"Hurt" Reaction (Part 2) - Vocal Coach Analysis feat. Johnny Cash (Nine Inch Nails Cover)

[@JohnEinarsson]

It is said that when Johnny's daughter saw the video, she said, "It's almost like you're saying goodbye" in which he replied, "I am."

[@cydrych]

I saw an interview on tv with her telling that story years ago and have been looking for it ever since and can’t find it anywhere. I can’t remember who was conducting the interview or which network I was watching.

[@cydrych]

@@davidwalton3604 well, maybe that’s why I can’t find it. Thanks.

[@a-6610]

Not trying to nitpick, but his reply was "Well maybe I am."

[@Heartstrings_Skyla]

His daughter passed away before he did.

[@cydrych]

@@Heartstrings_Skyla one did but he had more.

[@WilliamRoop-xt6rp]

Lyrically identical - presentation is EVERYTHING. NIN is feeling the harsh reality of life - Johnny is feeling the weight of a lifetime of decisions.

[@dwaynehorton8983]

There’s only one word changed in Johnnys version, he wears a crown of “Thorns”, Trent’s crown was made of something else entirely.

[@CyberChunk77]

@@dwaynehorton8983 I was just about to say that Trent's was definitely not thorns. It was a crown of shit.

[@WilliamRoop-xt6rp]

I understand that one word differed, but the lyric means the same no matter which version is sung... It's wearing a false crown. But thank you for the clarification.

[@dwaynehorton8983]

@@WilliamRoop-xt6rp it actually has a slight difference in meaning, the crown of thorns is a biblical refrence referring to the one placed upon Jesus’s head, it was a symbol of pain, suffering and discomfort where Trent’s crown of shit is more of a symbol of unimportance and disgust, like being the king of nothing. That’s how I interpret the change. It also lends to Johnnys version connecting with his life story in a more visceral way. Even Trent said the words seemed to mean more when he heard Johnny sing them.

[@merkaba0635]

One is theist one is an atheist.

[@Jim6393]

Mad respect for you letting the video finish before commenting

[@howardyoung9987]

Somebody said that Trent wrote it a a fear of the future. Johnny sung it as a regret for the past.

[@dorktriogamer2865]

A comment ive seen is reznor wrote it as a suicide note, cash made it a eulogy

[@emilymiller7827]

​@@dorktriogamer2865both of these are really good points

[@johnsonpaul1914]

77 years old and I watch this and wonder what the hell was the point of a lifetime of work ,family, laughter tears etc etc. The finality of Johnny closing that piano cover sucks the tears out of this old guy every time. IT IS DONE

[@jwoody27]

I'm 43 and can't get through this video without some tears.

[@L0vac]

Good moments. Family, laugh, vacations, sunsets. The journey. We'll all end sometimes. It's up to each individual to find that WHY.

[@zodiactauruss]

I wanted to tell you that many people from the other side of the world, including me, share your feelings.

[@davidschlecht3979]

We feel the same. Thank you for being who you are. God Bless us all. We will see what the future holds in store for us....

[@mirandaschalen]

“- Why me? - That is a very Earthling question to ask, Mr. Pilgrim. Why you? Why us for that matter? Why anything? Because this moment simply is. Have you ever seen bugs trapped in amber? - Yes. - Well, here we are, Mr. Pilgrim, trapped in the amber of this moment. There is no why.” ― Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Slaughterhouse-Five Don't believe everything you think. It's great to have you here, in this lifetime.

[@tonylum]

Trent from Nine Inch Nails was asked how he felt about Johnny's cover of his song, Trent said "that song belongs to Johnny now"

[@krazzybastard]

Yes I seen that and he’s right

[@nathanpapp432]

Trent's version is still better.

[@danewood2309]

@@nathanpapp432 not according to trent

[@nathanpapp432]

@@danewood2309 When did trent ever say he thought this version was better?

[@danewood2309]

@@nathanpapp432 in Interview ""Reznor was eventually able to realize the work of art that Cash had created from the track. The poignant music video for the song was what did it for him. "It really, really made sense and I thought what a powerful piece of art ... For anyone who hasn't seen it, I highly recommend checking it out. I have goose bumps right now thinking about it," he said, then patted himself on the back for his part in the whole thing. "I never got to meet Johnny but I'm happy I contributed the way I did. It felt like a warm hug." After the video won him over, Reznor went on to say what he should have said the moment he heard that Cash was interested in recording it. "Having Johnny Cash, one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time, want to cover your song, that's something that matters to me. It's not so much what other people think but the fact that this guy felt that it was worthy of interpreting. He said afterwards it was a song that sounds like one he would have written in the '60s and that's wonderful." The cover was released to critical acclaim, and as the Financial Times noted in 2019, the song pretty much became a Johnny Cash song. "That song isn't mine anymore," said Reznor.""

