Happy Birthday - Stevie Wonder

 

 The campaign for a federal holiday in Martin Luther King's honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later on January 20, 1986. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000. 

 Stevie's album with this song on it came out in 1980. 

 "Happy Birthday" 

 You know it doesn't make much sense 

There ought to be a law against 

Anyone who takes offense 

At a day in your celebration 

'Cause we all know in our minds 

That there ought to be a time 

That we can set aside 

To show just how much we love you 

And I'm sure you would agree 

What could fit more perfectly 

Than to have a world party on the day you came to be 

 Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you

 Happy birthday Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday 

 I just never understood

 How a man who died for good 

Could not have a day that would

 Be set aside for his recognition 

Because it should never be 

Just because some cannot see 

The dream as clear as he 

that they should make it become an illusion

 And we all know everything 

That he stood for time will bring

 For in peace our hearts will sing 

Thanks to Martin Luther King 

 Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you 

Happy birthday Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday 

 Why has there never been a holiday 

Where peace is celebrated all throughout the world 

 The time is overdue 

For people like me and you 

Who know the way to truth 

Is love and unity to all God's children 

It should be a great event 

And the whole day should be spent

 In full remembrance 

Of those who lived and died for the oneness of all people 

So let us all begin

 We know that love can win

 Let it out don't hold it in

 Sing it loud as you can 

 Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday 

Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday 

Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday

 Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday 

Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Ooh yeah Happy birthday 

 We know the key to unity of all people 

Is in the dream that you had so long ago 

That lives in all of the hearts of people 

That believe in unity 

We'll make the dream become a reality 

I know we will Because our hearts tell us so