Music
Marilyn Manson and Johnny Depp teamed up for a cover of Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain.” It became known as one of the weirdest covers of a classic song ever.
Marilyn Manson and Johnny Depp teamed up for a strange and unexpected cover of Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” in 2012. The pairing of these two iconic figures made headlines, but the cover was unlike anything fans expected. It quickly became known as one of the weirdest covers of a classic song ever.
Manson, known for his dark and rebellious image, and Depp, famous for his quirky roles and rock star lifestyle, are unlikely musical collaborators. Their version of “You’re So Vain” turned the upbeat pop hit into something haunting and eerie. Manson’s deep, dramatic vocals and Depp’s raw guitar playing gave the song a completely different vibe.
Simon’s original song is known for its playful and mysterious lyrics about a vain lover. However, Manson and Depp’s interpretation gave it a darker, more sinister tone. The result is a cover that feels both eerie and odd, leaving listeners questioning whether the duo understood the song’s original light-hearted nature. The transformation from pop to goth rock made it feel like a completely new song, which many found surprising and, frankly, inexplicable.
The combination of Manson’s gothic persona and Depp’s unpolished guitar skills made this cover stand out for all the wrong reasons. Instead of paying tribute to the original, the duo turned it into an unsettling version that leaves fans scratching their heads. It’s definitely one of the most unique musical collaborations in recent memory — and that’s a bad thing.
Why Marilyn Manson and Johnny Depp covered Carly Simon
During a 2013 interview with Vice, Manson explained why he and Depp covered “You’re So Vain.” “He’s a good friend,” he said. “Known him for years. We both had bands when we were in Florida. I was an extra on 21 Jump Street, yep. We’re good friends. He plays music. After all this time we’ve been friends, we’ve never done music.
“Johnny played drums and the solo that’s on the song,” he added. “We did it in his studio. I played guitar. I’d never met his son, Jack, and he also played. It was really fun recording and producing it with him. I’m a huge Johnny Depp fan. I love him. I mean, he’s Johnny Depp. We wanted to do Carly Simon’s ‘You’re So Vain’ for a few reasons, and because the album [Born Villain] isn’t really about anyone else, it makes it amusing. It fits as the bonus track.”
How the 2 versions of ‘You’re So Vain’ performed
Simon’s “You’re So Vain” became a massive hit. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks, becoming her only single to reach that milestone. The track lasted 17 weeks on the chart. “You’re So Vain” appeared on the album No Secrets. That record climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for five weeks, remaining on the chart for 71 weeks in total.
Manson’s “You’re So Vain” went nowhere on the Billboard Hot 100. However, Born Villain did well. That record peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and lasted on the chart for six weeks.
While Simon’s “You’re So Vain” remains one of the most beloved feminist pop hits, Manson and Depp’s cover is simply a curiosity.
