Happy Birthday
Altered-Images Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday

Happy, happy birthday in a hot bath
To those nice nice nights
I remember always, always
I got such a fright

Seeing them in my dark cupboard
With my great big cake

If they were me
If they were me
And I was you
And I was you
If they were me
If they were me
And I was you
And I was you

If they were me and I was you
Would you have liked a present, too?

Happy, happy birthday in a hot bath
To those nice nice nights
I remember always, always
I got such a fright
Seeing them in my dark cupboard
With my great big cake

If they were me
If they were me
And I was you
And I was you
If they were me
If they were me
And I was you
And I was you

If they were me and I was you
Would you have liked a present, too?

Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday

Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday

Overall Meaning

Altered Images’s “Happy Birthday” is a quirky, fun-loving song that celebrates the experience of a happy birthday. The song’s lyrics are full of vivid imagery that invite the listener to recall the joyous moments of their own birthdays. The singer reminisces about “nice nice nights” and a “great big cake” while being surrounded by “them” in a dark cupboard. The lyrics play with the ambiguity of “them,” leaving it up to interpretation as to who the singer is sharing their birthday with. The refrain, “Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday” is repeated multiple times, creating a joyful and celebratory tone.

The song’s bridge, “If they were me and I was you / Would you have liked a present too?” adds a layer of introspection to the song’s otherwise lighthearted tone. The question puts into perspective the idea of understanding someone else’s experiences, creating a moment of reflection for the listener. Overall, “Happy Birthday” is a playful ode to the special day in one’s life and the memories it creates.

Line by Line Meaning

Happy birthday, happy birthday
Wishing you a very happy birthday, twice over.

Happy, happy birthday in a hot bath
A relaxing birthday, hopefully spent in warm and calming waters.

To those nice nice nights
Thinking back fondly on past birthdays that were lovely and enjoyable.

I remember always, always
A strong and vivid memory of these happy birthday celebrations.

I got such a fright
Having been startled or scared by something unexpected during the birthday festivities.

Seeing them in my dark cupboard
Finding someone hiding in the dark where there were supposed to be no surprises.

With my great big cake
The cake being the centerpiece of the birthday festivities.

If they were me
If the roles were reversed and I was the birthday guest.

And I was you
If the other person was now in my role as the birthday celebrant.

If they were me and I was you
Playing out hypothetical situations where we switch roles.

Would you have liked a present, too?
Asking if they would appreciate a gift in this alternate role-playing scenario.

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Anthony McDaid, Bryan Vincent Keegan, Clare Patricia Grogan, Gerard McElhone, John McElhone, Michael Anderson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Is

42w↑1

[Refrain]
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday

[Verse]
Happy, happy birthday in a hot bath to those nice, nice nights
I remember always, always, I got such a fright
Seeing them in my dark cupboard with my great big cake

[Chorus]
If they were me, if they were me
And I was you, and I was you
If they were me, if they were me
And I was you, and I was you
If they were me and I was you
Would you've liked a present too?

Verse]
Happy, happy birthday in a hot bath to those nice, nice nights
I remember always, always, I got such a fright
Seeing them in my dark cupboard with my great big cake

[Chorus]
If they were me, if they were me
And I was you and I was you
If they were me, if they were me
And I was you and I was you
If they were me and I was you
Would you've liked a present too?

[Refrain]
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday

Winter Dobrez

2y↑5

Verse]
Happy, happy birthday in a hot bath to those nice, nice nights
I remember always, always, I got such a fright
Seeing them in my dark cupboard with my great big cake

[Chorus]
If they were me, if they were me
And I was you and I was you
If they were me, if they were me
And I was you and I was you
If they were me and I was you
Would you've liked a present too?

[Refrain]
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday 🎉

All comments from YouTube:

Lu Cardenas

1y↑50

My dad used to play this every year on my birthday, and now I have just turned 18. Happy birthday to me

Catherine Hart

48w↑3

Your dad is cool Lu!

jetsers jets

45w

Happy birthday!

Jimm Bear

2y↑122

I watched Sixteen Candles and this song was in it reminded me of how great this band was. Today’s generations have no idea how awesome the 1980’s were.

A. Person

47w

Absolutely no idea.😎

CEDRIC HERRERA

6y↑492

The best Birthday song for New Wave lovers. The '80 were fun.

Elizabeth Bowie

2y↑10

Huge Amen!!!

Nova Antares

2y↑9

We should elect this as the "Happy Birthday to you"-song for the new millennium!

