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Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: What is Second Hand Songs? A: Second Hand Songs is a database of cover songs. It can be used to quickly find out who performed the original version of a particular song, or who covered that song. Unlike many related sites, we try to be as complete as possible (not just performer and song title, but also songwriters and original media) and order the data in a reusable and maintainable way.
Q: How do you define originals? A: Check out our guideline for originals.
Q: Which covers are included and which aren't? A: Check out our guideline for covers.
Q: Why is song X not listed in your database? A: Millions of cover songs have been performed and released by artists worldwide and our database will never list all of them. Rather than focussing on quantity, we try to keep quality high by providing accurate and complete information. We do add new songs continuously, so don't hesitate to contact us if you know a song that's not listed.
Q: Why is song X by artist A listed as a cover, knowing that artist A actually wrote the song? A: Probably because artist A wrote it for artist B, who recorded or released it first. Check out our guideline for originals.
Example: Both Sides, Now by Joni Mitchell is listed as a cover. She released it in 1969, while Judy Collins released her version in 1967.
Q: How can I add songs to the database? A: You can post them on our forum. Please provide us with as much information as possible and name the sources where you got your information from. This can speed up processing a lot.
Q: Do you also accept covers in other languages than English? A: Of course. We accept covers in any language.
Q: Why does it take forever until my suggestion has been processed? A: Since we started we have been literally flooded with cover song suggestions, which are still stacking up in our forum board. As we are a small team of volunteers with dayjobs and each of us has his own cover songs todo-list, we're unable to keep up with submitted suggestions. We will however check and add all your submissions, which can currently take up to a year. We would therefore highly recommend to check the box "Check this if you wish to be notified of replies to this topic.", as we often have questions for you.
Q: Where can I report errors and incomplete information? A: Please read our guidelines before reporting an error. In many cases mistakenly reported errors are based on misinterpretations.
You can report errors on our forum. Please provide us with as much information as possible and name the sources where you got your information from. This can speed up processing a lot.
Q: Where can I find reliable sources of information? A: You can find some in our bookmarks list. Note that websites like wikipedia, answers.com, music.com, and many others are not to be trusted!
If you prefer real books, check out out the reference books our editors use.
Q: Are your statistics reliable? A: No. As said before, given the enormous work ahead of us, our site is far from comprehensive and doesn't claim to be. Also, the entries are heavily biased by the preferences of the editors and our visitors.
Conclusion: Never ever claim The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" is the most covered song with 123 covers according to Secondhandsongs.
Q: Are there audio samples available? A: No. We don't have any plans for this right now because it would cause severe copyright and server issues. Many of the songs listed do have a link to the iTunes store, where you can hear a sound sample or download the song in question.
Q: Why does your database state that artist A wrote song X, while I know 100% sure it was written by artist B? A: Most likely because identity A is the real name of artist B. Just click on the author or composer you think is wrong, and you'll probably find out that this is the artist you have in mind.
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Did you know?California Dreamin' by Royal Gigolos was originally written by John Phillips, Michelle Phillips and performed by Barry McGuire in 1965. 
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