With Nate’s birthday around the corner, it’s time to admit that our go-to birthday song is actually the worst to sing to someone. There are reasons both musicological and cultural why this wooden celebratory number needs to go, ranging from funereal rhythms to Wagnerian opera to the Wizard of Oz. Tune in to uncover the horror of “Happy Birthday” and consider some of the alternatives on offer, including a recent Anne-Marie hit that takes birthday wishes and turns them around 180º.Songs DiscussedFrédéric Chopin - Piano Sonata No 2 in B-Flat Minor, IIIJohn Williams - The Imperial MarchJudy Garland - Over the RainbowRichard Wagner - Liebestod from Tristan und IsoldeThe Beatles - BirthdayAnne-Marie - BirthdayFetty Wap ft. Monty - BirthdayStevie Wonder - Happy Birthday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices