Songs You Didn’t Know Were Covers

Some of our favourite hits sound so familiar that it’s hard to imagine anyone else performing them. But many chart-toppers, from the 70s to the 00s, were actually covers—songs that existed long before the version you know and love.

1. “Tainted Love” – Soft Cell
Most people think of Soft Cell’s 1981 synth-pop classic, but it was originally recorded by Gloria Jones in 1965. Her soulful version never hit the UK charts, but it paved the way for Soft Cell’s iconic hit.

2. “I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston
Whitney’s powerhouse ballad from The Bodyguard is unforgettable, but it was originally written and performed by Dolly Parton in 1973. Dolly’s country version hit No. 1 on the US country charts and has its own timeless charm.

3. “Hurt” – Johnny Cash
Originally a Nine Inch Nails track from 1994, Cash’s 2002 cover transformed it into a haunting, reflective ballad. The video, full of raw emotion, gave a new depth to the song’s lyrics.

4. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper
Lauper made this anthem famous in 1983, but the song was originally written and recorded by Robert Hazard in 1979 as a male-perspective tune. Lauper’s reinvention became a feminist classic.

5. “All Along the Watchtower” – Jimi Hendrix
Hendrix’s electric guitar-driven version is the one most people remember, but Bob Dylan wrote and recorded it in 1967. Dylan even admitted he was inspired by Hendrix’s interpretation.

Why Covers Work
A great cover can completely transform a song. Whether it’s a new arrangement, a different genre, or an emotional twist, covers show how music evolves across generations. Sometimes, the cover even becomes the definitive version in the public’s mind.

Your Turn
Which covers surprised you the most? Share your favourites and rediscover hidden gems from the past. Music is full of surprises—and sometimes the original version is just as brilliant as the hit you know.