[@thancrow]

It is sad to think within 11 months, they both died. R.i.p. Johnny and June Carter Cash.

[@voidwraithprime8521]

Sees someone is reacting to this song. Asks himself "Do I want to ugly cry right now?" The video really helps hit you in the feels...

[@lucasogden9457]

Same, buddy. Same.

[@Dcoy-um3hl]

This is definitely one I only like to listen to on solo drives in the truck

[@629GSMITH]

LOVE THIS.i. 72 yrs old.the small white house is Johnny's childhood home. Where his older brother died in tragic sawmill accident with big saw. Before Child Labor laws. Love Johnny Cash.

[@texashookem22]

I'm 47 years old now, and the lyrics of this song hit progressively harder with the closing of each new day. Brilliant writing, and a timeless and perfect cover/tribute to Reznor's penned genius. We all have an empire of dirt.

[@dagfincarp1113]

As an older person, the lyrics definitely hit different. Hearing Cash sing this at the end of his career and life is so powerful and resonant. RIP to The Man In Black.

[@Gee-no]

Man, I cry every time I watch the video and listen to the song. So vulnerable and yet powerful. I need a minute...

[@pilotdane1]

well said !!!!!

[@frostyupscope]

I saw a glimpse of what appeared to be a physical reaction from you at the end of the first run of the video. Do not shy away from showing that. We come here to see not only your analysis of a song/video, we want to see how it actually effects you too. I can say with no shame that when I first saw this video, it hit me in the gut and had me in tears.

[@TheJeffyBob]

Dammit......I cannot watch this video without tears welling up in my eyes. Every time.

[@genny5309]

Every. Time.

[@abugewww8013]

I was doing okay 'til they showed June looking on.

[@hmao4466]

Same

[@JimmyRJump]

Johnny's version has a finality to it, while Nine Inch Nails' was an intermezzo, a momentary state. A life lived versus a life in transition.

[@BrianKoppe]

One thing that is unfortunately lost when hearing Hurt by Nine Inch Nails on its own instead of within the context of the album on which it appears is that it loses that sense of finality. Because within the context of the concept album, it is extremely extremely final. It is still powerful on its own but it really is best when heard as part of the whole.

[@SlitherWhisp]

When I heard Johnny's cover and especially with the video, I swore it was like Trent wrote this song for Mr. Cash. Knowing the little I do about Johnny's life, it just seems so fitting for him to sing it. Add to that how old he looks, the emotion in his eyes, and just the age and tiredness in his still beautiful voice... let's just say I was not surprised that he passed on not too long after this. RIP, Johnny. I still recall that time me dad found a way to sneak his 8 year old son to the side of the stage to watch you sing a song in concert. And if the security guard who caught us but let us stay until it ended is still alive, thank you to you as well.

[@martyboy5602]

After hearing this version and seeing this video, Trent Reznor is said to have stated "This is no longer my song. It's his."

[@jdgrant5888]

I heard that Mr Reznor's first reaction when they ask him about Johnny Cash doing his song that it was "I don't know how anyone thinks they could feel the pain that I felt when I wrote this song" after listening and seeing it he is said to have commented "I don't know how I could have known I was writing this song for him to sing" whether it's true or not I have no idea

[@gtjohns220]

Hip Hop Legend Rick Rubin brought this song to Cash and convinced him to record it.

[@ChrisLegner-qp1yh]

The artistic courage of Cash recording this cover so late in his life is beyond impressive.

[@PristineTX]

The moment Rick Rubin suggested this song to Cash was the moment Rubin went from a wildly successful producer to a certified GREAT producer.

[@erickent3557]

@@PristineTX Yeah, Rick Rubin deserves a lot of credit... it's a great, great production

[@PaulMella-f4b]

It was a hell of a way to go out. I still prefer the NIN version, but I respect the hell out of this cover.

[@LukeLovesRose]

Johnny legitimately made this great song his own and its possibly Johnnys masterpiece

[@sroevukasroevuka]

​@@PaulMella-f4bI like both versions. For me, i prefer Johnny's version, but music is subjective. I respect Trent Reznors talent and voice.

