Singing Another Person's Song: What's the Terminology?

Introduction

The act of performing another person's song has a variety of terms in the music industry. This article aims to demystify the vocabulary and explore the different categories used to describe such performances.

What Is a Cover Song?

When a singer performs another person's song, it is commonly referred to as a cover song. A cover can be a faithful reproduction of the original track, or it can be an interpretation that incorporates various styles or reinterpretations, adding a unique twist while staying true to the original melody.

How to Classify Different Performances

It is important to define "another person's song."

In the realm of popular music, songs sung in the same language by a different vocalist are generally known as covers. This term is often applied to songs where the original artist recorded the first version. For example, the Beatles’ music has been covered by countless artists, including Elton John, Barbra Streisand, and many others.

However, it is not uncommon for songs to have versions based on the same music without an original singer. For instance, George Gershwin wrote Swanee, which was recorded by Al Jolson and Judy Garland, among several other artists. These performances are usually referred to as versions because there is no original singing contribution.

There is a slightly murky category of songs that were originally written for a movie but intended for a specific singer. One notable example is the song The Tender Trap, which stars and is sung by Frank Sinatra in the movie. Such performances can be categorized broadly as recordings.

Another unique category is adaptations. This term is used for songs that have been reimagined in various contexts. For instance, a beautiful song may be adapted for a specific audience or medium. Examples include arrangements of prayers like Ave Maria or biblical passages like The Book of Ecclesiastes in the form of a song like Turn Turn Turn by the Byrds.

Special Cases: Writing and Recording Over Time

Occasionally, a songwriter who did not originally record the song later becomes a singer and then records their earlier work. This is an interesting scenario where the songwriter is now the performer. Both Neil Diamond and Carole King have experienced this phenomenon. They wrote songs while still in school and began recording them later in their careers, effectively covering their own music.

Conclusion

Understanding the terminology in music is crucial for the industry and casual listeners alike. From covers to versions, through recordings and adaptations, each term has its own distinct meaning and context in the world of song performance.