Great songwriting and musicianship does not guarantee that a song will be a hit, so it is wonderful when a recording artist uncovers a musical gem by, well… covering it. When a cover song becomes a hit, the original artist benefits. Often there is a renewed interest in the original artist’s work and hopefully (depending on their recording contract) they are also compensated for the use of their song. Here are 10 examples of cover songs and their original versions– we can argue about which version is better, but in each case the cover song is indisputably more famous. In some cases, perhaps you didn’t know the song is a cover:
10. All Along The Watchtower
The Cover – Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix’s version of this song appeared on the album Electric Ladyland, the third and final album released by The Jimi Hendrix Experience. It is often noted as an exemplar of the psychedelic rock genre, and was ranked by Rolling Stone Magazine as the 47th greatest song of all time, ranked above such classics as Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire and the Eagles’ Hotel California. View the cover versions of these 10 songs at our YouTube Playlist.
The Original – Bob Dylan
The song first appeared on Bob Dylan’s album John Wesley Harding in 1967. It was written soon after he had had a motorcycle accident and some claim that its lyrics were inspired by his newfound interest in the bible and have made connections between his words and the book of Isaiah. Unlike Hendrix’s electric and psychedelic rock version, the original was folksy and recorded with an acoustic guitar and a harmonica.
9. I Shot the Sheriff
The Cover – Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton released this song on his second album, 461 Ocean Boulevard. He didn’t initially plan to include the song on the album, but was eventually convinced by the other band members. It is one of his most popular and well known songs; the only one to reach number 1 on the Billboard top 100.
The Original – Bob Marley
Bob Marley, who wrote the song, released it one year before Clapton in 1973 on the album Burnin’. The album was ranked as the 319th greatest album of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine. In the story of the song, a man admits to killing the Sheriff, but claims he is falsely accused of killing the deputy. The anti-police sentiment in the song was very well received and brought much acclaim to both Marley and Clapton.
8. Oye Como va
The Cover – Santana
Oye Como Va was one of Carlos Santana’s most popular songs sung in Spanish released in the 1970’s. On the Santana ablum Abraxas, it reached 13 on the Billboard top 100 and was one of the major catalysts for his stardom. Translated literally, it means “listen to how it goes”, but can also mean “how’s it going” or “check it out”, depending on the region and context.
The Original – Tito Puente
This song was originally written and recording in 1963 by the Latin jazz musician Tito Puente. It was inspired by an earlier song by a popular Cuban Mumba artist, Israel “Cachao” López. The song has been covered by, and has inspired, several other Hispanic artists.
7. Respect
The Cover – Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin released her signature song, Respect , in 1967. It won her a grammy, was seen as a major anthem by the feminist movement, and was ranked by Rolling Stone Magazine as the 5th greatest song of all time, right above Johnny B. Goode and Good Vibrations. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. That spelling was not actually in the original version.
The Original – Otis Redding
Respect was originally written and performed by a man, Otis Redding, in 1965- 2 years prior to Franklin’s hit version. His version is a desperate plea from a man willing to do anything to please his significant other, as long as he gets his respect when he gets home. And by respect, he means, ….well… uh. Yeah. It was a euphemism. Aretha Franklin’s version was basically the same idea from the opposite side: if you want some, you have to respect her.
6. Cocaine
The Cover – Eric Clapton
Clapton came out with his version of this song in 1977. Clapton has received criticism in the past for the song, but he claims it is an anti-drug song. Because of this, he eventually inserted the lyric “that dirty cocaine” to make the previously ambiguous message more clear. It peaked at 30 on the US Billboard charts; however, it has become one of his most recognizable songs, called by Allmusic “among [Clapton’s] most enduring popular hits.”
The Original – JJ Cale
Cocaine was written by JJ Cale, a southern blues and rockabilly musician, about a year before Clapton’s version came out . His version did reach number one on the music charts… but only in New Zealand. Cocaine was actually only one of several songs Clapton borrowed from Cale, including “ After Midnight” and “Travelling Light.”
5. Hound Dog
The Cover – Elvis Presley
Most people don’t really listen to this song any more, but pretty much everyone has heard of it. It was Elvis’s trademark song: one of the most popular American singer’s greatest hits. His version of the song was ranked number 19 on the Rolling Stones “500 greatest songs of all time.”
The Original – Big Mama Thornton
Hound dog was a song written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The first recording of the song was by Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton, an African-American rhythm and blues singer, in 1952. She also recorded the song “Ball and Chain”, which later became a hit for Janis Joplin.
