3 of the Most Highly Covered Songs of All Time

Covers are abundant. Many artists have opted to pay tribute to their inspirations by trying their hand at someone else’s song. Moreover, there are several songs that are so universal that they have been covered countless times. Find three such songs, below.

3 of the Most Highly Covered Songs of All Time

1. “Yesterday” (Beatles)

It’s hard to not connect with the Beatles‘ “Yesterday.” This somber Paul McCartney penned track has been beloved by generations of music fans–and for good reason. We all have those moments in life when we wish we could return to the past. Nostalgia is a powerful force–especially in the wake of heartache.

Many artists have re-done “Yesterday,” but our personal favorites include Marvin Gaye, Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, and Bob Dylan alongside George Harrison. All of these versions hold the same warmth that McCartney dishes out in the original track.

Why she had to go
I don’t know, she wouldn’t say
I said something wrong
Now I long for yesterday

[RELATED: 4 Country-Inspired Songs Sung by Ringo Starr in Honor of His Upcoming Country Album]

2. “My Way” (Frank Sinatra)

Many vocalists have tried to replicate the big band magic of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” There are few songs that are as austere and potent as this power ballad. From rock stars to jazz vocalists to an animated mouse, there are too many great covers of “My Way” to list them all here.

For a little taster you can check out Nina Simone’s stunning version, Elvis Presley’s rock rendition, and Seth MacFarlane’s dramatized cover taken from the animated movie, Sing.

And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain
I’ve lived a life that’s full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way

3. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (Simon & Garfunkel)

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” is an assuage to anyone who listens to it. It’s endlessly applicable, which is why so many artists have opted to cover this track. Standouts include Aretha Franklin’s powerhouse version and Johnny Cash’s solemn rendition.

Though Simon & Garfunkel’s version is undoubtedly the definitive, we often turn to the covers above for some variety. Check out Franklin’s cover, below.

I’ll take your part, oh, when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

(Photo by Larry Marano/Shutterstock)