"Birthday" is a song written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and performe… Read Full Bio ↴"Birthday" is a song written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and performed by The Beatles on their double album The Beatles (commonly known as The White Album). It is the opening track on the third side of the LP (or the second disc in CD versions of the record). This song is a prime example of the Beatles' return to more traditional rock and roll form, although their music had increased in complexity and it had developed more of its own characteristic style by this point.

Birthday
Beatles Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You say it's your birthday
It's my birthday too--yeah
They say it's your birthday
We're gonna have a good time
I'm glad it's your birthday
Happy birthday to you.

Yes we're going to a party party

Yes we're going to a party party
Yes we're going to a party party.

I would like you to dance--Birthday
Take a cha-cha-cha-chance-Birthday
I would like you to dance--Birthday
Dance

You say it's your birthday
Well it's my birthday too--yeah
You say it's your birthday
We're gonna have a good time

I'm glad it's your birthday
Happy birthday to you.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to the song "Birthday" by The Beatles are an upbeat celebration of someone's birthday. The song opens with the singer acknowledging that it's the listener's birthday as well as their own, setting up the party atmosphere that carries on throughout the song. The line "we're gonna have a good time" is repeated several times, emphasizing the joyous mood of the occasion. The chorus is simple but effective – "Yes we're going to a party party" – making it clear that this is a time for celebrating.

The next few lines urge the listener to dance, with the singer imploring them to "take a cha-cha-cha-chance". It's clear from the tone of the lyrics that everyone is in high spirits – the singer is glad it's the listener's birthday and wishes them a happy one. Overall, the lyrics to "Birthday" are a straightforward tribute to the joy of birthdays and the good times that come with them.

Line by Line Meaning

You say it's your birthday
The singer acknowledges that it is the birthday of the person being addressed.

It's my birthday too--yeah
The singer reveals that it is also their own birthday, expressing excitement and shared kinship with the addressee.

They say it's your birthday
The idea of the addressee's birthday being a topic of discussion among others is introduced.

We're gonna have a good time
The possibility of the upcoming celebration being a fun and enjoyable experience is suggested.

I'm glad it's your birthday
The singer expresses their joy and enthusiasm for the addressee's special day.

Happy birthday to you.
The traditional well-wishing phrase for birthdays is used to express celebration, happiness, and good wishes for the addressee.

Yes we're going to a party party
Emphasizing the celebratory nature of the occasion, the singer confirms that the gathering is specifically a party.

I would like you to dance--Birthday
The singer makes a request or invitation for the addressee to dance, emphasizing the celebratory and joyful aspect of the occasion - even in the name of the song itself.

Take a cha-cha-cha-chance-Birthday
The singer encourages the addressee to take risks and be spontaneous in their enjoyment, using the cha-cha as a metaphor for taking chances and having fun.

Dance
The singer repeats their request or invitation for the addressee to dance, emphasizing the importance of joy and celebration in the moment.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LENNON, JOHN WINSTON LENNON, PAUL MCCARTNEY, PAUL JAMES MCCARTNEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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