4. You’ve Got a Friend
The Cover – James Taylor
This song was released by James Taylor on his 1971 album Mud Slide Jim and the Blue Horizon. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the UK singles charts. He eventually won a grammy award for it.
The Original – Carole King
This song was originally written and performed by Carole King. It was on her album Tapestry, which came out earlier in the same year that Taylor’s version would be made famous. Before and after this, King and Taylor were friends and would occasionally perform together. They would actually often sing the song together.
3. I Will Always Love You
The Cover – Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston recorded her version of this song in 1992 for the soundtrack of her first film appearance, The Bodyguard. She was going to sing Jimmy Ruffin’s What Becomes of the Brokenhearted, but decided not too when she found out it was also going to be in the movie Fried Green Tomatoes. Her version was a huge success, eventually appearing at number 68 on Billboard’s “Greatest Songs of All Time.”
The Original – Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton wrote this song in 1973 and released it as a single a year later. It had a significant amount of success on the monthly country charts, but very limited recognition otherwise. She re-recorded it about a decade later to include it in the soundtrack for a movie she was in, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
2. Blinded by the Light
The Cover – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
Manfred Mann’s Earth Band released Blinded by the Light on their album The Roaring Silence in 1976. It reached #1 on both Billboard’s Hot 100 and on the Canadian RPM chart. The original album recording length was over 7 minutes, but is usually cut down to around 3 on the radio. It was their first and greatest hit.
The Original – Bruce Springstein
It was originally written and performed by Bruce Springsteen on his debut album Greetings from Asbury Park N.J. His band’s version was unsuccessful and did not appear on any music charts. You may know this song from it’s famously misheard lyric. At one point in the song it sounds like he’s singing “wrapped up like a douche,” but the actual lyric is wrapped up like a deuce, a reference to a 1932 Ford.
1. Hurt
The Cover – Johnny Cash
Hurt was one of Johnny Cash’s last hits before he died in 2003. It was released in 2002 on the album American IV: The Man Comes Around, when Cash was 71 years old. Cash’s version did fairly well on the charts in the US and UK, but for some reason got all the way to number 8 on the Norway charts. The song made it onto 2 “songs of the decade” lists, 15th on The Rolling Stones list, and 2nd on Country Music Television’s. In addition, he won several awards for his music video, including #1 on CMT’s 100 Greatest Country Music Videos in 2003, best video of the year at the 2003 Grammys, and best video of all time by NME in 2011.
The Original – Nine Inch Nails
Cash was covering a song by the industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails. He changed the lyric “I wear this crown of sh*t” to “I wear this crown of thorns.” The original version, written by Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor, was released on the 1994 album Downward Spiral and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Song in 1996.
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97 Comments
I believe Linda Rondstat’s Poor Poor Pitiful Me was actually by Warren Zevon, and Santana’s Black Magic Woman was by Fleetwood Mac. And Springsteen’s original of “Blinded by the Light” is far superior to MMEB’s version, IMHO.
Landslide by Buckingham/Nicks…
rerecorded later under Fleetwood Mac.
It is not a cover song when the person who writes still sings it, and is the only one to release it.
Nicks wrote the song and still sang it as part of the band.
“Red red wine”, originally by Neil Diamond. UB40’s version is the well known one. “Twist and Shout” was covered by the Isley Brothers and more famously by the Beatles. This son was shake it up baby, by the Top Notes. Another one is “Love Hurts”, originally by The Everly Brothers also covered by Roy Orbison, but made most famous by the Nazareth cover.
How about:
She’s not there: Santana covered The Zombies
I put a spell on you: CCR covered Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
Gangster/Pastime Paradise: Coolio covered Steve Wonder
My Way: Sinatra covered Claude François (comme d’habitude)
Viva Las Vegas: Elvis covered Mort Shuman
I don’t know if you can truly say that Dolly’s version of “I Will Always Love You” was somehow less than Whitney Houston’s version. Dolly became the first artist to chart number one with the same song twice, taking it to the top of the country charts in both 1974 and 1982, with the 1982 version also reaching the 17th spot in the U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary lists. The song came to the attention of Elvis Presley, but he wanted songwriter shares, which Dolly refused to give up and, subsequently, Elvis did not record the song. Many, including me, prefer the understated way that Dolly sang the song as it makes her version much sadder, much more reflective than the Houston song.
