Renowned comedian and co-writer Frank Skinner has recently shed light on the surprisingly modest financial returns from the iconic football anthem, “Three Lions,” a song deeply embedded in British pop culture.
Released in 1996 in collaboration with fellow comedian David Baddiel and the band The Lightning Seeds, the track quickly became synonymous with England’s aspirations in the UEFA European Championship that year, capturing the nation’s spirit.
Despite its initial success and subsequent re-releases, which have seen it top the Official Singles Chart in the UK an unprecedented four times over nearly three decades, a widespread misconception regarding the song’s profitability persists.
Skinner addressed these lingering questions during a recent episode of his podcast, “Frank Off the Radio,” prompted by a listener’s inquiry about potential upticks in royalties for the beloved football anthem.
During the candid discussion, Skinner unequivocally dismissed the popular “myth” that he and Baddiel have accumulated vast sums of money from the enduring popularity of the “it’s coming home” chant-infused track.
He disclosed that his estimated share of the profits from “Three Lions” amounted to approximately £38,000 over a four-year period, a figure he acknowledged as significant but clearly not the colossal earnings many might presume from such a chart-topping football anthem.
Both his co-host Emily Dean and guest comedian Sara Barron expressed surprise at the revelation, echoing a common sentiment among the public that a song with such sustained cultural impact would generate substantially higher music royalties.
This isn’t the first instance Skinner has addressed this financial topic; he previously stated on Radio X that he had earned around £50,000 from the song, maintaining a consistent narrative about his quarter share of the earnings from this iconic piece of pop culture.
Despite the unexpected financial realities, Skinner affirmed that he still derives immense personal satisfaction and a “kick” from hearing football fans passionately sing “Three Lions,” cherishing its cultural legacy over its monetary return.
