Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen

Neil Sedaka

About Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen

"Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen" is a pop song released in 1961 by Neil Sedaka. Sedaka wrote the music and performed the song, while the lyrics were written by Howard Greenfield. The song is noted for being similar in musical structure to Take Good Care of My Baby by Bobby Vee (another 1961 hit), and additionally for its resemblance to the melody of the Chiffons' subsequent 1963 hit "One Fine Day". Both of these songs exhibiting similarity to "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen" were penned by the team of Carole King and Gerry Goffin. The song reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and no 3 on the UK Singles Chart. The narrator sings the song to a childhood friend of his upon her sixteenth birthday, reminiscing about the ups and downs of their friendship thus far and declaring that now that she has grown from an awkward tomboy into a beautiful young lady, he wants her for his girlfriend. This was one of several Sedaka recordings that employed the services of drummer Gary Chester. Other musicians on the record include Al Casamenti, Art Reyerson and Charles Macey on guitar, Ernie Hayes on piano, George Duviver on bass, Artie Kaplan on sax, Seymour Barab and Morris Stonzek on cellos, David Guillet, Joseph Haber, Louie Haber, Harold Kohon, David Sackson, Maurice Stine, Louis Stone, and Arnold Goldberg on violins, and Phil Kraus and George Devens on percussion. 


Year:
2014
2:35

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Tra la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Happy birthday, sweet sixteen
Tra la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Happy birthday, sweet sixteen

Tonight's the night I've waited for
Because you're not a baby anymore
You've turned into the prettiest girl I've ever seen
Happy birthday, sweet sixteen

What happened to that funny face
My little tomboy now wears satins and lace
I can't believe my eyes you're just a teenage dream
Happy birthday, sweet sixteen

When you were only six, I was your big brother
Then when you were ten, we didn't like each other
When you were thirteen, you were my funny valentine
But since you've grown up, your future is sewn up
From now on you're gonna be mine, so

If I should smile with sweet surprise
It's just that you've grown up before my very eyes
You've turned into the prettiest girl I've ever seen
Happy birthday, sweet sixteen

If I should smile with sweet surprise
It's just that you've grown up before my very eyes
You've turned into the prettiest girl I've ever seen
Happy birthday, sweet sixteen

Tra la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la 
Happy birthday, sweet sixteen
Tra la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la 
Happy birthday, sweet sixteen
Tra la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la 
Happy birthday, sweet sixteen

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Neil Sedaka

Neil Sedaka (born March 13, 1939) is an American pop/rock singer, pianist, and composer. His career has spanned nearly 55 years, during which time he has sold millions of records as an artist and has written or co-written over 500 songs for himself and other artists, collaborating mostly with lyricists Howard Greenfield and Phil Cody. more »

3 fans

Written by: HOWARD GREENFIELD, NEIL SEDAKA

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen" is a pop song written and performed by Neil Sedaka. - The track was released in the year 1961.
Billboard Success
The song was a hit in both the United States and the United Kingdom. - On the US Billboard chart, it reached number six in early 1962, becoming one of Sedaka's signature tunes. - In the UK Singles Chart, it peaked at number three in the same year.
Song Composition
The song was co-written by Sedaka and his long-time songwriting partner, Howard Greenfield. - It features an upbeat tune and a catchy, memorable melody typical for pop hits of the time.
Lyrics Insights
The song's lyrics revolve around a young man looking forward to his partner’s sixteenth birthday. - The lyrics show the man reminiscing about their friendship during their younger years.
Music Arrangement
The production, including simple but effective instrumentation and a prominent, distinctive backbeat, all contributed to the song's appeal and popularity.
Song Influence
Over the years, many singers have covered "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen," helping to establish it as a pop classic. - It continues to be a celebratory song for young women turning sixteen.
Album Release
"Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen" was a track on Neil Sedaka’s 1961 studio album titled ‘Neil Sedaka Sings Little Devil and His Other Hits.’
Pop Culture Reference
The song has been featured on several TV shows and movies, thus integrating it far deeper into popular culture.
Neil Sedaka's Career
The success of "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen" helped to solidify Neil Sedaka's place in pop music history, marking the beginning of his truly international career.
Live Performances
The song is frequently performed live by Sedaka during his concerts, and continues to resonate with audiences even many decades after its initial release.

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