Who does a song better than the original? Most of the time nobody, so why cover it that way?

As a songwriter and performer I enjoy trying to find a way to make a song my own by bending it away from the original composition. Hopefully, someone may hear

something in the song they might not have heard before. Sometimes the lyrics can come alive in a different way and possibly take on a new meaning for the listener. 

For myself, if for nothing else, then at least for the sheer enjoyment of continuing the ever ending wonder of music.