Have you ever wondered which songs throughout history have been translated into the most languages?

Has it ever occurred to you that songs that you have been listening to all of your life thinking they were originally written in Spanish, turned out to be in English, French or some other language?

Many songs became part of our popular culture without us realizing it, thanks to artistic professional translations that made it possible for these melodies to reach us.

Here are 5 of the most translated popular songs:

1. Happy Birthday:
By the American sisters Mildred and Patty Smith Hill in 1893, both teachers by profession, this song was written for students to say good morning to each other in class. It is the most popular song in the world and is sung in more than 75 languages by young and old alike to celebrate boys’ and girls’ birthdays. It can be said that it is the most sung song in the world.

2. Ode to Joy:
It corresponds to the fourth movement of the ninth symphony composed by composer Ludwig van Beethoven in the year 1824. Did you know that the instrumental version of this piece was adopted in 1985 as the Anthem of the European Union?

3. My Way:
“My Way” is a popular song adapted into English by Paul Anka in 1969, based on the 1967 French song “Comme d’habitude” [As usual]. It is the number one song by which the great Frank Sinatra is known.

4. Girl from Ipanema:
“Garota de Ipanema” was originally written in 1953 by Vinicius de Moraes and composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim, but the one who popularized it and launched the song around the world was Joao Gilberto. It has been covered by famous singers and interpreted in different musical genres such as jazz, blues, rock and pop.

5. Bésame mucho:
Written in 1932 and released in 1940 by Mexican pianist and composer Consuelito Velázquez. It has been translated into many languages and covered by many singers, there is even a well-known English version by The Beatles.