[@johnfilar4286]

I love both versions for very different reasons. Your "urgency" comment about NIN hits for me because I always felt NIN's version was someone in pain and anguish wanting out, whereas Johnny's version is about reminiscing and regret. Both are great for their own reasons. Thank you again for a wonderful analysis!

[@maximusdiximus-4827]

Agreed

[@thecamosoupbone1273]

Agree fully. What I like about the 2 pieces is regret with different contexts. Both feels like regret. Cash's version feels more like a sad regret. Definitely reflective with clarity. Like he is accepting and making peace. Where Reznor's version has a feeling of Anxiety. I agree a sense of urgency feels accurate. Almost like he is still trying to make sense of his situation. Definitely like a deep depressive feeling with energy and anxiety. Both amazing.

[@hooligansteriotype]

The video director, Mark Romanov, won a Grammy for this video. I also think what is so poignant about Johnny Cash's version relates to his past. He would deeply relate to Trent Reznor's struggle with drug abuse, and though the shots of June are sweet, they're also telling. June stood by while he struggled with addiction, dealing with the side effects. He had four kids with his first wife, who was left behind in his affair with June, and expressed later in life how deeply he was troubled by the person he became when drugs took over his life. The regret and pain are so evident in his delivery of this song.

[@tomdalsin5175]

The line "everyone I know goes away in the end" hits harder with Cash's cover. A life heavy with regret, after watching so many people you love die, and the rest abandoning you to age alone, as the world leaves you behind. There is nothing more tragic, and yet it's a doom that hangs over us all. Help is never coming, any hope is empty. All you can do is process the reality and the regrets to try to make peace. This rendition breaks my heart every time I hear it. It's pure tragic beauty, and it captures an intrinsic part of the mortal Human experience (namely the last chapters).

[@dianalong6893]

This is like what have I done to be alone in old age

[@jrivera2069]

The pain in this song and his emptiness is so heartfelt 💔

[@NateBuker]

It's said that Trent from NIN was moved to tears by this. I was too. I really don't think I've ever heard anything more soulful. RIP Johnny.

[@Myrrthe]

One of my favorite songs, but also very sad. Especially when I think of how June died 3 months after filming for the music video and him following her 4 months later. I believe they were soulmates, even if it wasn't easy at times. May they rest easy.

[@EDCHunter73]

His version speaks to that generation and end of life. I watched my dad out live all his friends, his wife, family, etc. his version of this song really brought my dads feelings to life in a way that could be understood. Powerful doesn’t do this song justice it really is the spoken words of a soul❤️

[@richdiddens4059]

I've watched this video for a while now and it's always emotional. This was first time I watched it since I suddenly lost my wife about a month ago. Like a sledge hammer of emotion.

[@ganggreen9012]

A year or so before my grandmother passed away her best friend passed. At the time she commented that all of her close friends were gone.

[@danieldickson8591]

I could see you fighting back the tears toward the end of this video. No shame in crying from what Johnny makes you feel with this. Everyone does. It's very human.

[@kevdeckie]

This song gives me chills. It's as if Reznor wrote the song for Cash.

[@maximusdiximus-4827]

For reals

[@jeremiahrose4681]

His voice is so haunting in this. Just an amazing artist, RIP Johnny.

[@MrDesdecado]

This is a masterpiece and was truly his goodbye as he passed 7 months after this was shot.

[@malguskerensky]

This version of Hunt really brings home the point of "At a certain point, life starts taking more than it gives". It is one of those rare amazing covers of an already great song, that can easily stand on it's own. Thank you for going over both versions in this manner, very respectful.

[@davidmeans6477]

I cry every time I watch this video. It captures all the emotions, experiences, reflections, and regrets of a life.

[@maximusdiximus-4827]

For real. I feel the same but I still keep coming back to those song.

[@howardyoung9987]

Greetings from Scotland. Absolutely love your reactions. I can never watch this version without crying. As someone nearer the end than the beginning it has an added resonance. Regards, Howard.

[@thecocktailian2091]

I love the way he caresses the lid of the piano keys. As if to say, goodbye old friend, may we meet again.

[@milipro828]

I've watched many of your videos - this is the first time I have seen you speechless!

