The highest-earning songs of all time

'Despacito' by Luis Rodriguez, Ramon Ayala, and Erika Ender

Released in 2017, 'Despacito' became the third best-selling song in history. It was written by Luis Rodriguez, Ramon Ayala, and Erika Ender, and was originally performed by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. It was an explosive hit in Latin America.

'Candle in the Wind' by Elton John and Bernie Taupin

Elton John and his writing partner, Bernie Taupin, wrote the song 'Candle in the Wind' in 1973. It was originally written about the death of Marilyn Monroe, but John updated it after the death of another female icon, this time a dear friend.

After Princess Diana was killed in a car accident in 1997, Elton John rewrote the lyrics and dedicated the song to her. It became the second-best-selling single of all time. The exact value of the song isn't known, but it sold at least 33 million copies worldwide.

'Shape of You' by Ed Sheeran, Steve Mac, and Johnny McDaid

Ed Sheeran's 2017 song 'Shape of You' is one of the best-selling songs of all time, which is particularly impressive considering how recent it is compared to some of the others on this list. It hasn't even had the chance for a comeback yet!

Co-written with British musicians Steve Mac and Johnny McDaid, 'Shape of You' sold 42 million copies. Sheeran also won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance with this song.

'Every Breath You Take' by Sting

Sting wrote the hit song 'Every Breath You Take' while he was performing with The Police in 1983. It remained on the Billboard Top 100 list for eight weeks running, and was later sampled in another highly successful song.

'Yesterday' by John Lennon and Paul McCartney

The Beatles' famous song 'Yesterday' was written entirely by John Lennon, but due to a deal he and Paul McCartney made to split the credit for all of their songs 50/50, they are both credited as writers.

'White Christmas' by Irving Berlin

'White Christmas' is the quintessential Christmas song. However, it was written by Russian composer Irving Berlin, who was actually Jewish. But he nailed the Christmas spirit even though he didn't celebrate the holiday himself.

'Happy Birthday' by The Hill Sisters

The 'Happy Birthday' song was created in 1893 by two sisters from Louisville, Kentucky. Patty Hill was a school teacher and her sister Mildred was a musician and composer. They were both leaders of the national kindergarten movement and came up with the song to entertain their young students.

'Stand by Me' by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller

'Stand By Me' was written in 1961 by composers Ben E. King and Mike Stoller and lyricist Jerry Leiber. It was performed by Ben E. King and was a big hit in its own right in the '60s.

'Unchained Melody' by Alex North and Hy Zaret

Composers Alex North and Hy Zaret wrote the song 'Unchained Melody' for a little-known film called 'Unchained' in 1955. It went on to be covered by The Righteous Brothers in 1956 and became an unprecedented success. It was covered by hundreds of other artists, which further extended its popularity.

'Oh Pretty Woman' by Roy Orbison and Bill Dees

Roy Orbison's song 'Oh Pretty Woman,' written by himself and Bill Dees, wasn't a huge commercial success when it was first released in 1964. However, the two creators hit the big time when it was featured in the 1990 movie 'Pretty Woman.'

'The Christmas Song' by Mel Tormé and Bob Wells

Another Christmas classic that raked in the big bucks is 'The Christmas Song' by Mel Tormé and his writing partner Bob Wells. Those comforting lyrics that conjure memories of “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” are still heard every winter. However, it's not Mel Tormé's voice we hear!

'You’ve Lost That Feeling' by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, and Phil Spector

Songwriting power couple (and real-life married couple) Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil teamed up with the famous music producer (and later convicted murderer) Phil Spector to write a song in 1964. They come up with the hit song 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin.' Spector suggested adding the line "and he is gone, gone, gone, Whoa, whoa, whoa," which Mann and Weil grudgingly agreed to.

'I Will Always Love You' by Dolly Parton

Many aren't aware that the song 'I Will Always Love You' was first written and performed by Dolly Parton. She wrote it in 1973, and it reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart twice in 1974 and again in 1982.

'In the Summertime' by Raymond Dorset

'In the Summertime' was a song released by British rock band Mungo Jerry. It was written by the band's lead singer, Raymond Dorset. The upbeat skiffle track sold 31 million copies when it was released in 1970.