Why is it in movies no one ever sings happy birthday but instead, sings "For (s)he's a jolly good fellow."

Question

I've noticed this in several movies, and I believe I heard that "Happy Birthday" is copyrighted which is why it cannot be sung by a cast in a movie.  Can anyone tell me if this is true or not?

Rossonero NorCal SFECU · Accepted Answer

Yes it's copyrighted.  It can be sung in movies but it's VERY expensive.

Anonymous · Answer

That is true, but the rights to Happy Birthday go out next year, so it will be allowed to be in movies after that.

tamesbadger · Answer

Yep, it's copyrighted.  This is also why restaurants can't use it and thus make up their own birthday songs.

Robert E · Answer

According to Snopes.com (very reliable) this is true. It is currently under copyright.

http://www.snopes.com/music/songs/birthday.asp

Anonymous · Answer

it is true, they would have to pay everytime the movie played and to get it on dvd they would have to pay a premium

Why is it in movies no one ever sings happy birthday but instead, sings "For (s)he's a jolly good fellow."

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