"Happy Birthday" is the Worst (with Anne-Marie)

EPISODE 157

With Nate’s birthday around the corner, it’s time to admit that our go-to birthday song is actually the worst to sing to someone. There are reasons both musicological and cultural why this wooden celebratory number needs to go, ranging from funereal rhythms to Wagnerian opera to the Wizard of Oz. Tune in to uncover the horror of “Happy Birthday” and consider some of the alternatives on offer, including a recent Anne-Marie hit that takes birthday wishes and turns them around 180º.

SONGS DISCUSSED

Frédéric Chopin - Piano Sonata No 2 in B-Flat Minor, III

John Williams - The Imperial March

Judy Garland - Over the Rainbow

Richard Wagner -  Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde

The Beatles - Birthday

Anne-Marie - Birthday

Fetty Wap ft. Monty - Birthday

Stevie Wonder - Happy Birthday