Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen
View chords used in this chart
Intro:
Tra la-la-la-la la-la-la-la
Happy birthday sweet sixteen
Tra la-la-la-la la-la-la-la
Happy birthday sweet sixteen
Verse 1:
Db F7
Tonight's the night I've waited for
Bbm Db7
Because you're not a baby anymore
Gb Gdim Db/Ab Bb7
You've turned into the prettiest girl I've ever seen
Eb7 Ab7
Happy birthday sweet sixteen
Verse 2:
What happened to that funny face
My little tomboy now wears satins and lace
I can't believe my eyes you're just a teenage dream
Eb7 Ab7 Db
Happy birthday sweet sixteen
Bridge:
Ab7
When you were only six
Db
I was your big brother
Ab7
Then when you were ten
Db
We didn't like each other
Bb7
When you were thirteen
Ebm
You were my funny valentine
Eb7 {N.C.}
But since you've grown up
Eb7 {N.C.}
Your future is sewn up
Ab7
From now on you're gonna be mine, so
Verse 3:
If I should smile with sweet surprise
It's just that you've grown up before my very eyes
You've turned into the prettiest girl I've ever seen
Eb7 Ab7 Db A7
Happy birthday sweet sixteen
{key change}
{repeat verse 3, in D
D F#7
If I should smile with sweet surprise
Bm D7
It's just that you've grown up before my very eyes
G G#dim D/A B7
You've turned into the prettiest girl I've ever seen
E7 A7 D
Happy birthday sweet sixteen
Coda {repeat to fade}:
D Bm
Tra la-la-la-la la-la-la-la
G A
Happy birthday sweet sixteen
ambChile
How to play Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is Db. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.