Speaking of Elvis, one of his first hits was “Blue Moon of Kentucky”, which was a cover of Bill Monroe, the inventor of Bluegrass music and a “pioneer” in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame…
I strongly feel Cum on Feel The Noize should be on here, considering I don’t think I’ve ever met anybody, (other than myself), who knows its originally done by Slade, and Quiet Riot covered it….
How could you not mention Joan Jett and the Blackhearts? “I Love Rock ‘n Roll”, “Do You Want To Touch Me”
I personally think that Alien Ant Farm’s Smooth Criminal was better than Michael Jackson’s version of it.
8 that should be here most definately are;
1)Motley Crue cover of Smokin in the Boys room.
2)Uggly Kid Joe cover of Cats in the cradle.
3)House of Lords cover of Cant find my way home.
4)GNR cover of Since I dont have you.
5)Sugar Ray cover of Abracadabra.
6)Metallica cover of Turn the page.
7)Mr Big cover of Wild World.
8)Alien Ant Farm cover of Smooth Criminal
And then there is Shinedown’s cover of Skynard’s hit Simple Man.
Another I failed to mention, Masters of War by Bob Dylan covered by Eddie Vedder.
Chris Cornell cover of Billy Jean is not more famous than Michael Jackson’s but it is one of my favorite covers. Also Nirvana cover of My Girl, My Girl.
I’m glad this was mentioned. The song is actually called “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” and is by Lead Belly.
Blinded By The Light. The original lyric by Bruce is “cut loose like a deuce”. Manfred Mann changed it to “revved up like a deuce.”
Enjoyed reading here. Please excuse my butting in and suggesting a listen to a cover of a song, not mentioned here, so far. The song is Grenade by Bruno Mars.
The cover version I suggest is by Irish singer/songwriter Neil Byrne. Neil records and writes as a solo artist and when not doing this he tours worldwide with big Irish Show Celtic Thunder.
If you get a chance listen to this cover on his album “Faces” Pale Blue Jak (his aka)
http://www.neilbyrnemusic.com
The original was a big hit.
This was a #1 hit in Australia by Kylie Minogue, who was a well known soap star.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZAhzVvgY-c
The rest is history…..
This is probably better than the original.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnejLmQGYhg
Pseudo Echo – Funkytown
Unless you live in Australia, you will not have heard of this guy called John Farnham. He has been massive over the years, and he is older than the guys in ACDC. He released this as a B side on his #1 Australian hit. This is a video from a live concert from VHS. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK3pwB2Foto
I am from the US and I HAVE heard of John Farnham. A favorite movie of mine, as a young man, “Rad” has a few of his songs on the soundtrack. In fact, looking up the tracklist tells me he may have been commisioned to write for the movie, as “Love Theme from ‘Rad’ ” is his.
I wouldn’t say Eric Clapton’s version of I Shot the Sheriff is more famous than Bob Marley’s. It might have been more successful as a single at the time, but Bob’s original is now easily the more well known.
The Johnny Cash version of hurt is the most overrated thing ever. Johnny Cash didnt write the lyric “I wear this crown of thorns” NIN used that line in the clean version of the song
“Most overated thing ever?” Really Brian? This guy disagrees:
“I pop the video in, and wow… Tears welling, silence, goose-bumps… Wow. [I felt like] I just lost my girlfriend, because that song isn’t mine anymore… It really made me think about how powerful music is as a medium and art form. I wrote some words and music in my bedroom as a way of staying sane, about a bleak and desperate place I was in, totally isolated and alone. [Somehow] that winds up reinterpreted by a music legend from a radically different era/genre and still retains sincerity and meaning — different, but every bit as pure.”
Maybe you’ve heard of him. Guy named Trent Reznor.
That only adds to my seeing it as overrated
Give up already, brian. You just got owned by Trent Reznor’s own comments, and he’s the one who wrote the song.
Corkwriter, I didn’t know that, so thanks for the lesson.
That’s a great quotation from TR — a true artist.
I agree with Brian-Cash should not have recorded this song. Not his “type”song. Akin to Janis Joplin (one of my all-time favorites as is Cash) singing “Moonlight In Vermont.”
“Piece of My Heart” is associated with Janis Joplin, but it was a cover.
Manfred Mann over Sprinsteen? I didn’t even know they covered him.
J.J. Cale and Bob Marley over the Clapton covers.
I always thought Springsteen’s version was far superior to MMEB’s version. Never understood why that’s all you’d hear on the radio.