Peaky Blunder

2y↑10

Posting this tomorrow for my best friend's 60th!!

We lived it, loved and lost people along the way.

Tony Orsini

2y↑9

You don't even have to be New Wave to enjoy this. If this doesn't make you happy for even a few minutes, I don't know what to tell ya.

rmkw4291

1y↑1

This is my song to play on people's birthdays compared to Stevie Wonder's more well known version a year earlier.
They both are awesome songs though nonetheless and both hit no.2 in the UK.

1 More Replies...

Megsyboo

3y↑360

Just played this for my 10yr old today on her birthday..... we hopped around the house in true 80,s style... parenting win there!

Tony Orsini

2y↑14

That is SOOOO cool! You are the MOM! I'm playing this right now because it's my birthday and just thought it would be really cool to hear it as a segueway into it. I'm glad I did, because I got to see this comment from you. I love that there's people out there who still take the time to be awesome. You just made my own special day even more special for that. So much so that I'm going to play this again! Thank you!

zombie cow

2y↑3

@Tony Orsini
Hope you had a happy birthday!

Tony Orsini

2y↑4

@zombie cow Hey thank you! I definitely did

Daniel Banana

2y↑1

@Paul Flaherty 11 months ago

Laura Vázquez González

2y↑2

It's very original and refreshing way to wish somebody a happy one than the same old and very played tradicional HB, isn't?

8 More Replies...

Amy Banas

8y↑442

Just turned 45 and every year this is the song that gets stuck in my head. And always the tune I sing when saying happy birthday to someone else. Such a great song from my teen years. The 80s were such a special time for music. 🎤🎵🎶

John Q. Citizen

7y↑4

Uh, no. You weren't a teen when this came out. You would have been around 10

Kate Muccino Gandhi

7y↑2

Amy Banas Just turned 44 & same!

Tara Bettencourt

6y↑5

Well I’m 47 and I️ send this to everyone I️ know on their bday as well. My son now sings it to me on my bday instead of the traditional happy bday song because he knows how much I️ love it

Ash 928

6y↑4

I loved the 80s, the, the 90s where great too, that's when I got into, Stone Roses, Oasis, Nirvana, B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, also UK Garage.

Rebel Patriot Outdoors OP_RS

6y↑3

I copy and paste this song for anyone's birthday. Nobodies birthday today but I love the song still!

35 More Replies...

Dany Loup

4y↑243

this is wayyy better than the normal happy birthday song.

Tony Orsini

2y↑3

You said it! I'd LOVE for someone to sing me this each year, wouldn't that be cool?

Daniel Banana

2y↑3

Way better. This should become the official happy birthday song. Very few lyrics just like the lame one (relatively lame).

patrick costello

2y↑3

I HATE the normal happy birthday song!!

Jusk A Husk

2y↑2

Trevor Noah said he grew up with a different birthday song then when he first heard the normal one he thought it sounded like a funeral dirge.

6581punk

For a while Happy Birthday was copyrighted and you couldn't sing in public.

steven richards

5y↑640

Raise your hand if you want to live in the 80's forever !

Graham Schofield

3y↑18

Definitely,someone invent a time machine please.

Nobby Stuler-Bålzak, Esq.

3y↑16

Only if we could give our children what we had.

mary murphy

3y↑11

Definitely hand raised, good times, great music

MyFirstName MyLastName

3y↑7

The 80s ended ? Oh sh**t. What am I going to listen to NOW ?!

45 More Replies...

hayleylovesfatcats

10y↑62

It's my birthday and I love this song! I'm gonna play it all day!!!!!

I Love the 80s

2y↑3

Same!!!!!

Dianna Fromherz

2y↑14

I try to share this to everyone I know on their birthday! It's so much fun, and so many people have never heard it before!

Shannon Jones

3y↑51

It’s my birthday today, and my mom sent me this video! I’m 34 and didn’t get to really experience much of the 80s but know how amazing they were and I would love to live in the 80s and 90s forever! Best decades hands down!

bs1174

2y↑5

I play this for myself every year since it came out.
I'm 57 today 🥳

Elizabeth Dahl

4y↑26

Me and my mom play this for each other on our birthdays. Never gets old!😂

ProgrammingFlaw 3489

1y↑9

The bass sounds awesome.This is my favorite Birthday song, I send it to all my friends on their B-day.🎂

Chirikiti Apocrypha

4y↑21

This has been my birthday song since it came out (today I am 50). I wake up, get dressed, put this song on and crank it loud and dance my ass off for a couple listens...then I follow it up with The Vandals- Happy Birthday to Me

Akira Menai

43w

On my 17th birthday, the summer before my last year of high school, I got up and turned on MTV, and this was the first video played. Since that day I listen to it every year, and play it for every one of my kids first thing in the morning.

