Best birthday songs
Entertainment & Playlists

35 Best Birthday Songs for the Ultimate Birthday Bash

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Written By Will Fenton
Entertainment & Playlists

35 Best Birthday Songs for the Ultimate Birthday Bash

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See how time flies. 

It’s another birthday party and a chance to celebrate the special day with a melodious tune. 

Whether you go full nostalgic or hope for a better future, you need no reminding that this is a special occasion.

And special moments deserve special celebrations. 

The easiest way to celebrate your birthday would be to gather your friends and loved ones and have them sing Patty and Mildred J. Hill’s “Happy Birthday to You” song. 

We get it.

That’s an iconic birthday song and a masterpiece from the sisterly duo, by the way. 

But don’t you think it’s become a bit boring to sing at every birthday party? 

Here are the 35 best birthday songs that aren’t boring and irritating, but instead, unique!

1. “Happy Birthday” by Loretta Lynn

Birthdays are a chance to make a fresh start.

And for Loretta Lynn, it was a moment to get over a troubled relationship.

If that suits your birthday mood, you’ll want to listen to the emotional lyrics carefully.

2. “Birthday” by The Beatles

Here’s The Beatles’ birthday song to put you in the mood.

In this one, the Fab Four wishes you a good time on your memorable day.

The lyrics make even more sense if you have someone special wishing you a happy birthday.

Check out our list of the best Beatles songs

3. “Birthday” by Destiny’s Child

The American girl group shone on this one, which has since become a birthday classic. 

Start the party with a bang with all manner of danceable tunes.

But when it’s time to create a calming atmosphere, this is the one to set the tone.

Just like The Beatles in their birthday song, Destiny’s Child wants everyone to have a good time on their birthday. 

It’s the least you can do on a joyous day. 

4. “Happy Birthday” by Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder paid the perfect tribute to one of the most prominent activists in American history. 

While the narration is about Martin Luther King Jr. from start to finish, it is still one of the greatest party celebration songs to grace your birthday. 

It is a unity song with a celebratory tune to make every moment count. 

5. “Happy Birthday” by Weird Al Yankovic

He gave us “Eat It” in 1984.

“Dare To Be Stupid” in 1985. 

And “White & Nerdy” in 2006.

But Weird Al Yankovic’s birthday song hits differently on a joyous occasion like a birthday party. 

Nothing shouts “happy birthday” like a neatly arranged punk rock track with hauntingly beautiful lyrics about the apocalypse. 

6. “Birthday” by Katy Perry

Katy Perry is often known for her heartbreak songs.

But not on this one. 

The American singer gets a little naughty in her 2013 birthday song.

She seduces a special someone with sensual lyrics and hopes he gives in to her request.

It was the fourth single from the singer’s Prism album, and it is one for those spicy moments with your better half on your birthday.

It’s a special day, after all. 

7. “Birthday” by Migos

Why would someone lie about their birthday?

Turns out that’s precisely what Migos’ birthday song is all about. 

However, the beautiful chorus still makes it one of the best tunes to play on your birthday. 

8. “Birthday Cake” by Rihanna

Songs about birthdays don’t get any naughtier than Rihanna’s “Birthday Cake.”

Like Katy Perry in her birthday song, Rihanna’s “Birthday Cake” expresses intimate feelings. 

While Riri admits that it is not her big day, she has this deep intimate feeling everyone has on their birthdays.

It is another to put you in the mood for those naughty moments on a memorable day. 

9. “Birthday” by Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez’s party anthem is about self-love and enjoying life. 

It doesn’t have to be your birthday to make the occasion memorable. 

Musically, “Birthday” has a little bit of everything, from sexual moans to police sirens and elements of trap music and pulsating electronic dance. 

10. “B-Day Song” by Madonna 

Madonna’s birthday song feels just like what you need to get everyone’s attention on the big day. 

Start the occassion with this one to get everyone in the mood for an epic party. 

11. “Unhappy Birthday” by The Smiths

“I’ve come to wish you an unhappy birthday/I’ve come to wish you an unhappy birthday/’Cause you’re evil/And you lie.”

You can play it for laughs. 

Or dedicate it to someone who broke your heart (Plus all the liars in your life). 

12. “Birthday Song” by 2 Chainz

If you want a big booty for your birthday, you have to listen to 2 Chainz’s birthday song. 

Sorry for the obscene language, by the way.

It’s just 2 Chainz’s world, and we’re happy to live in it.  

13. “Happy Birthday, Johnny” by St. Vincent 

Have you a certain Johnny in your circle?

If so, this is the one to dedicate to them on an extra special day.

The heartbreaking song is about a self-destructive dear friend struggling with drug addiction.

It highlights a theme of hopelessness and compassion and might be enough to lift your mood on your birthday. 

14. “Birthday” by The Sugarcubes

A tasteless love affair takes center stage in the Icelandic band’s 1987 alternative rock song

Listen to this if you are bored on your birthday and want someone to cure your loneliness.

15. “Happy Birthday” by New Kids On The Block

“Happy birthday to you, this is your day/On this day for you we’re gonna love you in every way/This is your day, your day, happy birthday to you, to you, to you.”

This song reminds everyone that birthdays are special. 

So, take those risks if you can, or play safe if you want. 

16. “Happy Birthday” by Altered Images

Amazing lyrics.

Dreamy synth.

A danceable tune. 

This is just what you need to get into a celebratory mood. 

17. “Birthday” by Ann-Marie

Birthdays are even better with a birthday bucket list.

