Why Must He Sing Harmony during the Birthday Song?

May 19, 1962 Marilyn Monroe sings "Happy Birthday" to President John F. Kennedy. And we all know how that turned out - perhaps the sexiest version of the song ever.

Fast forward to 2017. We're all together celebrating a family member's birthday when we break out into song. The "Happy Birthday" song of course.

Just then one of the other relatives (who shall remain nameless) begins singing harmony - irking the you-know-what out of me. And they only do it at the end of the song. WHY?

Why it drives me crazy, I don't know. Maybe something happened to me when I was young that's just now surfacing. But I so want to say to this person, "STOP IT."

The only thing I can think of is there was that one time when I pulled out the accordion to play along with the song. Maybe that in turn set this person off somehow. I don't know.

Don't get me wrong, this person has a beautiful voice. But I can't help but think to myself they're doing it just to show off to the rest of the family.

This person doesn't know it, but it's actually become a running joke in the family. Whenever we sing "Happy Birthday" the rest of us just look at each and smile.

My wife and I joke that one of these times we're both gonna start singing the harmony part (or attempt to) at the halfway point of the song so we can "beat 'em to the punch."

Actually, now that I think about it, maybe I should cut this person some slack. Maybe I should instead encourage them to sing more harmony.

After all, this person is responsible for - what it now - a family tradition, as well as a great family story that'll be shared for generations to come.

Okay. Gotta go. Need to find out who in the family will be celebrating a birthday next!

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