Fred Garvin

39w↑1

Everything about this captures the spirit of the 80's perfectly. God, I miss the 80's!

Rafael Sida

2y↑112

I play this song for my daughter every year, she's now 25!

Tony Orsini

2y↑3

Another awesome Mom!!! Today's my birthday and you too just made it even better! Thank you so much!

Children's org

2y↑3

I play this on my birthday and I'm 47.

Richard Wellend

2y↑4

Is her name Sophie??

N

2y↑1

What a lovely tradition

Pau1fc

@Richard Wellend Clare Grogan, but for me when not in Altered images she will always be Kochanski from Red Dwarf, although she was quite good in Gregory's Girl

7 More Replies...

Hugh Manne

3y↑37

Such a great, poppy, upbeat song! I've been listening to this song on my birthday for years!
Thank you, Altered Images.

Proud Mary

3y↑58

The only birthday song you need to hear on your birthday 🎂🥳🎉🎈🎁🎊

Iain Mac an Tàilleir

3y↑21

I forgot how amazingly good this was. Claire Grogan is fantastic!

Bob Davis

Yes and yes, but that is how Clare spelled her first name before, not during, her careers.

NPG Lamb

6y↑14

I love her voice

Hugh Mc

1y↑7

This song takes me back to the time when I was really happy in life in the early 80s with my first love who I miss to this day x ❤

Vincent Di Santo

3y↑48

How does this have 778 thumbs down? LOL. This track is genius!

tejaswoman

1y↑1

Maybe those are people who are unhappy because it's not their birthday?

Scratch Music & Media

1y↑1

Their birthday must not have been very happy. If they were me and I was them, would I have had an unhappy birthday too?

VERONICA WOOD

2y↑22

I got this single for my 19th birthday from my boyfriend, when it was actually on the charts, coz I was OBSESSED with it...and still have the single. Still luv it.

I

1y↑1

Just played this for my daughters 11th birthday. The 80’s were the best

Kitsuyuutsu R

3y↑32

I love the fact that I grew up during this time era! 🥰
Every year, when it’s my best friend’s birthday, I text her the link to this video. She’s probably getting sick of it, now, but who doesn’t love this song? 😊

The kid your parents hated

Same here. When some of my family members birthday comes i send the link to this video to them on Facebook. But i don’t send them this exact one. There’s a better live version i send them

Kitsuyuutsu R

@The kid your parents hated I recently started sending it to other friends and family. My sister, who I’m not close with, actually said, “That’s a blast from the past!” It was nice, it reminded me of our childhood 😊

The kid your parents hated

@Kitsuyuutsu R It’s sad enough when family members aren’t close to each other but even sadder when sisters are not

Future freak

2y↑7

What a bloody good band

Is

42w↑1

Nova Site

3y↑28

I play this song for my little sister on her birthday every year!!!

Tony Orsini

2y↑3

You ROCK!!!!!

Peter Chambers

1y↑5

Takes me back to a time long ago when life was always joyous and carefree, much like this song. Thanks for uploading.

LivingMyBestLifeNColorado

2y↑5

I’ve played this song for my daughter on her Birthday ,the last few years! 🥳🎂🎉It’s one of my favorites from my teen years!

Barrie Evans

11y↑10

I have always loved this song. Makes me happy every time I hear it.

Jeff Case

5y↑11

My favorite Birthday song! Love it!

Hot Rod

10y↑20

this song went down a treat at my 5 year old nephew's birthday meal a few weeks ago. Quality stuff and I doubt i'll ever fall out of love with Clare Grogan :-)

William Grant

4y↑16

Can't hear this without smiling love it

FollyOfArsinoe

8y↑3

I love this song!

giagnorio86

8y↑1

I had the disc!

Winter Dobrez

2y↑5

Alicja Kosciewicz

Rewelacja

Jay Marasigan

11y↑3

My mom always play this song on radio everytime birthday comes to us

Edwin Sullivan

10y

So good and never gets old

BaileySEA

I was nineteen years old when this song was released. It brings back so many wonderful memories.

John Radcliffe

2y↑5

The best 80's Birthday song! And may be one of the best Happy Birthday songs PERIOD!