‘All fired up’ by Pat Benatar , was originally recorded by the Rattling Sabres. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4iIVNzbdrM
Thanks added this to the playlist for this list at YouTube.
Man who sold the world by nirvana originally by David bowie.
Can’t believe this one didn’t make the list, or maybe I’m just too old. Barry Manilow had a huge hit with MANDY. The song originally was called BRANDY and recorded by Scott Englis. Manilow didn’t want it confused with the Brandy (you’re a fine girl) so he changed it to Mandy. I think this should be on the top 10
Manilow also covered Ian Hunter’s “Ships.” Really good song.
Had no idea – thanks Winston, I added both Mandy and Brandy to the playlist on YouTube.
where is love hurts by Nazareth????
Etta James wrote “Dance with me Henry” (also known as “Roll With Me Henry”) but Georgia Gibb had the big hit with it. At least in Hammond, Indiana. It was always played at our 9th grade “sockhops” long ago.
“The Twist” by Chubby Checker was a cover. The original was made by Hank Ballard (of the Midnighters who had hits like “Work with Me, Annie” and the follow-ups “S.exy Ways” and “Annie Had a Baby” in the early 50’s. You should always protect yourself at work, so that won’t happen). 😀
Etta James made answer records to those with “roll with me , Henry” and “Henry’s Got Flat Feet”. Hank = short for Henry Ballard. 😀
You didn’t mention is so I will. Chubby’s soulless version, backed by powerful Dick Clark of “American Bandstand” fame was incredibly lame compared to Hank Ballard and the Midnighters’.
How about “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”, which was originally done by Bob Dylan but has been covered numerous times? In fact, the Guns N’ Roses cover is so good that a lot of people think it is actually one of their songs.
“Knocking On Heaven’s Door” is from the movie “Pat Garrett and Billy The Kid”–And that song belongs to Dylan-Nobody will ever top his version.
Great list, well thought out and lots of good information.
How is Eric Clapton’s version of I shot the Sheriff better or more famous than Marley’s version??I mean it’s the most recognized Bob Marley song worldwide!!
it’s better and Clapton’s sherif is probably more famous. While most people have heard o Marley I assume more people are more familiar with Clapton’s music. i am I probably couldn’t name too many songs of his other then the one you mentioned Then Marley’s It does matter if it’s his most famous song. Though it depends who you who they more associate the song. Similar to Creedence Clearwater’s Proud Mary arguably One of their most famous Songs next to Born on the Bayou and Fortunate Son though Tina Turner’s Mary is probably more famous then theirs, so this may be up to debate the only way to know is to ask people of different demographics who they think of when the song is mentioned. It may not matter if it’s his most famous Song. Reggae proabably isn’t quite as popular as classic rock and most people probably couldn’t name a single reage Musician other then Marley,which says just how famous he is, but Clapton’s music is more Widely known then Marley. bottom line is it might depend who you ask ask any Reggae an and They will probably say Marley but ask any Classic Rock an they will say Clapton so it would likely come down to these who wouldn’t considere them fas of either genre
“Proud Mary” by Tina Turner is actually a cover of a CCR (Credence Clearwater Revival) song. Both versions were hits, but no one usually remembers that it was a cover.
I remember the Creedence’s version as the hit more than Tina’s… maybe because I’m a ccr fan. I actually saw John Fogerty live this summer in Finland. Played all of his hits (well, at least most of them, there are so many). Seemed very happy to play his songs in a f*ucking pouring rain (outdoor concert). Someone from the audience shouted: “who’ll stop the rain?” He probably heard it and answered: “don’t look now, it ain’t you or me” 😀 :D: D What a great guy.
I’m surprised nobody mentioned that “Twist and Shout” by the Beatles is a cover.
The Isley Brothers made the original, yes.
Nono, it was written for the Isley Brothers.
I think Tiny Tim’s version of “Tiptoe Through The Tulips” was much better than Nick Lucas’ 1929 recording.
The Johnny Cash version of Hurt is terrible as far as I’m concerned.
Ministry’s cover of Lay Lady Lay is far better than all other versions.
Fiona Apple shows her superiority over john Lennon as a singer HANDS DOWN with her cover of Across The Universe. Lennon sounds like a heroin addicted orangutang, slurring his way through a song that he probably wrote with his head in the toilet.
Even funnier is that idiot Meg Lee Chin covering Ministry covering The Byrds, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, The Everly Brothers, Melanie, The Isley Brothers, Duran Duran, Magnet, Hoyt Axton, Angelique Kidjo et al with Lay Lady Lay.
