This recording was the very first one I completed by myself after Robie of dance music fame taught me how to engineer using Digital Performer software. Please note that because the sound peaks (goes in the red zone), playback from the web may not work so well. But the song is available for download on Soundcloud.

I wrote the song in 2002 as a birthday gift to someone who I greatly admired. Before that time, I used to write songs for friends, perform them once or a handful of times, and then forget about them. By 2002, my songwriting had improved enough to be worthy of recording.

After time having become better at audio engineering and performing on record, I decided to place a Creative Commons With Attribution license on this recording. Last I checked, it had been downloaded over 4 million times. I plan to record a new version, and if I like it enough will put it up on iTunes.

The artwork is also mine, created on Illustrator CS1.

Here are the lyrics to Happy Birthday:

It’s that day that comes just once a year
We are happy that you are still here
If you think you’re getting old
Well, honey, let the truth be told
You only have eternity to go

You made it one more time around the sun
Now’s the time you have to have more fun
Kick up your heels enjoy the ride
And let your God above just drive
Now’s the time when we all have to say
Have a happy birthday
Celebrate and dance with all your might
Have a happy birthday
Laugh and sing, celebrate your life

You are full of love and grace
It pleases us to see your smiling face
To see you rise and be a star
We know that you’ll go really far
This life is short, and you have just begun
So have a happy birthday
Celebrate and dance with all your might
Have a happy birthday
Laugh and sing and celebrate
Laugh and sing and celebrate
Laugh and sing, celebrate your life