TheBlackSheep8791

2y↑1

Love this music

Anne McCullough

3y↑5

Love this song!! 😊

ᒥᓵᐢᑿᑑᒥᓇ🫐

4y↑5

Such a good song. One of my fav NewWave anthems 💕🖤

Cheryl Richmond

1y↑2

56 today, and me and my childhood friends still send this song to each other every birthday! 80’s 4evah. 🥳

California

2y↑5

Today is my B-Day again Thank you JESUS!
This was my B-day song since I was a teenager until now🎂🎁🎉
Every year this is my song🎉🎁🎂🎈🎈

Deb Babe

2y↑1

It's my birthday. 🎂🎉🎁🎈 Every year, I come here and listen to this Birthday Song. 🎶

Deb Babe

🎶It is my birthday again. I am here again, another year older. Happy birthday to me! 🐈‍⬛ 🎂🎈🍰🎁

Bobby Shafto

3y↑12

It's my wife's 62th birthday today,so,among "other things" I thought I'd treat her to this little gem! Happy birthday to you!

Ben Lee

3y↑1

Happy birthday to her!

Vince Smith

49w↑1

62th?

Mark Hillard

10y↑456

I'm so glad I grew up in the eighties!!!!

Chris WG

5y↑8

Me too brother! Keep on rockin it! Cheers!

oz1902

4y↑3

I grew up in the seventies. Pray for me, please!!!

Billy Club

4y↑3

Me too! Dead on!

Chris Danby

4y↑3

I'm NOT glad I grew up in the 2010's.

6828Lu

4y↑6

I'm glad I was an adult in the 80s, because I could go to clubs and dance all night to all this wonderful music.

13 More Replies...

Elizabeth Garcia

2y↑1

Love this song ❤️. My birthday song.

Kate Wild

3y↑2

One of the best birthday songs! Love it.

Lindsay Nicely

Today is my kiddo's 10th birthday and we are listening to this on the way to school. This has been the official family birthday song for us for 10 years and he loves it!! 🥳

Slapped Happy

3y↑1

🎂I always start my birthday with this beautiful song,like I do today!
Loved the band !🥰

I Love the 80s

Me too!!!! My family is too dense to send this to me even when I ask them to!

Xoxo333

2y↑3

My dad played this song for me on a record player for my birthday!

tony stark

11y↑3

gracias por subirlo otra vez, estos clasicos de los 80s son parte de nuestra cultura!!!

Brandon Lopez

2y↑1

Today my sister sent me this for my birthday. I am so glad she did, I smiled ear to ear the whole way through. The 80’s were the best. Not even a question.

teresa gomez

38w

I just played this song for my daughter. She turned 31. ❤❤❤

Skylar & Twinkles

1y↑2

When I was a toddler I kept dancing to this song and played it everyday 😂 the memories

Krystal Riha

5y↑2

I used to wake my collage roommate up with this song every year on her birthday. Now we send this video back and forth on each other's birthdays. Another happy birthday to me! I'm dancing to it now.

Kelli Rex

4y↑4

My best friend is celebrating her 50th birthday today in quarantine. I made a video for her and added this song to the video. She loved it....Such a happy song in a sad state of times right now
Stay safe

Lala Lew

6y↑18

Can't ever hear this song without thinking of sixteen candles!! Love it!!

safeeya bostan

great tune love it

Mary Moran

5y↑7

LOVE THIS!!!!

ahntaeoh아미타

2020년에 알게 되었지만 너무나 기분 좋은 노래와 그룹이다. if they were me i was you~
이 아름답고 독특한 사운드와 천진스러움이 묻어나는 보컬까지 보석을 발견한 느낌이다

Poindexter Jones

10y↑4

I love this song! Reminds me of college.

CJ carp

Me to just heard " Men at Work " the other day the song was Downunder they were not around very long but got a lot of air play when they where , After hearing that when I got home I dug thru my old tapes Missing person Walking in LA or Flock of Seagulls "Ran" but the ALL TIME BEST EVER the " Prentenders Precious my /fav all time song ever " He shot his mouth off and I should him what that hole was for" HMM wonder why they didn't play that one or Tattoo Love Boys on the Radio??

Alanna Fox Starks

3y↑37

playing this for my sweet black cat on her very 1st birthday, today, Friday the 13th of August, 2021. :)

Matilda Jones

My birthday is August 13th, too! She's in good company 😂

Liam Amor

45w

😂cute😂

SG Miner21

2y↑5

I just turned 19 today, the perfect occasion to listen to this awesome song!

