What is a Cover Song? Definition, History & Famous Examples

You've heard the term "cover song" countless times, but what does it actually mean? And how is it different from a remix, a sample, or a tribute?

Simple definition: A cover song is a new recording of a previously recorded song, performed by an artist who didn't originally record it.

Cover Song Definition

The Basics

A cover song (also called a "cover version" or simply "cover") is when an artist records a new version of a song that was previously recorded by someone else.

Key points:

• The original song must already exist
• The cover artist performs it in their own style
• It's a new recording (not the original audio)
• The melody and lyrics are typically kept the same
• The arrangement may change

Examples

• Whitney Houston's version of "I Will Always Love You" (originally by Dolly Parton)
• Johnny Cash's "Hurt" (originally by Nine Inch Nails)
• Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah" (originally by Leonard Cohen)

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Making your own cover? StemSplit can extract instrumental tracks from the original song — perfect for creating backing tracks to sing over.

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Cover vs. Original: What's the Difference?

Cover vs. Remix vs. Sample

These terms are often confused. Here's the difference:

Cover

• New performance of an existing song
• Uses your own vocals and instruments
• Doesn't use audio from the original recording
• Example: Alien Ant Farm's "Smooth Criminal" (MJ song, completely re-recorded)

Remix

• Rearranges the original recording
• Uses audio from the original (stems, vocals, etc.)
• Changes tempo, beat, or arrangement
• Example: Most club remixes of pop songs

Sample

• Uses a piece of the original recording
• Incorporates into an otherwise new song
• Often loops a section (drums, melody, etc.)
• Example: Vanilla Ice using Queen's "Under Pressure" bass line

Interpolation

• Re-records a portion of another song
• Doesn't use original audio
• Incorporates melody/lyrics into a new composition
• Example: Ariana Grande's "7 Rings" interpolating "My Favorite Things"

History of Cover Songs

Early Music Industry (Pre-1960s)

Before rock and roll, covering songs was the norm. Multiple artists would record the same popular song simultaneously. There was no stigma — it was just how music worked.

The Singer-Songwriter Era (1960s-70s)

As artists began writing their own material (Beatles, Bob Dylan), covering became more distinct. But covers still thrived:

• Jimi Hendrix's "All Along the Watchtower" (Bob Dylan)
• Joe Cocker's "With a Little Help from My Friends" (Beatles)

Modern Era

Today, covers serve several purposes:

• Artists paying tribute to influences
• Viral moments (YouTube covers launching careers)
• Commercial covers for film/TV
• Live performance staples

Famous Cover Songs

Covers More Famous Than Originals

Critically Acclaimed Covers

• Nirvana's "The Man Who Sold the World" (David Bowie)
• Sinéad O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U" (Prince)
• Gary Jules' "Mad World" (Tears for Fears)
• Disturbed's "The Sound of Silence" (Simon & Garfunkel)

Recent Viral Covers

• Miley Cyrus covering various songs (live performances)
• Postmodern Jukebox (vintage style covers)
• YouTube artists (Alex G, Boyce Avenue, etc.)

Why Do Artists Cover Songs?

Tribute and Respect

Many covers are genuine tributes to artists who inspired the performer. Johnny Cash covering "Hurt" acknowledged Trent Reznor's songwriting genius.

Different Interpretation

Artists bring new meaning to familiar songs. A punk band covering a ballad, or an acoustic version of a dance track, reveals new dimensions.

Commercial Appeal

Covers can be smart business:

• Built-in audience familiarity
• Lower risk than unknown originals
• Licensing is simpler than creating original hits

Live Performance

Covers fill setlists. Even superstar artists play covers live to:

• Connect with audiences
• Pay tribute
• Vary their shows

Career Launchers

Many artists launched careers with covers:

• YouTube musicians discovered through covers
• Talent show contestants
• Session musicians getting noticed

Legal Basics of Covering Songs

You Need a License

To legally record and distribute a cover, you need a mechanical license. This gives you the right to reproduce the composition.

Two Types of Rights

1. Composition rights: The song itself (melody, lyrics) — owned by songwriters/publishers
2. Master rights: The original recording — owned by record labels

For covers, you only need composition rights (mechanical license) since you're creating a new recording.

Where to Get Licenses

• Harry Fox Agency
• Easy Song Licensing
• Loudr
• DistroKid (built-in licensing)

How Much Does It Cost?

In the US, the statutory rate is approximately:

• 9.1 cents per copy (songs under 5 minutes)
• 1.75 cents per minute (songs over 5 minutes)

For streaming, the rates are different and calculated per play.

Live Performance Licensing

Playing covers live in licensed venues (bars, restaurants, concert halls) is usually covered by the venue's ASCAP/BMI/SESAC license. You don't need separate permission.

Creating Your Own Cover

Step 1: Choose Your Song

Pick a song you can make your own. Best covers bring something new — different tempo, genre, emotion, or arrangement.

Step 2: Create Backing Tracks

Options for accompaniment:

• Play instruments yourself
• Find karaoke/instrumental versions
• Use StemSplit to extract instrumentals from the original
• Hire session musicians

Step 3: Record Your Version

• Professional studio
• Home recording setup
• DIY with quality microphone

Step 4: Get Licensed

Before distributing, obtain a mechanical license. Platforms like DistroKid include this in distribution.

Step 5: Distribute

Upload to streaming platforms. Properly credit the original songwriter(s) — this is legally required.

FAQ

Can I upload a cover to YouTube without permission?

Technically, you should have permission. However, YouTube's Content ID system usually just monetizes the video for the rights holder rather than removing it. You likely won't earn revenue, but it probably won't be taken down.

Can I sell my cover song?

Yes, with a mechanical license. The license gives you the legal right to distribute your recording.

Can I change the lyrics in a cover?

Legally, you need permission to alter lyrics significantly. The standard mechanical license is for the song "as written." Parodies may qualify for fair use, but that's legally complex.

Do I need to credit the original artist?

Yes, always. Distribution platforms and streaming services require proper songwriter credits.

Can I cover any song?

In most countries, yes — as long as the song has been publicly released before. The mechanical license is compulsory in the US, meaning you can't be denied the right to cover a song.

What if I want to use the original's backing track?

That's not a cover — it's using the master recording. You'd need separate permission from the record label that owns the master, which is harder and more expensive to obtain.

The Bottom Line

A cover song is simply a new recording of someone else's song. It's a deeply rooted tradition in music, responsible for some of the most beloved recordings ever made.

If you want to record covers, the key is:

1. Make it your own (bring something new)
2. Get properly licensed
3. Credit the original writers

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Create Professional Backing Tracks

Extract instrumentals from any song for your covers.

• ✅ Remove vocals from originals
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