Do you hate it when bands change the words to covers?

[slackerinabox]

I was getting into the atari's cover of Don Henley's "Boys of Summer" when I realized that they changed some of the lyrics (from "Dead Heads sticker on a cadillac" to "Black Flag Sticker on a cadillac").. Never mind that the change is retarded - I've seen deadhead stickers on caddy but have yet to see a black flag listener drive one.. Regardless, while covers could be thought of homages doesn't changing the lyrics kinda betray the original song? Limp Bizkit really pissed me off when they covered public enemy's "Bring the Noise".. The original line is "Farakahns a prophet that I think you oughta listen to".. Limp changes is to "Farakahn's an idiot that you shouldn't listen to".. While I don't like mr. farakahn or his message, shouldn't limp bizkit have covered a different song if they didn't agree with the politics of the original??? I mean, if you cover a song, don't change it's meaning!

EDIT: The good thing is that the atari's cover lead me to discovering Don Henley's 2nd album (the one with the boys of summer).. A great album, especially since you can get it for $9 (it's over 13 years old)!

 

[Kev]

if the lyrics don't make sense unless you change them, then i think it's ok to change them a bit. the full contect is

"i saw a dead head sticker on a cadillac. a little voice inside my head said don't look back you can never look back"

that wouldn't make any sense being sung by a 20 year old in 2003, changing it to black flag sort of makes sense. what limp bizkit did is dumb though, like everything else they do

 

[pulse8]

They both suck.

Any band that makes it mainstream with a cover is destined for failure.

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212
I was getting into the atari's cover of Don Henley's "Boys of Summer" when I realized that they changed some of the lyrics (from "Dead Heads sticker on a cadillac" to "Black Flag Sticker on a cadillac").. Never mind that the change is retarded - I've seen deadhead stickers on caddy but have yet to see a black flag listener drive one.. Regardless, while covers could be thought of homages doesn't changing the lyrics kinda betray the original song? Limp Bizkit really pissed me off when they covered public enemy's "Bring the Noise".. The original line is "Farakahns a prophet that I think you oughta listen to".. Limp changes is to "Farakahn's an idiot that you shouldn't listen to".. While I don't like mr. farakahn or his message, shouldn't limp bizkit have covered a different song if they didn't agree with the politics of the original??? I mean, if you cover a song, don't change it's meaning!

EDIT: The good thing is that the atari's cover lead me to discovering Don Henley's 2nd album (the one with the boys of summer).. A great album, especially since you can get it for $9 (it's over 13 years old)!

What's wrong with changing "Deadhead sticker" to "Black Flag sticker"? The Ataris aren't reminded of anyone by a deadhead sticker. They are by a Black Flag one. There is nothing wrong with changing it so it applies to you.
But Limp Bizkit reversing the existing lyrics is unethical.

 

[FeathersMcGraw]

I'm more insulted by bands that do virtual shot-by-shot remake covers. Why bother? I mean, besides the weak attempt to get nostalgic 30-somethings to buy your cool new hip album.

 

[aircooled]

I think it's much better when cover's are altered to suit the taste and style of the band doing the cover.

 

[slackerinabox]

Originally posted by: WinkOsmosis

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212
I was getting into the atari's cover of Don Henley's "Boys of Summer" when I realized that they changed some of the lyrics (from "Dead Heads sticker on a cadillac" to "Black Flag Sticker on a cadillac").. Never mind that the change is retarded - I've seen deadhead stickers on caddy but have yet to see a black flag listener drive one.. Regardless, while covers could be thought of homages doesn't changing the lyrics kinda betray the original song? Limp Bizkit really pissed me off when they covered public enemy's "Bring the Noise".. The original line is "Farakahns a prophet that I think you oughta listen to".. Limp changes is to "Farakahn's an idiot that you shouldn't listen to".. While I don't like mr. farakahn or his message, shouldn't limp bizkit have covered a different song if they didn't agree with the politics of the original??? I mean, if you cover a song, don't change it's meaning!

EDIT: The good thing is that the atari's cover lead me to discovering Don Henley's 2nd album (the one with the boys of summer).. A great album, especially since you can get it for $9 (it's over 13 years old)!

What's wrong with changing "Deadhead sticker" to "Black Flag sticker"? The Ataris aren't reminded of anyone by a deadhead sticker. They are by a Black Flag one. There is nothing wrong with changing it so it applies to you.
But Limp Bizkit reversing the existing lyrics is unethical.

OK, I've thought aboutr it and, yes, the Atari's do keep the spirit of the song alive even though they alter the words.. It's a good cover as well.. I haven't even listened to the rest of their album since I always skip the rest to listen to that one track..

Limp Bizkit on the other hand... I don't believe that they ever understood a Public Enemy song but just thought that it was hip to cover a classic rap song.. Same with their cover of "Faith" by george michael.. I think that they just wanted to be ironic and mock an 80s pop song.. Even though the original's actually a pretty decent song (and not worthy of being mocked in my opinion).