Other Cover Versions

Miscellaneous Cover Versions by Bryan Ferry

Bryan Ferry has interpreted a number of other songs which have appeared on various releases over the years. Here is a list of those songs

She's Leaving Home

(John Lennon and Paul McCartney)

This Beatles composition, originally appearing on Sgt Pepper, was sensitively interpreted by Ferry for the soundtrack of a Beatles tribute movie called 'All This and World War II' released in 1976. The song also appeared on the b-side of 'Tokyo Joe'. Lyrics to She's Leaving Home

Feel The Need

(Tilman)

This is a remarkable interpretation of the Detroit Emeralds' soul classic which charted both at number 4 in 1973, and again in a rerecorded version in 1977, effectively stealing Ferry's thunder. Originally intended for The Bride Stripped Bare, it remained unreleased until it appeared on the Windswept EP in 1985. Lyrics to Feel The Need

Crazy Love

(Van Morrison)

One of Ferry's best interpretations, this song fiirst appeared on Morrison's Moondance album. Ferry's version nearly appeared on The Bride Stripped Bare, but was completed at a later date and first appeared on his 1985 EP 'Windswept'. Lyrics to Crazy Love

Are You Lonesome Tonight?

(Turk/Handman)

Although first recorded by the father of film sound, Al Jolson, this old song is synonymous with Elvis Presley who took it to number 1 in the UK. Ferry's rerecording was made for a film called Honeymoon in Vegas in 1994. It was recorded as a side project before the Taxi sessions, and appeared on some editions of the 'Girl Of My Best Friend' single as well as the film soundtrack. Lyrics to Are You Lonesome Tonight?

He'll Have To Go

(Allison/Allison)

First recorded by Grady Martin, this song was popularised by golden voiced South African 'Gentleman' Jim Reeves who charted it at number 12 in 1960. Ferry's version is thought to be derived from sessions for The Bride Stripped Bare in 1977, and finished by Ferry with The Passions in 1981, undergoing a remix before appearing on The Ultimate Collection in 1986, and as a single. Lyrics to He'll Have To Go

I'll See You Again

(Noel Coward)

Ferry recorded this song in 1997 for inclusion on a tribute album to British songwriter Noel Coward called 20th Century Blues, and is interpreted in traditional style. It is possible that this song acted as a catalyst to Ferry to record As Time Goes By. The song was originally written by Coward's for Evelyn Laye to perform in his musical comedy 'Bitter Sweet' which is coincidentally also the name of a Bryan Ferry composition. Lyrics to I'll See You Again

The Right Stuff (aka Money Changes Everything)

(Johnny Marr/Bryan Ferry)

I have included this song for completeness. Although not a cover in the conventional sense, The Right Stuff is really simply a lyric added to the existing instrumental song written by Johnny Marr. The arrangement is almost identical to the original, and Marr plays on both versions. As a bizarre trivia point, the instrumental version of the song, which appears on the CD with the title track is credited only to Bryan Ferry, who of course did not compose it! Lyrics to The Right Stuff

This Love

(Armstrong Burns)

First appearing on the compilation 'Slave To Love' this song, written by Jerry Burns and Craig Armstrong first appeared on Armstrong's album 'The Space Between' (coincidentally a Roxy title) Ferry's version was recorded during 1995/96 and was intended to appear on a album Ferry recorded with Eurythmic Dave Stewart, as yet unreleased. Lyrics to This Love

If I Didn't Care

(Lawrence)

This outtake from As Time Goes By appeared on some CD releases of the single of the same name. Lyrics to If I Didn't Care

Sonnet XVIII

(William Shakespeare)

Following the tragic death of Princess Diana, Ferry contributed this interpretation of one of Shakespeare's greatest poems to a tribute album in her memory. He has also performed the song live on occasion. Lyrics to Sonnet 18

Don't Be Cruel

(Otis Blackwell)

Bryan Ferry's version of the Elvis Presley song, Don't Be Cruel was recorded for the Sun Records' tribute album 'Good Rockin' Tonight' released in 2001. Lyrics to Don't Be Cruel

I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know

(Cecil Null)

I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know was recorded by Bryan Ferry during the sessions for 'Frantic', and appears as a bonus track on the Japanese version of that album. Lyrics to I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know

Smoke Dreams Of You

(Gibsone / DeGreville)

Recorded during the sessions for 'Frantic', Smoke Dreams was an unreleased song available on the Bryan Ferry's EU single 'It's All Over Now Baby Blue' and also the UK single 'Goddess Of Love'. Lyrics to Smoke Dreams Of You

Dance With Life (The Beautiful Light)

(Bernie Taupin / Martin Page)

This song was offered to and recorded by Bryan Ferry for the soundtrack to the film Phenomenon starring John Travolta. Lyrics to Dance With Life

The Lambton Worm

(Traditional)

The Lambton Worm is a traditional folk song from the North East of England. Bryan Ferry recorded this song for a the album 'From Tees To Tyne'.
Lyrics to The Lambton Worm

Lowlands Low

(Traditional)

Bryan Ferry recorded this duet with Antony Hegarty for the compilation album 'Rogue's Gallery: Pirate Ballads. Sea Songs & Chanteys' in 2006. Lyrics to Lowlands Low

The Cruel Ship's Captain

(Traditional)

Bryan Ferry recorded this song for the compilation album 'Rogue's Gallery: Pirate Ballads. Sea Songs & Chanteys' in 2006. Lyrics to The Cruel Ship's Captain

Additionally Bryan Ferry has covered the following songs in live performance without releasing them

I Can't Get Started

(Ira Gershwin/Vernon Duke)

Appearing during the early part of the As Time Goes By tour, Ferry's version is thought to have been recorded, but has not been released. The song has been covered by many artist's, including Frank Sinatra, and was written by Vernon Duke, and George Gershwin's brother Ira. Lyrics to I Can't Get Started

Road Runner

(Bo Diddley)

Another interpretation of a soul classic, Ferry used this during his tour of 1977. This version was done in the style of Junior Walker. It has never been formally recorded by Bryan Ferry, however live versions appear on bootlegs dating from that time. Lyrics to Road Runner

Wooly Bully

(Domingo Samudio)

This song was played live on Bryan Ferry's 2002 Frantic tour. It has never been recorded by Bryan Ferry. Lyrics to Wooly Bully

Ticket To Ride

(John Lennon and Paul McCartney)

This song was played live on Bryan Ferry's 1977 US tour. It has never been formally recorded by Bryan Ferry, however live versions appear on bootlegs dating from that time. Lyrics to Ticket To Ride

Last Updated: 24 March 2008