Every so often, a performance comes along that doesn’t need to impress — it simply is just impressive. And in doing so, it quietly reminds us what real talent sounds like.
This is one of those moments. A stripped-down, emotionally honest reinterpretation meant to be appreciated and shared purely for the sake of art.
The song itself needs little introduction. “Tom’s Diner” was written and originally performed a cappella by Suzanne Vega in 1987 — a minimalist classic built on everyday imagery and an unforgettable melody. Over the decades, it has become one of the most recognizable songs in modern pop history.
This particular version is a modern cover by Giant Rooks, featuring Henning May, the unmistakable lead singer of the German band AnnenMayKantereit.
Lyrics (Excerpt)
I am sitting in the morning
At the diner on the corner
I am waiting at the counter
For the man to pour the coffee…
Original Song: Suzanne Vega
Cover Performance: Giant Rooks
Featured Vocalist: Henning May (AnnenMayKantereit)
Henning May’s involvement is purely vocal — but that’s exactly why it matters. Known for his deep, gravelly baritone that feels far older than his years, May brings a raw, almost conversational weight to the song. His voice doesn’t overpower the arrangement; it grounds it. The contrast between Giant Rooks’ clean, contemporary production and May’s weathered vocal tone is what gives this cover its viral appeal.
AnnenMayKantereit as a band did not write, arrange, or produce this version — but Henning May’s guest performance is central to its emotional pull. It’s a collaboration built on restraint, not spectacle.
There’s something quietly powerful about hearing a familiar story retold through new voices — especially when those voices understand that less is more.