Today’s Song of the Day Challenge theme is “A song that’s covered by another artist”, and my pick is “The Crying Game” by English singer Boy George (born George Alan O’Dowd and formerly the vocalist of Culture Club). The song was written by English songwriter and producer Geoff Stephens, and originally sung by English pop singer Dave Berry back in 1964. The rather unusual and haunting lead guitar was played by session guitarist Big Jim Sullivan, with a very young Jimmy Page providing additional guitar work. Berry’s recording was a sizable hit in Britain, reaching #5 on the UK Singles Chart.

The song was later covered by Boy George in 1992, and both his version and the original Dave Berry recording were used in the 1992 Neil Jordan film The Crying Game. Boy George’s version of the song was produced by the Pet Shop Boys and reached #22 on the UK Singles Chart, #15 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and #1 in Canada and Iceland. I much prefer Boy George’s version, not only because he’s a far better vocalist than Berry, but also because of the stunning music arrangement and production by the Pet Shop Boys, who I’ve long been a fan of and whose music I love.

Boy George had a gorgeous soulful and smooth singing voice, and I think his vocals on “The Crying Game” were among his finest ever. He sings in a soft, heartfelt croon, then rises to a breathy falsetto that’s truly sublime. The Pet Shop Boys used a similar twangy guitar to that used in Berry’s version, but backed it with soaring orchestral instrumentals and psychedelic atmospheric synths that give the song an even more haunting ethereal sound. It’s a magnificent track, and one of my favorite songs of the 1990s. Fun fact: I’ve long wanted to sing this to karaoke, but never summoned enough nerve to do it.

I know all there is to know about the crying game
I’ve had my share of the crying game

First there are kisses, then there are sighs
And then before you know where you are
You’re sayin’ goodbye

One day soon I’m gonna tell the moon about the crying game
And if he knows maybe he’ll explain

Why there are heartaches, why there are tears
And what to do to stop feeling blue
When love disappears

I know all there is to know about the crying game
I’ve had my share of the crying game

First there are kisses, then there are sighs
And then before you know where you are
You’re sayin’ goodbye

Don’t want no more of the crying game
Don’t want no more of the crying game
Don’t want no more of the crying game
Don’t want no more of the crying game

 

Here’s the original recording by Dave Berry: