The quirky Aussie birthday song that’s got everyone talking again

There’s nothing quite like an Aussie birthday get-together—sausage rolls in the oven, a plate of fairy bread on the table, and a chorus of family and friends singing their hearts out. But one classic tradition has people divided, leaving some amused and others slightly unsettled.

Once the candles are blown out and the cheering dies down, a cheeky voice often pipes up with a tune that’s been sung at Aussie birthdays for generations: ‘Why was he born so beautiful, why was he born at all? Because he had no say in it, no say in it at all!’

For many Australians—especially those who grew up in Victoria or New South Wales—it’s harmless fun, a bit of light-hearted teasing after the cake. But for others, particularly younger Aussies or those new to the country, it can sound surprisingly dark and even a little morbid.

A fading tune from another time

One woman recently shared on social media how her friend was shocked to hear the song at a birthday party, calling it ‘horribly morbid.’

The woman, originally from Victoria but now living in North Queensland, said she’d always thought the song was sung nationwide—until the reaction made her wonder if it was just a southern thing.

When she asked others online if they’d grown up with the song, responses came flooding in. Many confirmed they’d sung it too, often right after ‘He’s a jolly good fellow,’ but most agreed the tradition is slowly fading away.

'Grew up in NSW and this was sung at family birthdays by the older folks. My grandfather, especially,’ one commenter shared.

Another added, ‘My nan always led the charge to sing it. I don’t think anyone else in the family would take it up now that she’s passed.’

Some also admitted that only the first two lines were usually sung these days, with the rest of the verse trailing off—perhaps a sign that the full lyrics are a bit too grim for modern celebrations.

Birthday traditions with a local twist

It’s not the only uniquely Australian birthday ritual, either. After the candles are blown out, it’s almost automatic for the crowd to shout a big, hearty ‘Hip hip hooray!’—something that often leaves overseas visitors confused.

Recently, an American woman named Tara Lappan, who moved to Australia after marrying her Aussie husband, said she was stunned the first time she heard the cheer. She explained that in America, the birthday song simply ends after ‘Happy Birthday,’ without any added fanfare.

Many Australians were surprised to learn that this post-song celebration isn’t common elsewhere, having grown up thinking it was universal.

And of course, plenty of Australians will remember the cheeky childhood version of the song that’s still sung to this day: ‘Happy birthday to you, you were born in a zoo, you look like a monkey, and you smell like one too!’

It’s all part of that classic Aussie sense of humour—a mix of teasing, warmth, and nostalgia that makes Aussie birthdays feel like no other.

Keeping the memories alive

Traditions like these show how Australian culture evolves while keeping a few old favourites alive.

What was once a fixture at every birthday party might now live on mainly in memory, brought out for a laugh or a story about how things used to be.

For many Seniors Discount Club members, these little rituals bring back fond memories of childhood parties, relatives gathered around the table, and a simpler kind of fun.

Even if some tunes are fading, they’ll always be part of what makes Aussie celebrations special.

Key Takeaways

• The song 'Why was he born so beautiful' has been a long-standing Aussie birthday tradition, particularly in Victoria and New South Wales.
• Many say the tune is fading from popularity, with only older generations remembering it clearly.
• Other uniquely Australian customs include shouting 'Hip hip hooray!' and the playful kids’ version of 'Happy Birthday' featuring the zoo and monkey lines.
• American woman Tara Lappan was surprised to learn that the 'Hip hip hooray!' chant isn’t used overseas, showing how distinctly Australian our birthday traditions are.

Do you remember singing ‘Why was he born so beautiful’ at birthdays? Or giving a loud ‘Hip hip hooray!’ after the candles were blown out? Share your favourite birthday memories and family traditions in the comments below—it’s always good to keep the nostalgia alive.