Thank you Marc, I thought I was in some alternate reality where people didnt realize that the Johnny Cash version sucked.
maybe it doesn’t deserve to be on this list..but one cover that I’ve always loved more than the original was Sympathy For the Devil by Guns N Roses over the original track from The Rolling Stones…the style that Guns recorded the song fits the song better and Axl’s voice is perfect for those vocals…like i said..I’m not saying it should make the list..but it is a well known song and two legendary bands are involved…
I disagree. Stones version was genius and though I love GNR their version to over the top for me but I did love the movie that was made for.
Axl’s voice is perfect…..for scaring rodents out of your baseboards. G’n’R Lies… they call it “music”.
Dylan actually liked Jimi’s version better than his own and after hearing it has played it that way since as a tribute. Said “Its his song now”.
Whiskey in the Jar, traditional irish folk song that has been famously covered by Thin Lizzy and Metallica. A traditional song made great by fantastic covers of it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZDhnRo8YvQ
its “revved up like a deuce” not wrapped.
word.
About 20 years ago, when Body Count came out with Cop Killer, the right wingers were screaming to outlaw any kind of song the advocated violence toward public servants. It’s a good thing they didn’t get their way; otherwise we wouldn’t be able to listen to I Shot The Sheriff today.
Covers, like live albums are really tricky musical exercises. Some bands failed because they can’t provide something new, something different to the original.
I just listened to the original, and to be honest it sounds like somebody who doesn’t know anything about music is performing…
Well… Johnny Cash was Johnny Cash… you know… like a divine creature of some kind… 😀
What about Placebo’s cover of Running up that Hill By Kate Nash
It’s Kate Bush and while Placebo’s cover is quite popular, it’s in no way more famous than the original.
I never thought you would include Hurt, but I have to say it’s such an amazing song. I’m a 16 years old metalhead and I think it’s one of the best songs I’ve ever heard, and the music video makes me shiver…
May I mention one more, please please please??? “I Drove All Night” was a big hit for Cyndi Lauper http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK16_sWD2Xk but it was originally a Roy Orbison song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8ZVFngqvzA&feature=related
Here’s another brilliant cover, the “a cappella” group The Flying Pickets with a version of the Yazoo song “Only You”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgDKtLPp46s
Another good cover of “Only You”, this time by Amy Diamond: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-ug-uKrxaA 🙂
Although, I must admit, not even close to the a cappella version. Actually, erase my comment about Amy Diamond if it’s still awaiting moderation, please.
Damn, I see what happened there… you were checking the youtube link… ok, just release the Amy Diamond clip and erase my comments after that.She’s not that bad.
Bruce Springstein? Nice, I didn’t know The Boss was/is Jewish 😉
LOL, that was a good one… I didn’t even realize at first what you did there LOL 😀
I just wanted to say…good choice for number 1….even Trent Reznor agreed that Johnny Cash’s version was better.
I disagree….it is massively overrated
Gary Jules “Mad World” originally by Tears for Fears. Microsoft used Jules version in their Gears of War ad campaign which skyrocketed the popularity of the cover version.
Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” is a cover of Leonard Cohen. Although I prefer Cohen’s original.
Funny i’ve always prefered Buckley’s version but i’m not a Leonard Cohen’s fan
A possible spin off:
Artists who have “covered” themselves. In other words singers or groups that re-recorded their own tune to great effect. Let me start the bidding with “Layla” covered by Clapton fr the Derek and the Dominoes version featuring, well, Eric Clapton.
While not technically a re-record, McCartney stripped off the Spector arrangement from “The Long and Winding Road” and others….
How about every American Idol singer to ever perform.
… is not more famous than the original.
@Jessy: I don’t remember seeing this exact list anywhere, although there might have been a similar one somewhere at some time. Here’s another cover version that’s WAY better than the original (at least I think so): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM2177pHMT0 The original “Umbrella” was by Rihanna, this cover was made by the German rockabilly band “The Baseballs”. 🙂
Is it just me or has this list been done before by you guys? Maybe just déjàvu =\
Yes, we published a list that was not nearly as good years ago. Here it is but when the author wrote it, he only wanted to write a list about covers he liked. A proper title never was given, so complaints began…but I eventually turned off the comments and agreed the list was not focused when written and poorly titled when posted. Live and learn.
