Friend Covers

A while back my friend Zöe from Zöe and the Mischief came up with the wonderful idea of covering one of each other’s songs, which she offered me as an invitation for songplay.

I chose one of her songs from the era when she had played with her band Social Service in New York, an ardent, fierce song called “Sister” that speaks to something deep and real.

Here it is: Sister, by Social Service

The way Zöe sings the song in the original recording is super satisfying, urgent & a bit savage, plus she’s a rock and roller, (except when she’s a folker but that’s not so much the case in this song) so I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to do it, really.

I found the experience of trying on the words and, to a certain extent, singing style (phrasing, expressive range, etc) of someone I know and feel so besties with to be a very meaningful experience. More tender than covering songs by people I don’t personally know.

My invitation to you: if you have a songwriting friend, ask them if you can record a cover of one of their songs. If you want to, interview them about the song, what it means, and also play with what it means in your own life, as it resonates in your voice & body as you sing it. Mess with honoring the original intention of the work, and with giving it your own emphasis, as a friend.

Variations: re-create your friend’s photograph, do a version of a friend’s painting. You get the idea!

Lyrics to “Sister” by Zöe Dearborn:

Sister, she dances so well. Let’s make out back at the hotel. Shit, I smoked too much again. And I can’t help feeling bad, that you don’t see me at all.

I want back the dream you stole. I still believe in rock and roll. Shit, my car broke down. And I can’t help feeling sad, that you don’t see me at all.

You don’t see me at all!

Good things they come in threes. Why you gotta be such a tease? Shit, my plant died. And I can’t help feeling mad, that you don’t see me at all.

You don’t see me at all!

Oh wait, it’s me. Oh no, it’s me. Oh yeah, it’s me. It’s me!

Good things they come in threes. Why you gotta be such a tease? Shit, my plant died. And I can’t help feeling mad, that you don’t see me at all.

~~

Thumbnail image lovingly appropriated from Many: the Diversity of Life on Earth by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Emily Sutton