The English Beat vs. Eddie Vedder “Save it for Later”
It’s said that “content is king.” But let’s be honest, original content is what really matters.
Put it this way:
- Build your brand. Your voice is more likely to be recognized and trusted if you create original content.
- Boost your SEO. You will rank higher on search engines if you have unique content.
- Keep your audience hooked. What’s the point of reading the same thing everywhere?
- Establishes trust. You become a trusted source when you share unique insights.
Additionally, it makes you stand out from the crowd. Unlike everyone else, you’re not just regurgitating the same information. It’s something fresh and valuable that people can’t find anywhere else.
Now, I get it. It sometimes feels like you’ve squeezed every last drop out of original content. I mean how many times can you create a list of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time or the expenses you can write off for a home office?
In a way, it’s like when a band does a cover song.
As an artist, you want to have an original music catalog. There are times, however, when you decide to pay homage to an artist who has inspired you. Maybe if you’re playing in Atlantic City you cover Bruce Springsteen’s “Atlantic City.” Or perhaps another song already perfectly describes your feelings.
The same goes for content. You don’t always need to be original. You should, however, make it your own, just as you would with a cover song.
Case in point, Eddie Vedder’s version of “Save it For Later.”
This song was originally released in 1982 by British ska and new wave band the Beat (known in North America as the English Beat). Perhaps you’ve heard it in movies like Kingpin, Big Daddy, Hot Tub Time Machine, or Spider-Man: Homecoming.
For us Pearl Jam fans, it’s usually heard at the end of “Betterman.” So, it’s not surprising that Eddie covered it for the TV show The Bear in 2024.
I love the original version. I think it’s fun. The cover, however, remains uniquely Eddie without losing its personality. Because of this, you can really hear the lyrics, which is ironic since people often mock him for mumbling. In addition, the sax solo was kept, which is a nice tribute to the original.
In my opinion, this is exactly how you cover a song. Cover songs must strike a delicate balance between preserving the original and adding your unique voice. It is about paying homage to the song’s melody, lyrics, and emotion while adding your interpretation.
Content creators should also adhere to this principle of respectful reinvention. If you write a blog post about a popular tourist destination, for example, you shouldn’t repeat existing information. It should offer a fresh perspective, like focusing on hidden gems or sharing personal anecdotes — which is what I did when sharing my travels in Italy.
The bottom line is, it’s okay if your content isn’t the most original. It’s all about offering a fresh and unique take on the subject.