. Lyrics include: "You are young and life is long, and there is time to kill today / And then one day you find ten years have got behind you / No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun."
28. Weird Al Yankovic - "Happy Birthday"
Do you like broccoli and beer? If so, you’ll love this funny birthday song.
29. Uriah Heep - "The Magician's Birthday"
Another on-theme tune for a birthday party playlist. A birthday in the forest? That’s what you’ll get with this magician's birthday!
30. Taylor Swift - "Never Grow Up"
When celebrating your child's birthday, this song has gorgeous lyrics that will pair perfectly with a photo or video montage.
31. Dolly Parton - "Happy, Happy Birthday Baby"
A wish for a former love to have a happy birthday.
32. Tim McGraw - "My Next 30 Years"
As McGraw pauses to celebrate his birthday, he reminisces on his past and looks forward to his next 30 years to live the best life ever.
33. Lesley Gore - "It's My Party"
You would cry too if it happened to you! A birthday party song about a sad break up and just wanting to be left alone. When it’s your birthday, you can do what you want to—cry if you want to! (This could be fun to play over a video of you crying with joy from a surprise party or opening a meaningful birthday gift.)
Next up, 60+ funny happy birthday memes!
