Happy birthday to you

Why do I feel the way I do about the happy birthday song? Everyone knows it, and it is what everyone sings, but there is some kind of copyright on it and someone gets money for it. What is that about? Why is that the only birthday song I even want to hear? Others make me mad, especially if they involve clapping. Someone needs to step up and promote one of these other songs because I am sick and tired of the one everyone else knows. Just promote one that doesn't have clapping in it please.