Lynn was born in Butcher Hollow, Van Lear, Kentucky in 1932. According to Songfacts, Loretta Lynn's superstar Country career started in 1960 when she recorded " I'm a Honky Tonk Girl " as her debut single. The song was a minor hit, climbing to #14 on Billboard's C&W Chart. By the late 1960s she had begun picking up various Female Vocalist of the Year trophies and in 1972 the singer became the first woman in history to win the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year trophy. Lynn dominated the Country charts throughout the rest of the decade and has continued to record hit records through the ensuing years. Her 50th anniversary year began with the award of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement on January 31, 2010.
Lynn released over 70 albums. She is the sister of country singer Crystal Gayle (born in Paintsville, Kentucky) and Peggy Sue, and is a cousin of Patty Loveless. Her father was a coal miner in Van Lear. Her biography was made into the 1980 film, Coal Miner's Daughter.
Happy Birthday
Loretta Lynn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know how late you'll be coming home but guess who doesn't care
Tonight I'll step out too and since I won't be here
Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
My best wishes may be early but I'm not sticking around
To bake a cake for your birthday while you're out turnin' around
She can help you celebrate may she bring you lots of cheer
Now I've made my mind up late second's long enough
You think I don't mean it so you're gonna call my bluff
But I'll be busy packing while you're holding her near
Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
My best wishes may be early but I'm not sticking around
To bake a cake for your birthday while you're out turnin' around
She can help you celebrate may she bring you lots of cheer
Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas and Happy Happy New Year
The lyrics to Loretta Lynn's song "Happy Birthday" depict a person who knows that their significant other is cheating and has decided to leave them. The singer is aware of where their partner is going and who they will be meeting there. They also know that their partner will be returning home late. However, the singer has decided to step out too and not be present on their partner's birthday. Instead, they send their best wishes (Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year) early and sarcastically suggest that the person their partner is cheating with can help them celebrate.
The lyrics show the inner turmoil and strength of the singer, who has made the decision to leave despite the pain they know it will cause. They have given up on trying to make the relationship work and are ready to move on. The repetition of "Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" underscores the emptiness and insincerity of their wishes, emphasizing the bitterness and resentment they feel towards their soon-to-be ex-partner.
Overall, the song conveys the complex emotions of a person who has been betrayed and has decided to walk away from a toxic relationship. It is a poignant portrayal of heartbreak, liberation, and self-respect.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I know where you're going and who's gonna meet you there
I am aware of your plans and the person you will be meeting.
I know how late you'll be coming home but guess who doesn't care
I know you'll be coming home late, but I no longer care.
Tonight I'll step out too and since I won't be here
Tonight, I will also go out, but I won't be home to celebrate your birthday.
Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Despite my absence, I wish you a happy birthday, merry Christmas, and a happy new year all at once so I will not miss greeting you.
My best wishes may be early but I'm not sticking around
Although it's still early for your birthday wishes, I won't stay to celebrate with you.
To bake a cake for your birthday while you're out turnin' around
I won't bake you a cake while you're out to enjoy on your birthday.
She can help you celebrate may she bring you lots of cheer
I hope your new companion will help you celebrate and bring happiness to your life.
Now I've made my mind up late second's long enough
I have decided to move on; I won't wait any longer.
You think I don't mean it so you're gonna call my bluff
You may think I'm joking, but I'm serious, and you can try to test my words.
But I'll be busy packing while you're holding her near
While you spend your time with your new partner, I will be busy packing to leave.
Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
I repeat my wishes, hoping that these greetings will find you well, at least in spirit.
Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas and Happy Happy New Year
One last time, as it's the sincerest act, wishing you some happy days ahead.
Lyrics © SURE - FIRE MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: RON KITSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind