Debunking Common Myths About Cover Songs

Cover songs have long been a beloved part of music culture including Common Myths About Cover Songs. Whether it is a fresh take on a classic hit, like James Arthur’s cover of “A Thousand  Years”, or an unexpected reinterpretation, like Marilyn Manson’s “Tainted Love,” these songs allow artists to put their own spin on a familiar tune.

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However, despite their popularity, numerous myths and misconceptions about these reimagined versions often leave listeners confused or misinformed.

Time To Face The Facts On Some Common Myths About Cover Songs

In this blog post, we’ll debunk some of the most common cover song myths and reveal the facts behind them.

Myth #1: Cover Songs Are Always Inferior To The Original

Fact: While it’s easy to believe that the original version is always the best, this isn’t necessarily true. Think of all the times you’ve learned that a song is not the original. Cover songs often provide a new perspective or a fresh musical style that might even surpass the original in some cases. Whether it’s a more stripped-down acoustic version or a complete genre shift, cover songs can shine on their own. For example, Whitney Houston’s “I will always love you” is an amazing song—an amazing cover song. The song was originally written and performed by Dolly Parton in 1974, 18 years before Whitney Houston released her version in November 1992.

Myth #2: Only Famous Artists Can Successfully Cover Songs

Fact: While big-name artists like Johnny Cash or Adele may have more visibility with their covers, lesser-known artists can also deliver incredible renditions. Sometimes, the indie musician or up-and-coming band breathes new life into a classic and their version gains cult status.

Success is subjective, but consider the band Pentatonix, which got its start on YouTube. Pentatonix, or PTX, is an American a cappella group from Arlington, Texas, featuring vocalists Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Matt Sallee, and Kevin Olusola. When Sony’s Epic Records dropped the group after The Sing-Off, the group formed its YouTube channel, distributing its music through Madison Gate Records, a label owned by Sony Pictures. After being dropped by Sony’s Epic Records post The Sing-Off, Pentatonix launched their own YouTube channel. They began distributing their music through Madison Gate Records, a label owned by Sony Pictures. Fast forward to 2014, and Pentatonix’s ‘That’s Christmas To Me’ Surpasses 1 Million in Sales. 

Myth #3: Cover Songs Are Just About Repeating The Original

Fact: Many cover songs don’t just replicate the original. Many reinterpret the song uniquely—through genre changes, altered arrangements, or changing lyrics or tempos. These variations can turn an old favourite into something entirely new.

Let’s compare the well-known version of “Hurt” by Jonny Cash to the original artist. The original musicians who performed ” Hurt ” were Nine Inch Nails. Those two artists are vastly different, but there are more examples than that just for the song “Hurt.” This song has also been covered by Sevendust, Gregorian, Caleb Hyles, Violet Orlandi, and Robyn Adele Anderson. All these songs show that a single song could be remade in so many ways.

Want some more distinctive styles of this cover? Check out SecondHand Songs and their information on the song “Hurt.”

Myth #4: All Cover Songs Are Released Without Permission

Fact: While some cover songs are released without the original artist’s consent or are somehow stolen, this is not the norm. Most cover songs are legally cleared through licensing agreements, simply asking the copyright owners, a sync listened, or even paying the required royalty, which allows the cover artist to perform and release their version.

Now, there are many different options for releasing a cover song with permission. Please check your local copyright laws and consider researching the copyright owner to gather more information. Remember, Switching Styles is an entertainment publication. We can’t help you with legal advice of any sort.

Myth #5: Cover Songs Don’t Have The Same Impact As Originals

Fact: Cover songs can bring new life to an older song and sometimes even bring attention to the original version. Take the song “Torn,” popularized by Natalie Imbruglia in the late 1990s. Phil Thornalley, Anne Preven, and Scott Cutler wrote Natalie Imbruglia’s famous 1997 hit. They are most known for being in the alternative rock group Ednaswap. Thornalley produced Imbruglia’s popular version, which sold over four million copies and is still her biggest hit. However, Ednaswap did not succeed financially and broke up just before 2000.

Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn” sold 4 million copies worldwide, 1 million copies in the UK, and daily streams 381,689 on Spotify. However, that success doesn’t just stay with Natalie Imbruglia’s. The original band got what they called a “massive financial windfall” that came following Imbruglia’s cover. After the song’s popularity rose, they received several hundred thousand dollars in the first few years.

Final Thoughts

What are your thoughts on these common myths about cover songs?

Cover songs are more than an artist’s attempt to mimic someone else’s work. They are an opportunity to pay tribute to a classic, experiment with new genres, or even reinvent a song entirely. The myths surrounding cover songs often overshadow their true potential to add depth, emotion, and innovation to the music world. So next time you hear a cover version of your favourite song, remember that it’s not just a copy—it’s a new interpretation, an artistic reimagining of a familiar melody.

Whether you prefer the classic renditions or enjoy the new takes, there’s no denying the power of a great cover song.

Check out more articles about cover songs by reading one of the posts below!