but USUALLY

I've seen this all over YouTube lately. (Actually quoting "always") I don't know why so many people believe this.

I believe just because you are capable of writing lyrics and producing a song, that doesn't really mean it is the best it could possibly ever be. I think someone can always make it better, and there's no shame on the musicians that try.

Usually but certainly not always. For example, I think Johnny Cash's version of Hurt is much better than NIN's. And Placebo's version of Kate Bush's Running Up That Hill has become one of my favourite songs. But all the many many covers of Bob Dylan's Knocking On Heaven's Door just aren't as good IMO. Also all the many covers of many Tom Waits songs cannot possibly measure up to the originals! I mean no one can improve on Waits...IMO.

In general, but not always.

I rarely like covers, so i'd say it's not always, but 99% of them are better! ;P

Nope, not always. Usually originals are much better but I love alot of covers!

:)

Usually.

Sometimes a rare amazing cover comes along that is better than the original. Like Shiny Toy Guns "Stripped" which is a Depeche Mode cover. Their version is magical.

Something I've noticed, in link, nobody has chosen the original version.

It really depends...like if the cover sounds better than the original or the original sound sbetter than the cover

Not always.

They both have their own unique flavors and I've honestly liked both the originals and the covers. Sometimes I like them both equally and some more than the other. It really depends on the song, style, artist, etc.

There are several examples of cover songs being more popular than the original.
Examples:
I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
RESPECT - Aretha Franklin
All Along the Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix

Joan Jett covered I Love Rock N' Roll, and now EVERYONE knows that song. I don't remember who originally wrote it... :/