[@marionfischer5927]

Two totally different versions.....sung by totally different generations with different views towards life in different stages of life..... both very touching in a very special way Thanks for all your warm words!🧡

[@mistiekirk58]

Love me some johnny cash😊

[@chrisd7047]

I have never been a Country music fan, but I've always liked Johnny, in no small part because he sings in my range. This cover was a master class in making a final statement. His wife, June, who appeared in the video, died a few months after this was recorded. Johnny followed her a few months afterwards. I don't think he opened that piano again after filming this.

[@theend4054]

My reaction is like yours: tears in eyes, speechless, just play it again and again.....

[@NerdGlassGamingPA]

This song always gives me the "Ozymandias" vibes : "... My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away."

[@deanbicking1296]

as a die hard NIN fan, Trent's Downward Spiral version meant a lot to me in college, not all good at the time. Johnny understood the words and yet changed the meaning of the song. As Trent said, It is His now. And as I move through my 50s, I honestly feel that Johnny's means even more to me now than Trent's did back then. also, as stated in the Part 1 video comments, please listen to the entire Downward Spiral album to truly understand.

[@antoniocollodoro]

"The needle tears a hole" hits like a bolt of lightning when Cash sings it (he's an old Junky). It's as if Trent wrote the song for himself and Johnny Cash.

[@byronhutchinson28]

Cash was never a needle junky he was addicted to pills.

[@sroevukasroevuka]

Johnny was a pill popper. He never did heroin. I'm not down playing how horrible heroin addiction is at all. I've lost friends to that poison. Young guys too.

[@ricbrown1114]

FYI: June was sick when this video was done and came down to check on Johnny. The shot was so prophetic that it was kept in the video. June passed away within a few months after this video was released. Johnny passed away shortly thereafter. RIP John and June.

[@Mvader7]

Brings me to tears every time time. Such a musically and emotionally raw interpretation.

[@turqeeman]

You're Killin me with this song. I'm not crying you are

[@stretch6699]

the reaction at 3:45 is the most honest reaction without saying word....i've heard the song 100 time but still react that way.....

[@blackberrythorns]

the johnny cash rendition just strikes right at the heart, it just owns it in a way that no other could - nothing beats experience. another great cover and one of the best live vocal performances that owns a song beyond any other rendition (leonard cohen called it perfection): K.D. Lang sings Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah (2005 juno awards). she's barefoot with an orchestra and wow can that woman sing.

[@WolvenHeart1]

The 2 versions sound to me like the 9 inch one is someone still battling his addiction where Johnny's is where he has passed the fire and is in sobriety for years because I see my life that way. sober 21 years. When he sings about it, you can feel and see the phantoms of the pain worry and hurt he caused in his addiction. I heard this song first when I was at the beginning of my sobriety. It helped me stay on that path. The 9 inch nails sounds more like the day after. While you are active in your addiction. The phantoms make you stay to forget about what you did. So you continue.

[@ladislavsedlak9327]

Human soul distilled. No matter if I'm listening to this cover or playing it, my heart is like a bell of sadness resonating with acceptance of mortality, fragility of life. As a moment when you finally understand everything. I never even want to resist crying.

[@mikeconway9849]

This is such an intimate and personal performance! I completely understand people saying that this song 'belongs' to the man in black. RIP. Great reaction, Bethany!

[@victormtz5018]

Yes , thats exactly how jhonny cash hit , im mexican , and hip hop head i just dont remember how i get to listen jhonny cash but i became a big big fan , my favorite song is " God is gonna cut you down"

[@Prsboy78]

To hear Trent Reznor say after hearing a song that was so personal his at first felt weird but after seeing the video he was left crying and said that that song is now his. Such an emotional good bye.

[@AtheistComet80]

Best song in a century.

[@fredrickjames1247]

I think what hit me the hardest in this video was June standing on the stairs looking at Johnny. It's almost as if you could read her thoughts on her face and she knew this was his swan song.

[@LadyDragonsblood]

He said in his life he had so many regrets.... and wished he could do somethings much differently.... you HEAR that in his voice... an old man, reliving his memories, saying good bye.

[@brucer2152]

I think this video is a truly beautiful piece of art.

[@bradpriebe9218]

I enjoyed this very much. I felt like the original is plaintive and begging for help, while the cover was more contemplative and knowing the time for help was past.

[@leemcintyre3943]

Trent pretty much gave this song to Johnny after hearing this version. He's honored that he could blow this song away in a reflective way. Love that you listened to the whole thing at first.

