“Happy Birthday” is one of the most popular and famous songs in the world. Most people are taught how to sing "Happy Birthday" when they are little at birthday parties or even at school. However, it's understandable if you're not really sure about the rhythm or the words.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Studying Songs
Step 1. Learn the tune of the song
The tone of the song “Happy Birthday” is very simple and has six notes. The easiest way to learn it is to listen to a recording of this song on the internet. While listening, try humming the song. At this stage you don't have to worry about the lyrics just yet.
If you use a browser like Google, you can find lots of sample songs that will give you an idea of the tone. The song versions available on this site are excellent examples of how a song's tone is played as well as showing the most common versions of the song
Step 2. Learn the rhythm of the song
Try snapping your fingers along the beat as you learn the tune of the song. This will help you know when to sing and what words to sing.
Step 3. Learn the lyrics of the Happy Birthday song
Just like the tone, the words in the song “Happy Birthday” are also very simple. There are two versions that people often sing, one that is tailored to the birthday person and the other version that is general, for example if there is more than one birthday. Whichever version you choose, the song will be four or six words in total and be sung in four lines.
- The lyrics of the first version are: “Happy Birthday to you (pause), Happy Birthday to you (pause), Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday - Happy Birthday to you”.
- The second, more personal version is: “Happy Birthday to you (pause), Happy Birthday to you (pause for a moment), Happy Birthday dear (name of the birthday person) - Happy Birthday to you”.
Part 2 of 3: Practice Singing a Song
Step 1. Define the context of the event
Do you sing to your ten year old daughter at a birthday party with some other friends? Maybe you'd better sing a simplified version. Do you sing it solo to your husband or wife? Maybe you should sing it more softly and romantically. Did you sing it with a large group of people to your dad at his 80th birthday party? Maybe you all should practice, or at least determine when you start singing. It's important to understand the context of the show so you can determine which version of the song is more appropriate.
Step 2. Know your voice's strengths and weaknesses
If you have a deep voice, don't try to sing Happy Birthday in the traditional, up and down way. Use your inner voice! Try to sing in the range of your voice and don't try to hit the high notes. No one expects you to be a good singer.
Step 3. Practice singing the song yourself
Practicing singing it yourself often, for example at home, will allow you to deal with any stiffness that may be in your voice while helping you memorize the song. It also allows you to add unique creations to the song, such as “cha cha cha” after each line.
Step 4. Practice with other people
If you're going to be singing the song with a group of people, there's nothing wrong with practicing. Designate one person to act as conductor and start singing after the signal. You don't want to start at a different time or end at a different time. Otherwise, it is certain that everyone will sing without preparation.
If you're singing with a group and you won't have time to practice beforehand, don't try to do anything in particular. Of course, assuming that everyone knows the song
Part 3 of 3: Singing “Happy Birthday” to the Birthday Person
Step 1. Choose the version of the song you want to sing
Choose one of two versions of the traditional song that you want to sing for the birthday person. If you're only singing it to one or two people, you should use the private version. If you're singing the song at a school party for a group of people whose birthdays are in the same month, use a generic version.
If the birthday person is from a different country or is interested in another language, you can also sing an adapted version of the song “Happy Birthday” into another language. For example, in Indonesia we sing the same song, but with Indonesian lyrics. It reads like this: “Happy Birthday! Happy birthday! Happy Birthday….(add the name of the birthday person) Happy Birthday!”
Step 2. Determine the right time to sing
Usually you'll start singing "Happy Birthday" right before they cut the cake or whatever celebratory meal is being served. It could also be just before opening the gift. Try to determine when you will sing "Happy Birthday" ahead of time so that everyone has the same agreement.
Step 3. Consider delivering a short introductory speech
If you've been struggling to learn the song for a special birthday celebration or special occasion, consider giving a short introductory speech before you sing the song. Keep your comments short and light to grab the attention of your listeners.
Step 4. Consider using the instrument
You can start by playing a note on a piano or other instrument. Signal to the listener that you will start the song by playing a note on the piano. If a piano is not available where you sing, you can use another instrument.
For example, a flute or harmonica is a very good, simple, and easy-to-use instrument to start your song with
Step 5. Sing the song for the birthday person
Sing "Happy Birthday" to the birthday person to the best of your ability and make sure you sing it happily so that other people feel happy too. Make sure everyone can hear your voice.
Step 6. Clap for the birthday person at the end of the song
After you finish singing "Happy Birthday", it would be nice if you clap for the birthday person. This will let the listener know that your performance is over and that the song is a fun act.
Tips
- The Happy Birthday song used to be copyrighted, but recently that copyright was revoked. The Happy Birtday song is now in the public domain – free for everyone to enjoy and use.
- Try not to be nervous before singing. Remember, this song is very simple and you are celebrating someone's birthday. All attention is on him, not you. Do not worry!
- Don't be afraid to ask for advice. Most people know the Happy Birthday song pretty well and will be happy to help.
