I've Got a Theory

[Greg]

I've got a theory to just throw out there.  It's just a discussion point, and the views of this post are not necessarily the views of its author or his affiliates.

Why doesn't Paul own the rights to his songs?

Is it because it would be too much of a burden to own them?  In a sense he really doesn't need to own them; he profits from them anyway.
Back when Holmes a Court was selling he probably could have gotten them.  In fact you can take the "probably" out.  In order to make the purchase worthwhile, in a business sense, he would have to market the songs somehow.  Do you think he would have caught so much flak that he realized he might as well let someone else do it?

My other theory:  It was a financial risk that he just didn't need, or want, to take.

I am not ready to buy that he didn't have the money to do it.

I'm not offended by anyone who chooses to shoot this down entirely.  It's fun to argue Beatle stuff in a spirit of respect.  It's just when the "of course I'm right" comments come around that it degenerates into a mess.  But you guys know me by now.  I'm gonna post with respect and humor no matter whatcha say.

[mervap]

Yeah, I'm quite sure that if Paul wanted to own the Beatles' catalog badly enough, he could make it happen. However, I think he's past the point now of worrying about who gets the money from the publishing rights...it's always seemed to me, at least, that Paul has worried more about who got the credit for writing them. Of course, everyone knows who wrote them! :)

I think owning the rights could be a liability he doesn't really want at this point...

[Kylenz]

Also, maybe the debacle with Michael Jackson ultimately softened his resolve. It may have meant the world to him initially, but perhaps he is more philosophical looking at it now?

[lampie1970]

I agree with you Kyle...I think before something happens (ie, the rights to your songs being bought out from under you), you can't imagine what that would even be like. Cant fathom it...think it would be the end of the world. And then it happens and you realize its not so bad. Sun still comes up...whatever..after you learn to live with a situation, i mean, you can't sometimes remember what it was like beofre anyway.

I think too, the way the songs have been used, they just arent worth as much. I mean they are definately still worht ALOT...but maybe it is the principle of the thing.

He doesnt need any more money from royalties, and maybe he is saving up for #3 :D