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"Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most well-known and widely sung songs in the world. Here are some interesting facts about this traditional tune:

1. Origins: "Happy Birthday to You" has a somewhat mysterious origin. The melody is believed to have been borrowed from the song "Good Morning to All," which was composed by Patty Hill and her sister Mildred J. Hill in the late 19th century. The lyrics were later adapted to become the birthday song we know today.

2. Publication: The song was first published in 1893 under the title "Good Morning to All" in a songbook by the Hill sisters. It was initially intended as a classroom greeting for teachers to use with their students.

3. Copyright Controversy: "Happy Birthday to You" was under copyright protection for many years. Warner/Chappell Music claimed to own the copyright and collected royalties every time the song was used in a commercial setting. However, in 2016, a U.S. judge ruled that Warner/Chappell's claim to the copyright was not valid, declaring the song to be in the public domain.

4. World's Most Recognizable Song: According to the Guinness World Records, "Happy Birthday to You" is the most recognized song in the English language. It is sung by people from all walks of life and in various languages around the world.

5. Alternative Lyrics: While the lyrics "Happy Birthday to You" are the most commonly used, there are alternative lyrics that people sometimes sing. For example, some people use "How old are you now?" instead of "Happy Birthday to You" when singing the song.

6. Traditional Celebrations: "Happy Birthday to You" is typically sung during birthday celebrations, accompanied by the presentation of a birthday cake with candles. The birthday person makes a wish and blows out the candles while everyone sings the song.

7. Public Performances: Before the copyright ruling in 2016, public performances of "Happy Birthday to You" were subject to licensing fees. This led to creative alternatives in movies and TV shows, where characters would often sing a different birthday song to avoid paying royalties.

8. Variations: Over the years, various humorous and parody versions of "Happy Birthday" have been created to suit different occasions and senses of humor. These versions often include personalized lyrics or humorous adaptations.

9. Cultural Adaptations: In many cultures around the world, "Happy Birthday to You" has been translated and adapted into their own languages. While the melody remains the same, the lyrics are modified to reflect the local language and customs.

10. Musical Influence: The song's simple and catchy melody has made it a popular choice for musicians to play in different styles. It has been covered in various genres, including rock, jazz, classical, and more.

"Happy Birthday to You" remains a timeless and universally loved song that brings people together to celebrate birthdays and create lasting memories.