| COVER ME - V1a | 3:15 | THLBB / RTT |
| COVER ME - V1b | 3:36 | 1984AC / BUERM |
| COVER ME - V1c | 3:28 | BITUSA |
| COVER ME - V2 | uncirculating | |
| COVER ME (Undercover Mix) - V3a | 6:11 | 1984 EP |
| COVER ME (Radio) - V3b | 3:46 | 1984 EP |
| COVER ME (Dub I) - V3c | 4:11 | 1984 EP |
| COVER ME (Dub II) - V3d | 4:14 | 1984 EP |
Note: "Cover Me" was recorded at The Hit Factory on January 25, 1982. Earlier that month, David Geffen had approached Jon Landau to ask if Springsteen would write a song for Donna Summer. In response, Bruce wrote "Cover Me", but after Landau heard the January 25 tape, he told Bruce to come up with another song, because "we're keeping this one". In response, Bruce wrote "Protection". The January 25 session was recorded by Neil Dorfsman, who was also working on the Gary U.S. Bonds On the Line sessions. A copyright was filed on February 8, 1982.
The two circulating outtakes appear to be the same vocal. V1a is an alternative mix that lacks Springsteen's lead guitar overdubs, but has the count-in and full ending chopped off the released track. Note that the take found on the 'This Hard Land' vinyl bootleg runs very fast. V1b is believed to date from a March 1984 rough mix of the album, and includes Springsteen's lead guitar overdubs, the full ending and no fade-out. V1c, the final album track, cuts the ending short with a fade-out, and features background vocals by Richie "La Bamba" Rosenberg. On May 12, 1982, Springsteen cut nine additional takes (V2) at the Power Station, but those recordings remain in the vault. It is possible that these takes relate to the guitar overdubs.
V3a thru V3d are dance/disco remixes cut at The Hit Factory in July 1984 by Arthur Baker. The recording engineer was Toby Scott, and they were released in early September 1984. Baker was requested to remix "Cover Me" following the success of his "Dancing In The Dark" remixes. A far more radical remix than "Dancing In The Dark" was, Baker's Undercover Mix added a new bassline from Moja Nya bassist Brian Rock, replaced much of the guitar with organ and keyboards by Gary Henry, and added percussion by session legend Bashiri Johnson. The backing vocals are courtesy of Jocelyn Brown, which were previously unused tracks recorded before Baker started work. According to Baker, Springsteen took influence from his mix for the intro and bassline in live performances.