☝️ Key Points
- The song lyrics are about growing older and celebrating birthdays.
- It mentions the pressure we put on ourselves to be perfect.
- It mentions that we give up many things to meet this ideal of perfection.
- It suggests that we stay away from certain activities to stay in shape and be the best.
- The text ends with the proposal to become Carly Simon's lover and have a good time.
Interpretation
In the lyrics of the song "Happy Birthday" by
Carly Simon, it is about aging, celebrating birthdays, and the pressure we put on ourselves to be perfect. The lyrics begin by stating that in the summer, it's everyone's birthdays. We grow older every year, but somehow also become younger. It's about inviting each other to our birthday parties and celebrating together.
The lyrics also mention that we give up many things to be "perfect." We stop smoking, give up wine, and even give up caffeine and desserts. It is said that we don't let ourselves be tempted and don't even flirt. We are too good to be happy, but too straight to be sad. It is said that we should just blow out the candles and say "Happy Birthday".
It is also suggested that we stay away from the ocean and the sun to stay in shape and be the best. We have brilliant excuses to not have fun. It is said that we should just blow out the candles and say "Happy Birthday".
It is suggested that we make love in the microwave to save time. We should pretend to work hard even though we're not.
The lyrics end with Carly Simon saying she will be my lover if I will be hers. She suggests returning to the garden and having a good time. If an apple is offered to me, she will politely decline. And then it is said that we should just blow out the candles and say "Happy Birthday".