When an artist records a song that’s already famous, the result is often called a cover. While many covers keep the same words as the original, others introduce subtle or even dramatic lyric changes. These changes can shift meaning, create a personal connection, or adapt the song for a new audience. One striking example is Taylor Swift’s 2018 country cover of "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire, where she altered the date in the opening line – sparking curiosity and debate.
What Is the Official Version of a Song?
The official version of a song is the recording released by the original artist (or group) that owns the performance rights. It is tied to:
- The original lyrics and melody as composed by the credited songwriters
- The arrangement, production, and style approved for release
- The recording that listeners first associate with the track
In the case of "September", the official version was released by Earth, Wind & Fire in 1978, written by Maurice White, Al McKay, and Allee Willis. It opens with the now-iconic line:
"Do you remember / the 21st night of September?"
This date became a timeless lyrical hook, tied to the upbeat celebration of love and joy.
What Is a Cover Version?
A cover is a new recording of an existing song by an artist who did not originally write or first perform it. Legally, most covers can be recorded and released with the proper licensing (such as a mechanical license in the U.S.), as long as the melody and core lyrics are not fundamentally rewritten beyond recognition.
Covers differ from remixes, which alter an existing recording, and adaptations, which may translate or transform the song for a different cultural context.
Why Do Lyrics Change in Cover Versions?
While many covers stick to the original words, some artists intentionally adjust them for several reasons:
Artistic Interpretation
Changing a lyric can help align the song with the artist's own style or vision. For example, a pop hit might be slowed down into an acoustic ballad, requiring slightly altered phrasing.
Personal References
Artists sometimes replace a lyric to reflect their own life. Taylor Swift did exactly this when she sang:
"Do you remember / the 28th night of September?"
This change was reportedly a nod to the start of her relationship with actor Joe Alwyn.
Genre and Audience Adaptation
A rock anthem may be softened for a folk audience, or a ballad may be given a funk makeover. Subtle lyric tweaks can make the song feel natural in its new genre.
Cultural and Language Adaptations
When songs are translated into another language or updated for a different era, outdated slang or references may be swapped for more relevant terms.
The Case Study – "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire vs Taylor Swift
The original "September" radiates funk, joy, and nostalgia, with the "21st night" lyric being a mysterious yet evocative hook. When Taylor Swift covered the song for Spotify Singles in April 2018, she transformed it into a stripped-down, country ballad.
Her choice to sing "28th night" instead of "21st night" immediately stood out. Fans quickly learned this was a deeply personal detail, tied to her own romantic timeline. While some listeners appreciated the intimacy, others felt it tampered with a classic line.
How Fans and Critics React to Lyric Changes
Reactions to altered lyrics vary widely:
- Positive: Some fans love the freshness and personal touch, feeling that it gives insight into the artist.
- Negative: Others see it as unnecessary meddling with a beloved original.
In Taylor Swift’s case, critics were split – some praising the vulnerability, others lamenting the loss of the original’s magic.
The Balance Between Respecting the Original and Creating Something New
Changing a lyric in a cover is a delicate artistic decision. Done well, it can honor the original while allowing the new artist to express individuality. Done poorly, it can alienate fans of the original.
Great covers often walk a fine line: keeping the song recognizable but adding enough personality to make it worth revisiting.
Conclusion – The Power of Words in Music
Lyrics are not just decorative – they anchor a song’s identity and emotional impact. Whether sticking to the original or altering a few words, artists use covers to bridge the gap between homage and self-expression.
Taylor Swift’s "September" cover shows how a small change can shift a song’s meaning entirely, reminding us that in music, even a single word can carry a world of significance.
