|
PHOTO CREDIT: Above photo by John Rickman Photography, San Jose, California. |
Sana Helwa Ya Gameel
(Happy Birthday to You)
This page contains a translation into English of the lyrics to "Sana Helwa Ya Gameel", which is the Arabic-language version of the song "Happy Birthday to You". This version became popular throughout the Arabic-speaking world when legendary Lebanese singer Sabah sang it in the 1964 movie Fatinat Al Jamahir. This arrangement was created for her by the famous Egyptian composer Mohammed Abdel Wahab. Also included is a transliteration of the Arabic lyrics into the Roman alphabet so you can sing along if you like.
Music: Mildred J. Hill
Sabah's Version Arranged By: Mohammed Abdel Wahab
Listen to MP3 Clips of This Song
|
From the CD titled Birthday Dance Songs |
 |
Sung by Sabah in the 1964 motion picture Fatinat Al Jamahir |
Lyrics
As Sung at Birthday Parties
Arabic Lyrics |
English Translation |
First Version |
First Version |
| Sana helwa ya Gameel | Happy birthday, O Handsome/Beautiful! (The literal meaning of "sana helwa" is "sweet year", but it is used to mean "Happy birthday".) |
| Sana helwa ya Gameel | Happy birthday, O Handsome/Beautiful! |
| Sana helwa, ya ______, | Happy birthday, O _____ (insert the birthday person's name) |
| Sana helwa ya Gameel! | Happy birthday, O Handsome/Beautiful! |
Second Version |
Second Version |
| Sana helwa ya Gameel | Happy birthday, O Handsome/Beautiful! |
| Sana helwa ya Gameel | Happy birthday, O Handsome/Beautiful! |
| Sana helwa, sana helwa, | Happy birthday, happy birthday, |
| Sana helwa ya Gameel! | Happy birthday, O Handsome/Beautiful! |
Third Version |
Third Version |
| Sana helwa ya Gameel | Happy birthday, O Handsome/Beautiful! |
| Sana helwa ya Gameel | Happy birthday, O Handsome/Beautiful! |
| Sana helwa Ya Habibi, | Happy birthday, O my darling, |
| Sana helwa ya Gameel! | Happy birthday, O Handsome/Beautiful! |
As Sung by Sabah in "Fatinat Al Jamahir"
Note: In this 1964 movie, Sabah delivers a very sultry version of this song reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe's "Happy Birthday Mr. President" from May 19, 1962.
Sung in English:
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday, happy birthday,
Happy birthday to you!
Sung in Arabic:
Happy birthday, Handsome, (ie, "Sweet year, O Handsome)
Happy birthday, Handsome,
Happy birthday, O my darling,
Happy birthday, Handsome!
Happy birthday, Handsome,
Happy birthday, Handsome,
Happy birthday, O my darling,
Happy birthday, Handsome!
Be the happiest of all
You're more beautiful than roses
The heartbeats sing
And dance near the chandeliers
This is the best birthday
Happy birthday, Handsome,
Happy birthday, Handsome,
Happy birthday, O my darling,
Happy birthday, Handsome!
Please say you love me,
Please say you love me,
Please say you love me,
Please say you love me.
I'm a candle that glows around you
I'm a rope in your hand
I'm a candle that glows around you
I'm a rope in your hand
My soul says
And my heart says
May you live forever, darling!
Happy birthday, Handsome,
Happy birthday, Handsome,
Happy birthday, O my darling,
Happy birthday, Handsome!
Sung in English:
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday, happy birthday,
Happy birthday to you!