On Happy Birthday Copyrighted
Do you know what the most popular English song in the world is? Believe or not, you must have sung it many times during your life. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it's "Happy Birthday to you," the song that everyone sings as the "birthday child" blows out the candles on the cake.
The song was written by American sisters Patty and Mildred Hill in 1893. The version that we all sing was copyrighted in 1935. The company holding the copyright was purchased by Warner Chappell in 1990 for 15 million dollars. The current copyright status of the song is unclear, but Warner claims that unauthorized public performances of the song are technically illegal, unless royalties are paid. This means that you can no longer sing the song in public places, such restaurants or schools. You need to ask ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) first, so that they can arrange for a license. Or if you have sung it, you should apologize and pay the amount due. I don't know if there's any other song for birthdays, but if I had musical talent, I'd write one and donate it for everyone on earth to use, free of charge.
Speaking of "Happy Birthday," I really think that birthdays are important. Each person has their own day of the year, which marks the anniversary of the day they entered the world. Think about that moment, arriving in the world--probably you were crying and a nurse was slapping your bottom. I know that doesn't sound pleasant, but life is painful, and we get ready for its difficulties from the moment we begin to live.
My birthday is my favorite day of the year (my second favorite is the first day of the summer holiday). During the last few years, I've celebrated the occasion by working on exams, presentations and assignments--I can't escape from them even on my birthday! But, of course, parties, friends, cakes and presents--these are the really indispensable features of a birthday. How can I not feel touched when a friend who is far away remembers my birthday and calls me, or when a very thoughtful person sends me an SMS exactly at midnight? And even if some find them a little technological and impersonal, e-cards make me happy, too.
I'm not sure that I'll celebrate my birthday all that willingly after age 40 (also, it will be hard to put that many candles on the cake), but at least I can still enjoy getting presents (such as anti-wrinkle creams).
I've always felt sorry for people who were born on February 29. They only have a birthday once every four years. And people who were born in the summer don't have anyone to celebrate with, since everybody's gone on vacation:( Then there are those who don't know or have forgotten the date of their birth. But even though I think birthdays and anniversaries are so important, I still never remember them, except my own. However, on my own birthday, I try to make the day as much fun as possible for my friends as well as myself--that's the only thing that matters. And so, I have a new age this week. I don't know if my friends and family will ask for permission from Warner before they sing "Happy Birthday" to me. Since it sounds a little funny to say "happy birthday" to myself, I'll just say this instead: I'm glad to be alive and happy in my 22nd year on earth.
Gülay Acar (COMD/III)
howtoreachgulay@yahoo.com
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