Happy Birthday
You Me and Everyone We Know Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Happy Birthday you're 18
The only thing that means is you're old enough to strip
Still to young to have a grip

On the high cost of each dollar
The impact of our father
Every shitty guy you'll date
Every piss poor decision you'll make

She's taken al her notes in pencil
Intend to contradict themselves, and half of what they say
She's learning that rules can bend this way
They say you can measure a man, by the way he stands
Cause you kick those heels up baby and still walk tall

She's staying up, she's working hard for her money tonight(hard for her money tonight)
She's learning all that life can give and take away
She's staying up, she's working hard for her money tonight(hard for her money tonight)
She's learning all that life can give and take away

Pretty miss Mary, Mary quite contrary won't stay this pretty forever,
Because miss Mary, Mary things will get hairy,
Drug habits make it hard to keep a body together.
They say you can measure a man, by the way he stands
Cause you kick those heels up baby and still walk tall

She's staying up, she's working hard for her money tonight(hard for her money tonight)
She's learning all that life can give and take away
She's staying up, she's working hard for her money tonight(hard for her money tonight)
She's learning all that life can give and take away

Pretty miss Mary, Mary quite contrary won't stay this pretty forever,
Because miss Mary, Mary things will get hairy,
Drug habits make it hard to keep a body together.

She's staying up, she's working hard for her money tonight(hard for her money tonight)
She's learning all that life can give and take away
She's staying up, she's working hard for her money tonight(hard for her money tonight)
She's learning all that life can give and take away

Happy Birthday you're 18




The only thing that means is you're old enough to strip
Still to young to have a grip

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of You Me And Everyone We Know's song "Happy Birthday" seem to be a warning against the pitfalls of adulthood, particularly the dangers of the reckless decisions that come with newfound independence. The first verse addresses the fact that the addressee of the song has turned 18 and is now able to legally strip, yet is still too young to fully comprehend the impact of their decisions, whether it be financial or the impact of the people they choose to surround themselves with. The second verse is a reflection on the struggles of growing up and learning how to navigate life's complex moral boundaries. Even the most contradictory actions can be justified if they are done with purpose and confidence. The repeated line "they say you can measure a man, by the way he stands" seems to suggest that the addressee should be strong and confident in their actions, but also need to be aware of the consequences of not taking responsibility for these decisions.


Line by Line Meaning

Happy Birthday you're 18
This day marks your 18th year of existence


The only thing that means is you're old enough to strip
At 18, you're now legally able to perform as a stripper


Still too young to have a grip
You're still inexperienced and have much to learn before truly understanding life


On the high cost of each dollar
The importance of managing finances and the value of money


The impact of our father
The role and influence of a father figure in one's life


Every shitty guy you'll date
Experiences with bad relationships and love interests


Every piss poor decision you'll make
Mistakes and poor choices are inevitable in life


She's taken all her notes in pencil
You may need to change or correct your thoughts or beliefs in the future


Intend to contradict themselves, and half of what they say
Being unsure or changing your opinion and ideas regularly


She's learning that rules can bend this way
Rules or expectations can be flexible and may not always be black and white


They say you can measure a man, by the way he stands
One's character and strength is judged by how they cope with life's challenges


Cause you kick those heels up baby and still walk tall
Even when you're facing difficulties, keep your head up and stand strong


She's staying up, she's working hard for her money tonight(hard for her money tonight)
Working tirelessly to earn income and financial stability


She's learning all that life can give and take away
Life can grant opportunities, but also take away what's already been earned


Pretty miss Mary, Mary quite contrary won't stay this pretty forever,
Youthful beauty is fleeting and temporary


Because miss Mary, Mary things will get hairy,
Life can become difficult and messy


Drug habits make it hard to keep a body together.
Drug abuse can lead to physical and mental deterioration




Contributed by Kayla T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@HekkIsBurning

GOOD OLD TIMES... DAMN

@stevenluis4009

Love this so much <3 my cousin played this for me when i turned 18. I now listen to this song every birthday, I'm going on 23.

@SkyRazz

Awsome thank you ! :D

@kylieautrey7997

Hey so, I’m here in 2020, why isn’t this on Spotify god damnit

@jasonday139

it is

@TheJessBecuz

A realistic,catchy,amazing song,I want to be played at my 18th Birthday!!:D

@plagueofangel8694

How was your eighteenth birthday?

@louiecastlejam

This is the shit

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