Thoughts on Cover Songs

I've been a guitar player for over 10 years now. I've played Christian music, rock music, folk, country, jazz, and lot of other stuff. However, God didn't see fit to provide me with the musical creativity to write my own stuff. So, as I try to develop as a better player (and singer), I find myself stuck with covers. Unless anyone wants to take up writing songs for me, all of my gigs from here to eternity will be covers.

I know I'm not alone in this boat. If you walk into an open mic night at your local bar or coffee shop (if you are indeed lucky enough to have a local bar or coffee shop with that vibe), you'll likely hear half a dozen renditions of "Wonderwall" before the night is out. You'll be bored before the first chorus. However, if you stick around through the unrecognizable Beatles covers and 15 versions of Hallelujah (many of which are not in tune), you'll stumble across a few gems. You'll find that dead broke college student, who just broke up with his girlfriend, connecting to a Dashboard Confessional song. You'll find that recently replaced housewife connecting to every emotion in Adele's "Someone Like You." Nearly every open mic night will be unforgettable, but you'll leave talking to your friends and family about that one song that put the rest to shame.

After 10 years of playing to churches, I know I'd like to spread my wings and hit some of my local open mics. As I do, I'll share my set lists. Feel free to share yours as well!