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I can't take credit for creating this song, which has been sung in various forms since the early
1980s, if not earlier. It is sometimes called "The SCA Birthday Dirge," "The Viking Birthday
Song" or "The Barbarian Birthday Song."
By whatever name, it's sung to the tune of '"The Volga Boatmen" (I'll try to add a music file to this
page for those who aren't familiar with the tune). The "UHH!" can be described as the sound
someone makes when lifting a very heavy weight--basically a quick grunt.
It's unknown who began the lyrics, and many people have added to it through the years and
kingdoms. It's funny, open to improvised lyrics, and easy to sing. For those reasons it's quite
popular in the SCA, and may be sung more often at Society events than any other song,
although usually not at court.
While it's sung with various verses, I've usually heard it end with the happy birthday refrain
immediately after the "save the sheep" part. Personally, I prefer it when it ends quickly.
In the version below, I've selected and arranged verses so the song more or less ties together
and could be sung for almost anyone (at least anyone who's not on his or her death bed). To
see a more comprehensive version and links to other versions and variations, click HERE.
1980s, if not earlier. It is sometimes called "The SCA Birthday Dirge," "The Viking Birthday
Song" or "The Barbarian Birthday Song."
By whatever name, it's sung to the tune of '"The Volga Boatmen" (I'll try to add a music file to this
page for those who aren't familiar with the tune). The "UHH!" can be described as the sound
someone makes when lifting a very heavy weight--basically a quick grunt.
It's unknown who began the lyrics, and many people have added to it through the years and
kingdoms. It's funny, open to improvised lyrics, and easy to sing. For those reasons it's quite
popular in the SCA, and may be sung more often at Society events than any other song,
although usually not at court.
While it's sung with various verses, I've usually heard it end with the happy birthday refrain
immediately after the "save the sheep" part. Personally, I prefer it when it ends quickly.
In the version below, I've selected and arranged verses so the song more or less ties together
and could be sung for almost anyone (at least anyone who's not on his or her death bed). To
see a more comprehensive version and links to other versions and variations, click HERE.
As far as I know, the lyrics are copyrighted by
no one. The tune is a traditional Russian
song, and also not copyrighted. The
wallpaper was created by The Loveshade
Family, and is released into the public
domain.
no one. The tune is a traditional Russian
song, and also not copyrighted. The
wallpaper was created by The Loveshade
Family, and is released into the public
domain.
| The SCA Birthday Song by authors unknown |
| (Sung to the tune of "The Volga Boatmen") |
Happy Birthday! (UHH!) Happy Birthday! (UHH!)
Death, destruction and despair,
People dying everywhere,
Happy Birthday! (UHH!) Happy Birthday! (UHH!)
Now that you're the age you are
Your demise cannot be far,
Happy Birthday! (UHH!) Happy Birthday! (UHH!)
For another year has passed,
Don't look now they're gaining fast!
Happy Birthday! (UHH!) Happy Birthday! (UHH!)
Just be glad the friends you've got
Haven't found out you-know-what,
Happy Birthday! (UHH!) Happy Birthday! (UHH!)
One more birthday but don't fear,
You'll be dead this time next year,
Happy Birthday! (UHH!) Happy Birthday! (UHH!)
May the candles on your cake
Burn like pyres at your wake,
Happy Birthday! (UHH!) Happy Birthday! (UHH!)
Hear the women wail and weep,
Kill them all but SAVE THE SHEEP!
Happy Birthday! (UHH!) Happy Birthday! (UHH!)
Death, destruction and despair,
People dying everywhere,
Happy Birthday! (UHH!) Happy Birthday! (UHH!)
Now that you're the age you are
Your demise cannot be far,
Happy Birthday! (UHH!) Happy Birthday! (UHH!)
For another year has passed,
Don't look now they're gaining fast!
Happy Birthday! (UHH!) Happy Birthday! (UHH!)
Just be glad the friends you've got
Haven't found out you-know-what,
Happy Birthday! (UHH!) Happy Birthday! (UHH!)
One more birthday but don't fear,
You'll be dead this time next year,
Happy Birthday! (UHH!) Happy Birthday! (UHH!)
May the candles on your cake
Burn like pyres at your wake,
Happy Birthday! (UHH!) Happy Birthday! (UHH!)
Hear the women wail and weep,
Kill them all but SAVE THE SHEEP!
Happy Birthday! (UHH!) Happy Birthday! (UHH!)
| Shorter, more singable version |
| See the Longer, More Complete Version HERE |
Longer, more complete version and links to other versions HERE