Songs by The Beatles, Police Among the "Richest Songs in the World"

Facebook.com/TheBeatlesA U.K. documentary titled The Richest Songs in the World that aired recently on BBC television takes a look at the tunes that have earned the most publishing royalties.  According to DigitalSpy.com, the program reveals that The Beatles and The Police are responsible for two of the 10 most lucrative tunes of all time.  The Fab Four's "Yesterday" and The Police's "Every Breath You Take" appear at #4 and #8, respectively, on the list.

The '60s pop-soul duo The Righteous Brothers, meanwhile, have two entries on the tally -- "You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin'" is at #3 and "Unchained Melody" is at #5.  Other memorable songs by famous artists that landed on the list include Ben E. King's "Stand by Me" at #6, and Roy Orbison's "Oh, Pretty Woman" at #9.

The top-earning song ever is "Happy Birthday to You," which was written by sisters Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill back in 1893.  Rounding out the list are three holiday standards -- "White Christmas" at #2, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" at #7 and "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" at #10.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio