by Rainier Wong

Created on: November 09, 2009   Last Updated: November 10, 2009

A song becomes popular because it has a catchy tune, simple and meaningful lyrics. It also can become popular because it is traditionally associated with a widely celebrated occasion. The song "Happy Birthday to You", in my opinion is the most popular song in the world as it is sung almost everywhere whenever there is a birthday party or celebration. I am of those people who have been singing the song at friends' and relatives' birthday parties for many years. Today, the song is sung in more than one language. The common tune for this popular song is originally used for "Good Morning to You" which was written in the nineteen century Patty and Mildred J. Hill.

Another song that is sung around the world is "Jingle Bells". The song, I believe, is the most popular carol during the Christmas season. Every time when I watch the yearly "Christmas In The Domain" and "Carols By Candlelight" concert on TV, I can hear the song being sung. One could also hear it played in shopping malls during the Christmas season. The song was originally composed James Lord Pierpont, an American and was published in 1857. The original title of the song is "The One-Horse Open Sleigh". The chorus line or refrain was originally sung to a different tune. I believe we are singing today's popular version because it is easier to learn and to remember. Although, this song has been associated with Christmas for many years, it was not originally composed for it. Today, the song is sung in languages other than English and there is a plague in Savannah, United States to commemorate Pierpont for his world famous composition. Other Christmas songs that become popular include "White Christmas", "Santa Claus is Coming to Town", "Here Comes Santa Claus", "Hark The Herald Angels Sing" and "Deck The Halls".

Generally speaking, a pop, rock, or R&B song is popular when it managed to hit the top of the charts. You can get the latest top songs from /www.top40-charts.com. Another way to see whether a particular song is popular is by looking the number of views for it on YouTube. In my opinion, any song with a hit of more than a million is popular.

A song can also become popular if it is used or composed for a special cause. Michael Jackson's "Heal the World" which was composed to promote world peace has already received more than twelve million hits on the Official Michael Jackson's YouTube channel and still being sung and listen to today. I believe Michael's song is popular because it touches the heart of

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>