Here’s the thing about music—it’s like a game of telephone with guitars. Some of your favorite songs? Not actually originals. The mind-blowing truth is that chart-toppers, karaoke classics, and even Grammy winners sometimes started out in someone else’s notebook. Covers aren’t just tributes—they’re reinventions. They’re love letters with different handwriting. And once you know, you can’t un-hear it. So, let’s blow your musical mind with 25 songs you didn’t know were covers!
“Tainted Love” – Soft Cell (1981)
This synth-pop banger actually came from the 1960s soul scene. It was first recorded by Gloria Jones in 1964—and didn’t do so well until it came back as part of the British Northern Soul momnent, Now it’s an ‘80s anthem for eyeliner-wearing romantics everywhere.
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper (1983)
Before it became a feminist anthem, this was a guy’s tune! Written and first recorded by Robert Hazard in 1979, the lyrics were reimagined by Lauper—and the rest is girl-powered history.
“I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston (1992)
Dolly Parton wrote it. Sang it. Released it in 1974. But Whitney took it to another planet with The Bodyguard. Dolly cried tears of joy when she heard it—and then cried again all the way to the bank.
“Hound Dog” – Elvis Presley (1956)
Big Mama Thornton recorded the original in 1952—and it was full of grit and growl. Elvis’s version cleaned it up and cranked it out, but Thornton’s bark came first.
“Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinéad O’Connor (1990)
Prince wrote it. The Family recorded it. But it didn’t hit until Sinéad stood in front of a camera, shed a tear, and made it hers forever.
“Respect” – Aretha Franklin (1967)
Otis Redding wrote and recorded it in 1965. Then Aretha added “R-E-S-P-E-C-T,” flipped the gender dynamic, and turned it into a civil rights and feminist rallying cry.
“Twist and Shout” – The Beatles (1963)
This Beatles barn-burner was originally by The Top Notes in 1961, produced by a young Phil Spector. The Isley Brothers gave it life, but the Beatles gave it a roar.
“I Love Rock ’n’ Roll” – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (1981)
It’s hard to imagine anyone but Joan Jett snarling through this one, but British band Arrows did it first in 1975. Jett saw them on TV while touring—and decided to own it.
“The Man Who Sold the World” – Nirvana (1993)
Yes, Bowie did it first in 1970. But when Kurt Cobain crooned it on MTV Unplugged, a whole new generation thought it was his. Bowie was flattered. And a little annoyed.
“Red Red Wine” – UB40 (1983)
That reggae shuffle hides its true origin: Neil Diamond wrote and recorded it in 1967! UB40 didn’t even realize that when they covered it—they thought it was a Jamaican tune.
“Hallelujah” – Jeff Buckley (1994)
Leonard Cohen wrote this biblical beauty in 1984. Buckley’s haunting version came a decade later, and now it’s the version you cry to after breakups, existential crises, and movie endings.
“I Fought the Law” – The Clash (1979)
This punk rebellion anthem started with The Crickets (yes, Buddy Holly’s band) and was later made famous by The Bobby Fuller Four. The Clash lit the fuse and made it dangerous.
“Blinded by the Light” – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (1976)
Bruce Springsteen wrote it and released it in 1973. It didn’t chart. Then Manfred Mann added synths and misheard lyrics—and turned it into a #1 hit.
“You Really Got Me” – Van Halen (1978)
The Kinks roared this riff into the world in 1964. Van Halen gave it a steroid shot, but the bones were already British and beautifully unhinged.
“All Along the Watchtower” – Jimi Hendrix (1968)
Bob Dylan wrote it, but Hendrix made it eternal. Dylan himself later said that Hendrix’s version was definitive. Imagine writing a song and someone else improves it so much, even you agree.
“Torn” – Natalie Imbruglia (1997)
This aching ‘90s anthem was first recorded by Danish band Ednaswap in 1995. Natalie’s version turned pain into pop perfection.
“Black Magic Woman” – Santana (1970)
It wasn’t born in Latin rock—it came from British blues! Peter Green wrote it for Fleetwood Mac in 1968. Santana just gave it that irresistible groove.
“I’m a Believer” – Smash Mouth (2001)
This Shrek smash is actually a Monkees hit from 1966. Written by Neil Diamond (again), it’s been stuck in heads for over five decades and two generations of kids’ birthday parties.
“Downtown Train” – Rod Stewart (1989)
Tom Waits recorded it first in 1985 with gravel and gloom. Stewart turned it into a glossy radio hit. Waits probably lit a cigarette and said, “Fine.”
“Because the Night” – 10,000 Maniacs (1993)
Patti Smith wrote it with help from Bruce Springsteen. But for a whole new crowd in the ’90s, Natalie Merchant and 10,000 Maniacs made it soar on MTV Unplugged.
“I Wanna Be Your Man” – The Rolling Stones (1963)
Written for them by Lennon and McCartney before the Stones were famous. The Beatles recorded their own version later. That’s what you call an all-star assist.
“Piece of My Heart” – Janis Joplin (1968)
Aretha’s sister Erma Franklin released it first in 1967, but Janis ripped it apart and made it cry. It’s a heartbreak classic wrapped in a scream.
“If I Were a Boy” – Beyoncé (2008)
Originally written and recorded by BC Jean, Beyoncé heard it and turned it into a soul-stirring powerhouse. BC got the credit, but Queen B made it iconic.
“Me and Bobby McGee” – Janis Joplin (1971)
Kris Kristofferson wrote it. Roger Miller recorded it. But Janis took it to #1 posthumously—and gave it the raw ache of someone who’d really lived it.
“Valerie” – Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse (2007)
Yep, this dancefloor staple was originally by indie rockers The Zutons in 2006. Amy sang it like she’d known Valerie her whole life. That’s what soul does.
Music is a living, breathing thing. A great song is never finished—it just finds new voices. From dusty B-sides to pop anthems, these covers prove that reinvention is the heart of artistry. So next time you belt out your favorite tune, remember: you might just be singing someone else’s first draft—and making it your own. And really, that’s what great music is all about.