The list is linked above in the Related Top 10 Lists section. Here is a handy link: https://www.toptenz.net/10-song-covers-you-may-not-know-were-covers.php
@Clive: THIS is the best version of “Tainted Love”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh8BS4KctIw 😀
That is a great version! Also check out THIS one by Imelda May….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMOgSdc8OAI&feature=artistob&playnext=1&list=TLplRZTALr93g
I love that version as well. Imelda May is brilliant. I also like the trumpet in this version. 🙂
Great list! I’ve got one addition that most people don’t even know about: “Rock Around the Clock” wasn’t originally made by Bill Haley and his Comets in 1954 on Decca. It was recorded first by Sonny Dae and his Knights on Arcade. The original version is quite rare even today, although it has been re-released in Europe by Rockstar Records and possibly by White Label (not sure about the latter).
Here’s a few more- Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinead O’ Connor is actually a Prince song
– Black Magic Woman by Santana is a Fleetwood Mac song
– Whisky In The Jar by Metallica is a cover of Thin Lizzy’s cover of The Dubliners version of and old Irish Trad song (if you follow me)
What about tainted love by soft cell? Its the only song they’re known for and it was a cover. Not kidding
Totally agree with you, some people even think Marilyn Manson’s version was a cover of Soft Cell
What about ‘Without You’? Original by Badfinger, but much more famously covered by Harry Nilsson.
Pretty good list. Two amazingly original artists Dylan and Springsteen showed up. But what about the Beatles? WHo could cover them and actually improve their tunes.
One man not only did it, he did it twice. Joe Cocker’s “She Came in Through the Bathroom Window” is better than the original and his “”Get by w9th a Little Help from My Friends blows the door off the Beatles version.
Huge Omission..
Sorry, you are sadly mistaken, the Beatles version of Get By With a Little Help from My Friends
absolutely demolishes the Cocker version…
Joe Cocker better than The Beatles!!! what are you smoking??
By the way writing the lyrices to a song doesn’t necessarily gives you the title of the song.
If that was the case, the title could be “What would you do if I sang out of tune, Would you stand up and walk out on me. Lend me your ears and I’ll sing you a song, And I’ll try not to sing out of key.
Oh I get by with a little help from my friends, Mmm,I get high with a little help from my friends,
Mmm, I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends.”
But it’s only “with a little help from my friends” sorry to disappoint
For starters, I did NOT say Cocker was better than a Beatles. I said his versions of two songs were better than the Beatles versions. It’s just my opinion, and that of people with grown up musical tastes.
Here’s a good rule of thumb, fdx. Before you try to out-snark your betters–that’s almost everyone–learn how to punctuate, learn proper grammar, and learn how to spell. Or is “By the way writing the lyrices to a song doesn’t necessarily gives you the title of the song” reasonable English in your Universe?
I can visualize your Universe. It’s populated by groups like “The Cyrkle” and “1910 Fruitgum Company” and “The Archies.” There you are surrounded by your favorite Bubblegum music like “Sugar Sugar” and “123 Red Light” and the Beatles lame version of “With a Little Help from My Friends.”
Love The Beatles. But they did it as a novelty song, and Cocker owned Woodstock with his arrangement. Here’s another clue. When Ringo sings lead, the Beatles considered the tune a throwaway.
Now go away, kid, yuh bother me.
Bad mood today ? 🙂
Having some sense of humor can help on this site, sorry you took it that way.
BTW your vision of my world, my age and probably my whole “universe” is completely wrong.
Since we’re mostly talking about music, Joe Cocker is a pretty good performer but he will never have the same impact on music than the Beatles….
Okay. I don’t usually start snark, but I don’t like to get it, and you went to some length to give me grief over the fact I didn’t Google the exact title of the tune in question. And trust me I DO have a sense of humor.
But let me clarify once again.. I do NOT think Joe Cocker is better than the Beatles, nor do I believe he ever has had or will have the impact on music as the Beatles did. What I said, and what I believe and what a lot of people share is that Cocker’s version of “Help form my Friends”” was a masterpiece, taking a little novelty tune and turning it into an amazing soul classic.
It happens now and then. “Blinded by the Light” for instance. Another great example. CCR’s “Lodi,” as performed by Al Wilson. I LOVE Credence…Wilson isn’t in the same league, but in covering this one song–he blows the doors off the Credence version. And you know who else says it’s his favorite cover of Credence stuff? John Fogerty.
So,we’ll agree to disagree on Cocker and be nice to each other in the future, okay?