Siren

6y↑2

My dad played this for me on my birthday for 17 years, now I play it for him on his birthdays. It's been 7 years today.. I can't believe it.

Phil Larcombe

9y↑2

Never miss an opportunity to play Happy Birthday to the kids, it's timeless.

JA PHOTOVISION

4y↑1

Love this band and their song...always have...happy birthday to all

thonny sanchez

un buen y excelente tema para un buen grupo ..... me encanta esta canción Happy Birthday para todos..

Ν Z

3y↑4

I just love it ❤️❤️

natalie gonzalez

3y↑4

it’s not even my birthday , mines April but this specific happy birthday song brings me so much joy because since I was like really young my family always woke me up on my birthday with this song :) and we do the same for all other family members

Avalina_pescalina

This song means so much to me and I've listened to this to all of my birthdays

Mary Moran

4y↑2

LOVE THIS BAND!!!!

Angelica Togaba

WHAT A BIRTHDAY IT’S GONNA BE!!!.....LOVE YOUR SONG!!!....YOU ROCK!!!....👍👍🎂🧸🎀🛍🎊🎉🎁

Sara Enneking

42w

This song 🎵 was great!!!

spassy13

3y↑6

very brave band.always loved their songs

DragonC DragonC

4y↑4

I listen to this song every year on my birthday - it sets me up for the day 😀👍🏾🍾

andy moore

a lovely comment

Stephanie Laurent

4y↑1

Today is my birthday! And I love this song! 🎂

Abc Bcde

5y↑2

And we still adore her all these year later. A special lady. I adore this video and am sad that some dislike it. I just don't think they understand. You had to be there!

Kate Lee

Song usually gets played 4 me on my birthday!! I played it 4 myself 2day. Didn't want 2 skip tradition!! 🤩

Skywarker

Quality song happy Christmas to one one and all stay safe people 🤟

Melana Rheina

4y↑1

Happy Birthday to April and quarantined babies...🎂 and to Covid-19 Frontliner Fighters, 🏥my wishes are for the safety, good health and safe return of you... Those infected...😷Stay positive,Fight it✊Prayers to all...💜
Stay indoors Youtubers!

Melissa Cantrill

2y↑2

Love the 80s happy birthday songs

Geraldine Bernales

First time I see a very energetic performance of singing happy birthday song and I really like that you are not only singing but also your dancing. For me, it's the best version of happy birthday song and it's nice to hear this because tomorrow is my birthday October 17,2022. Sending my full support your new supporters from Philippines no skip full watch here.

Thejanjan39

2y↑1

I play this for myself every June 3 (and sent link to my niece for her 13th bday). Still fun to dance around to this song!

WV591

3y↑2

no decade like the 80s, so much positive energy and hope. best music and life in general. you just had to be there..in your prime.

CG Gam

2y↑1

Just played this slice of joyful heaven for my hubby: 63 today! Great things last forever! Happy birthday to those born today!!!!

Lyneisa Carter

6y↑4

I play this song every year on my birthday!

astafzciba

i am 22 and i still adore this singer and her song

AndyWarholsson

8y↑1

What an awesome 80s song !

Evelyn Martinez

2y↑2

This song never gets old... I am lyft driver and let me tell ya every time some one rides with me and it's their birthday I blast it for them!!! Happy birthday from me ohh yeah we celebrate with style

opalfish sparklequasar

💞💐 What a lively person you are! 💎🏆

Roy Bennett

Remarkable, remember this on countdown in Australia... still a fantastic song with , fantastic singer

Robert boebinger

2y↑1

Never gets old ❤️‍🩹had to be there

Doreen Smith

Today is my Birthday and YES!!! I love this - the very best of the 80s - my favorite stye!! The haircuts and her earrings are fantastic!!! All those highlights!! This is the CUTEST, most fun video ever. A Birthday party in Italy? Yes, please!! I think that is where they are supposed to be in the video.

Dan Chaplin

6y↑3

Love this song

Waldir Leandro de Almeida

1y↑1

Que saudades desta época

Mike KY

Awesomeness!!! Brings back great memories!!!

Lisa Gregory

So blessed to have grown up to 80's music, and currently reliving my youth watching "Derry girls", bringing back all the music I danced to. This song I send to my adult children on their birthdays, a little beaut of a song that never grows old.

Jessica J. Rolla

7y↑1

Yes and its my 48 th birthday today and I LOVE LOVED Altered Images back in the day ! The 80's was such a happy , revolutionary time for music and fashion

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