Need help with a song title.

Danalynn · Jun 11, 2008

In the Happy Birthday song title, how would you write it?

Like this:
They all sang Happy Birthday to You.

or like this:
They all sang Happy Birthday To You.

AND should I have a comma after sang, and quotation marks around the title???? Or is it okay the way it is?

Please help?

alleycat · Jun 11, 2008

I think "Happy Birthday to You" is the correct format. Quotation marks, and the word "to" is not uppercase.

Hollan · Jun 11, 2008

I would just write: They all sang the Happy Birthday song. I think your audience will know what song you're talking about ^_^

Or you could just put it in dialogue.

"Happy birthday to you," they sang.

Williebee · Jun 11, 2008

I'm with Hollan.

I'd simplify it. "They all sang Happy Birthday." or "They all sang a Happy Birthday song."

Bing Z · Jun 11, 2008

I also favor the Happy Birthday song, or sang the song "Happy Birthday to You".

A possible trick is that "Happy Birthday to You" can be referred to the title of the song, or a part of the lyrics. It seems whether that song is still copyrighted is arguable and is not cleared at any judiciary yet, therefore caution may be needed to avoid copyright infringement arising from use of lyrics.

Well, given the complexity, I think I'd go for the Happy Birthday song.

Danalynn · Jun 11, 2008

Thanks for the advice, everyone! This helps tons.

:snoopy:

I also favor the Happy Birthday song

So would "Happy Birthday" be in quotation marks in that instance?

Here's the actual sentence:

They all started singing the Happy Birthday song, and my face had to be as red as those balloons.

dpaterso · Jun 11, 2008

Sensible suggestions so far.

Tho' if you're including this as part the scene rather than just telling readers the song title, you could tailor it to the person, e.g. They all sang "Happy Birthday, Dear Grissom!" and gave him a scalpel to cut the cake.

Ah, just saw your latest:

They all started singing the Happy Birthday song, and my face had to be as red as those balloons.

Yeah, reads OK to me.

-Derek

Danalynn · Jun 11, 2008

dpaterso said:
Tho' if you're including this as part the scene rather than just telling readers the song title, you could tailor it to the person, e.g. They all sang "Happy Birthday, Dear Grissom!" and gave him a scalpel to cut the cake.

-Derek

LOL! Me LIKEY your example! tee hee
:heart:

And thanks, I appreciate your input.

Need help with a song title.

Danalynn

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alleycat

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Hollan

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Williebee

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Bing Z

illiterate primate

Danalynn

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dpaterso

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Danalynn

NEVER give up!!!!