The Fairytale of New York's Not-So-Fairytale Royalties: How Much Does This Christmas Earworm REALLY Earn?
Ah, yes, "Fairytale of New York." The Pogues' iconic (and slightly controversial) Christmas smasher. It's a staple of the holiday season, blasting out of radios and supermarket speakers from November 1st onwards. But have you ever wondered, as you tap your foot along, just how much this musical masterpiece is lining the pockets of The Pogues? Buckle up, folks, because we're diving into the not-so-fairytale world of royalty payouts.
You're Drunk, Shane, No, Seriously, How Much is This Song Making?
There are a bunch of estimates floating around, but the general consensus is that "Fairytale of New York" rakes in somewhere around £386,000 (around $470,000) a year for songwriter Shane MacGowan. That's enough mistletoe and mulled wine to fill a small castle, let me tell you.
Now, it's important to note that this is just for Shane. The Pogues' Jem Finer, who co-wrote the song, likely sees a similar windfall. And hey, don't forget Kirsty MacColl, the song's unforgettable duet partner. Her estate presumably gets a healthy chunk of change too (although the exact figures are kept hush-hush).
So, in short, The Pogues are doing alright. They're probably not yachting around the Caribbean every December, but let's just say they can afford a very merry Christmas indeed.
But Wait, There's More! The Plot Thickens (Like Eggnog!)
Now, here's the thing. Royalties aren't exactly straightforward. They depend on things like airplay, streaming numbers, and even things like public karaoke performances (though let's hope nobody's butchering this masterpiece at their local bar). So, the exact amount "Fairytale of New York" brings in can fluctuate a bit year toyear.
There's also the question of who gets what. Bands often have internal agreements about how songwriting credits are split, and publishing deals can further complicate things. So, while Shane MacGowan might be the face (and the voice) of the song's financial success, there's a whole team behind the scenes sharing the spoils.
Basically, the world of music royalties is about as messy as untangling Christmas lights.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Fairytale of New York Royalties Answered (Finally!)
1. How do I write a Christmas song that earns millions?
Easy! Just write a catchy tune, throw in some sleigh bells and questionable lyrics, and hope it becomes a cultural phenomenon. Piece of cake, right? (Actually, it's incredibly hard. But hey, no harm in trying!)
2. Can I cover "Fairytale of New York" and make a fortune?
Maybe enough for a stocking stuffer. You'll definitely need permission from the copyright holders, and royalties for covers are usually much lower than for original songs. (But hey, at least you'll have fun belting it out!)
3. Is "Fairytale of New York" the highest-earning Christmas song ever?
Nope. Apparently, Slade's "Merry Christmas Everybody" gives it a run for its money. Seems a bit less, well, fairytale-ish, but hey, catchy is catchy. (There's a whole world of lucrative Christmas tunes out there!)
4. Should I invest in The Pogues' back catalogue for my retirement plan?
That's a brave strategy, cotton. While "Fairytale" is a earworm, The Pogues aren't exactly a one-hit wonder. (Maybe diversify your portfolio a bit.)
5. Most importantly, can we all just agree "Fairytale of New York" is a great song, royalties or not?
Absolutely. Now go forth, blast the music, and argue with your family about the lyrics. It's practically a Christmas tradition.