For Ann Marie, that includes eating her favorite food, kissing her lover, and partying all night. 

For you, it could be anything from those steamy nights to romantic dinner dates. 

This is your chance to get a little selfish, remember.

So, make it count. 

18. “Happy Birthday” by Carly Simon

One of the biggest memories of the 90s is singing along to Carly Simon’s birthday hit at the top of your voice.

The song is an honest admission of the changing times. 

And Carly sings about all the habits she’s surrendered because of age.

She’s given up cigarettes, caffeine, and flirting. 

Thankfully, she hasn’t given up blowing those candles. 

19. “It’s My Party” by Lesley Gore

“It’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to.”

Just don’t let this moment pass without blowing out the candle. 

This song has to be on your birthday playlist. 

20. “Birthday” by Twista

Get the party Dj ready.

The dance crew set.

And the party lovers gathered.

Then, hit the dance floor with this up-tempo birthday song from the Chicago-born American rapper. 

Twista mentions all the astrological signs in the song. 

And all you have to do is get everyone ready for an epic birthday party. 

21. “Birthday Sex” by Jeremih

It’s no secret that birthday parties go hand in hand with those steamy romantic nights.

And just like the title alludes, this song is for those special extras on your birthday night. 

You will want to include it alongside Rihanna’s “Birthday Cake” and Katy Perry’s “Birthday” to spice up the moment.  

22. “In Da Club” by 50 Cent

Pop the champagne. 

Light the candles. 

Grab a drink. 

And maybe one more.

That’s because 50 Cent has set the stage for a memorable birthday party.

“In Da Club” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for nine weeks. 

And it is everyone’s favorite for a celebratory party. 

“Go, go, go, go, go, go/Go, shorty/It’s your birthday/We gon’ party like it’s your birthday.” 

23. “Happy Birthday” by The Click Five

The Click Five’s “Happy Birthday” is the ultimate birthday song every party lover needs.

The singer is making up with his lover. 

And the pop-punk elements complete any birthday playlist. 

24. “Birthday” by Kings Of Leon 

Happy birthday songs for adults bring that feel-good vibe every party lover needs.

And this one by Kings Of Leon is a celebration of love and life. 

You won’t get enough of the song’s lyrics if they come from a special someone. 

25. “Birthday Boy” by Pet Shop Boys

Partly birthday song and partly Christmas classic, this is another one to have on your ultimate birthday playlist. 

Some people think it is about the second coming of Jesus Christ. 

It’s certainly the most divisive song on this list.

26. “Ratchet Happy Birthday” by Drake

Start your joyous day with a bang by listening to Drake’s mellow track. 

It has memorable beats even though the lyrics don’t describe an ordinary birthday. 

27. “Happy Birthday” by Kygo ft. John Legend

Mark the special occasion with a Kygo and John Legend classic. 

This is a great song to have on your pre-party playlist just before the celebration reaches its climax. 

Kygo’s dance beats and John’s vocals might be what you need to spice up the moment. 

28. “Birthday Song” by Frankie Cosmos

Frankie Cosmos’ song is the perfect reminder that age is just a number.

We know it’s your birthday. 

But you don’t want to spend the whole day blowing candles when you can go the extra mile with your lover. 

29. “Happy Birthday” by Sufjan Stevens

Keep this one for the post-birthday moments, and you might just create those unforgettable after-party memories.

The poetic lyrics are just enough to compliment your birthday party. 

And it’s even better with a better half. 

30. “Birthday Song” by Don McLean

Don McLean’s sentimental song is an ode to love.

It expresses love and complex emotions. 

And that makes it a sincere tribute to a loved one on their big day. 

31. “Birthday” by Blur

Blur’s “Birthday” song is about those feelings some people get on this memorable day. 

While everyone craves a funky party with their loved ones, the narrator dislikes the occasion. 

She thinks it’s strange, pathetic, and “makes her feel small.”

32. “Older” by They Might Be Giants

TMBG’s “Older” confirms everybody’s worst fears.

The anxiety about death and aging. 

As another birthday party draws close, it only takes you closer to your grave.

And that’s why you should party like never before. 

“This day will soon be at an end/And now it’s even sooner/And now it’s even sooner/And now it’s even sooner.” 

33. “Birthday Boy” by Ween

Anyone completing their teenage part of life would want an electrifying party to mark the occasion. 

But the emotional lyrics in Ween’s song describe a painful heartbreak on the twentieth birthday. 

Some people can be heartless.  

34. “16 Candles” by The Crests

Now, this one is for the sweet “sixteens.”

Or sixteen plus. 

The young lover in this song wants his teenage queen to know just how special this moment is for them. 

That’s what birthdays are all about.

The song reached #4 on the R&B charts and #2 on the US Billboard Top 100. 

35. “Birthday Dethday” by Dethklok

It’s this heavy metal song you need to remind the world of your special day.

The song highlights dark subjects, with themes of mortality, injustice, and suffering taking center stage.

It views birthdays for what they truly are. 

And perhaps that’s all you need to make this joyous day even more significant. 

Best Birthday Songs – Final Thoughts 

Birthdays are special moments that create unforgettable memories.

For some, it’s a chance to reflect on life and your achievements throughout the year.

For others, this is the right time to connect with friends and loved ones.

Whatever the reason for celebrating your birthday, you need an exciting playlist to make the occasion special. 

And our list of the 35 best songs about birthdays will make you feel loved, happy, and appreciated on the big day. 

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