In honor of my birthday being yesterday, I decided to compile a list of some of the more engaging birthday songs out there. Through my long and arduous journey through countless songs, I was able to ascertain that most birthday songs are either about sex or getting your heart broken. Cheerful sentiments, I say! Regardless of the genre, birthdays always seemed to invoke that bittersweet nostalgia of the year that has gone past so quickly, and those pensive thoughts of what the future will hold. For me this year was not as bittersweet, rather it left me with a great feeling of accomplishment for the new experiences, new friends, and new accomplishments I’ve endured these twelve months. That being said, I tried to keep happier songs on the list, though there are a few classics you just cannot escape.
Birthday by The Beatles, The White Album (1968) This remains a classic birthday song in my book. Never gets old when great music and upbeat tempos scream about your birthday!
Unhappy Birthday by The Smiths, Strangeways Here We Come(1987) This song is a perfect reminder never to break hearts and generally be a salacious individual around your birthday. That’s just not good birthday karma being wished upon you. Not cool. But this song in contrast is very cool, from Morrisey’s signature snarl/drawl to great musicianship to support.
Happy Birthday by Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, III/IV (2010) My interpretation of this song (while keeping in tune with the birthday methodology) dictates the lyrics sing about that special someone who got really inebriated and ruined your birthday party. And then wanted to give you something “special” for your b-day regardless of the emotional carnage their intoxicated self distributed to those present. Yep, he’s not getting any with this attitude. But a wonderful song? Oh yes indeed, the talented Ryan Adams never fails to satisfy my musical needs.
Birthday Sex by Jeremih, Jeremih (2009) That’s right. I actually put this song on the list. If I were you I wouldn’t try to find a deep, methodical context for this song. But it is fun to dance on your birthday to! With its super sweet beat and Jeremih’s rhythmic chanting/singing whatever you want to call it, a great song to shake your birthday booty to is created.
Birthday by Kings Of Leon, Come Around Sundown (2010) Though the KOL definitely have their ups and downs, this is still a wholly endorsed song by me. With its catchy rhythm and Caleb’s trademark scratchy tone, it’s a nice song to kick back on your birthday with. The guitar and the vocals are a great combo in this song and remind me of just celebrating with a group of great peeps on your special night.
Got your own favorite birthday tune you’d like to share? Or perhaps just a snippy remark on how off the wall my choices were? Email me at gmarsha2@asu.edu, or follow me on Twitter: @whimsicalwookie.