Songs That Got Away
I was reading that Chris Martin is all bummed out. Not about Bono calling him a "wanker," but rather about giving away what he considers "the best Coldplay song of all time" to Natalie Imbruglia.
I guess he'd make more money if the song (called "Scar" and recorded for Imbruglia's upcoming release, "Come to Life") appeared on a Coldplay album. Or maybe he's afraid he's written all the good tunes he's going to write and won't be able to afford any more of those fake Sgt. Pepper's jackets.
Either way, Martin is not the first famous musician to regret hearing his song performed by another artist. Many celebrated singer-songwriters over the years have given away some of their very best tunes.
Here's my list of the Top 10 Songs That Got Away. These dudes are probably still kicking themselves, at least until they get the royalty checks every month. Hey, Chris Martin, wanna record one of my songs? I won't regret it, I promise.
Written by Lionel Richie for Kenny Rogers
Written by Wilie Nelson. Recorded by Patsy Cline
Written by Bruce Springsteen. Recorded by the Pointer Sisters
"(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding"
Written by Nick Lowe for Elvis Costello
Written by Paul McCartney for Badfinger
Written by Prince for Chaka Khan
Written by David Bowie for Mott the Hoople
Written by Prince for the Bangles
"Me and Bobby McGee"
Written by Kris Kristofferson for Janis Joplin
Written by Prince for Sinead O'Connor
...Some of those songs were better by the singers that got them though. Just not the one I mentioned.
Most of these songs did well because the song was written well AND performed well.
And maybe or maybe not,David Bowie regretted giving Iggy Pop,"China Girl".
Iggy did it better