[ctviggen]

Are there any websites that trace the lineage of songs?  For instance, I just listened to "Against the Wind", sung by the Highwaymen.  I know Bob Seger also sung this song, but is he the first? 

As another example, Sting and Johnny Cash both sung "I Hung my Head", but who covered whom?  And is the original person the first to sing this song? 

It would be interesting if they also rated the various versions.  For instance, I like Jamie Collum's "A Wind Cries Mary" better than Jimi Hendrix's. 

Thanks.

[Elizabeth]

allmusic . com is able to do a search for song title, then it will tell you who played it and who wrote it.
So for your first selection, it gives Bob Seger, and then a few albums it's on (but also a variety of same names songs by other songwriters.
tthat site may be the best all around one for such a search.
When you go to the artist or musician, it tells you a lot.

[bprice2]

I find Wikipedia great for researching songs and such.

I Hung My Head

[SlushPuppy]

Are you looking for something like this?

http://www.secondhandsongs.com/

[bregez]

This one has some information:
http://www.songfacts.com/