Fairytale of New York: A Cash Cow Disguised as a Christmas Anthem
Ah, Fairytale of New York. The Pogues' masterpiece that soundtracks every pub singalong and elevator ride from late November onwards. But beyond the boozy brilliance and Kirsty MacColl's unforgettable vocals, there's a little ditty whispered each year: how much moolah does this song rake in?
They Didn't Know They Were Onto a Goldmine
Believe it or not, Shane MacGowan and the gang weren't exactly planning a financial windfall. They just wanted to write a Christmas song that wasn't your average sugary offering. Well, they succeeded in more ways than one!
Fun Fact: Elvis Costello, who produced the Pogues at the time, reportedly challenged them to write a Christmas duet as a bit of a "sportsman's bet." Guess Costello likes his bets lucrative!
The Numbers Game: It's a Christmas Cracker!
Now, onto the real question: how much does Fairytale of New York make a year? Estimates vary, but here's the gist:
- The Big Bucks: The Pogues are estimated to bring in a cool £400,000 (around €448,000) every year from royalties. That's enough mistletoe and mulled wine to fill a castle!
- Shane's Share: As a co-writer, Shane MacGowan himself is estimated to pocket a hefty £386,000 (around €525,000) annually. Not bad for a song about a messy relationship, eh?
So, who ends up richer at Christmas? Seems like Fairytale of New York gives more than just seasonal cheer – it delivers a hefty financial gift year after year.
FAQ: You Gotta Have the Info (But Keep it Lighthearted)
Okay, okay, we know you're itching to get your own slice of Fairytale fortune. But before you dust off your songwriting skills, here are some quick answers to your burning questions:
How to write a Christmas earworm? Unfortunately, there's no guaranteed formula. But a catchy melody, relatable lyrics (even if they involve drunken arguments), and a sprinkle of Christmas magic might do the trick.
How to guarantee a hit song? Easy! Just travel back in time, convince Shane MacGowan to write another duet with Kirsty MacColl, and hope for the best. (Results not guaranteed – time travel is a tricky business!)
How to become best friends with Shane MacGowan? This one might be even harder than time travel. But hey, if you manage it, maybe he'll give you a songwriting tip or two (and maybe share some of that royalty pie).
How to enjoy Fairytale of New York without thinking about money? Now that's the easiest question! Just crank up the volume, belt out the lyrics (even the questionable bits), and raise a glass to a timeless classic (and a surprisingly lucrative one at that).
How much fun can you have with this information? A whole lot, apparently! So next time you hear Fairytale of New York, you can appreciate its musical brilliance and also marvel at its financial staying power. Now that's something to sing about!