[@iainmackie6421]

Good job! You held it together very well there - which is more than I've ever been able to do when listening to and watching this magnificent version.. Talk about taking a song and making it your own!

[@roninrasta136]

Johnny covered that song and owned it! His version always gets the eyes a little watery. Great performance!

[@DocTabla-Rasa-ii9vd]

You watched the entire video without pause, a wise, wise choice. I remember showing this video to my Country-fan wife, me being the Gen X Grunger of the pair, and at the end, she could only say, "Whoa!"

[@nigelreedge1454]

I love how it touched you. I think it’s almost impossible for this version to not “effect” you.

[@choppinbrixx4931]

I loved seeing how this version touched you. The original NIN album version for Hurt grips my soul when I hear it, and I couldnt even get through your reaction video of the live version without whelling up. Then, seeing you have the kind of reaction to Cashs version that I get from Trent's version, just gives me goosebumps when I think about how powerful the song is...that it can be delivered through another singer and manage to give you the feeling it gave me.

[@sablewharton1854]

It's probably been mentioned already, but the original NiN version, performed when Trent was still young (29), evokes angst and self-loathing, whereas Johnny Cash's version, performed when he was in his twilight years (70), portrays regret and resignation. It is unique a study in how one deals with or portrays emotional pain depending on where you are in life.

[@EricDravin-j7i]

Its almost like this song was created for Johnny Cash. It has so many mirrors to his life with the lyrics.

[@doobiedave9686]

After hearing Johnny Cash's version, Trent Reznor said that Hurt was now Johnny Cash's song. Such a powerful performance. 🙌✌️

[@randyhawley7202]

This was a masterpiece, IMHO. And it gets me in the 'feels' ... every ... single ... time. The significance of this song isn't so much in the execution of the music - but in its powerful communication. This is a gift not given to all performers, and not found in every work. It is rare. Thank you for your reaction and analysis.

[@unfilthy]

There are song that hit differently from different points in life. I feel this way about "Landslide" for instance. Are you a grown up child who's lived your life around your parents, or are you an aging parent with grown up children? The same perspective shift is what I feel works here, not just with why/how people go away, but also what a person considers to be their "empire of dirt" which can be a well earned empire, but you know you can't take it with you, so the time of life makes it metaphorical dirt, while it can still be a bunch of other things one has either ruined, or mistakes one has made, or relationships, etc.

[@IngmarKroemer]

@The Vocalyst A great musician says goodbye with a song... thank you for not speaking in between. Thank you for your empathy!

[@MrOfcourseitsme]

I always liked this song, but love Cash's version of it. Reznor not long ago said it's no longer his anymore (it's Cash's) I shared it with my parents but it was too much (they are in their 70's). It makes me get choked up EVERy time I hear it, even these reaction videos.

[@chadbennett7873]

Watching this reminded me of my heart on first listen, as I watched note by note as this broke you. I may have never seen my feelings so clearly on somebody else's face. At my, now advanced age, I used this version to inspire a poem, that I will leave to be read at my funeral service. It's not so devastating, but reflective and an old guy's look back. Thank your for being you, Bethany! You are a treasure.

[@bigadz0r]

I always felt Trent was singing from the present, Johnny from the past yet the lyrics match both perfectly

[@sparkdaniel]

Love having the full song reaction, and only then going back for analysis

[@stuarturban319]

Agree that these are two different songs. I've played them both on guitar and they both give such a different feel. Reznor said it's Johnny's song now, but I think that's one version. The other song is still Reznor's and it's something totally different. Where I agree with Reznor, though, is that the better/more popularly accessible song is Johnny's. That's just a Johnny Cash song! Also, I break my fingers playing Reznor's version. I relax playing Johnny's version on guitar. You're less invested with Johnny, which probably says something. 😆

[@a-blivvy-yus]

Only one word changes between these two songs, and while the style of the backing music is changed, the melody is the same for both. But this doesn't feel like a cover at all, as you said. These two songs feel too different to even be compared. It's easier to compare other random pairings of songs by these two artists than it is to compare these two.

[@nikkievans8301]

I love your reactions and this was one of my favourite ones. Seeing music move you is what I really enjoy, I still watch your Disturbed Sound of Silence reaction a couple times a month. I love Johnny Cash even as a metal/trash fan. Cash was the worlds first rockstar and I don't care what anyone says to the contrary. For me what makes them different is NIN version you feel the pain of hurt, while this golden version is dripping not just the hurt but the regret of the hurt he has caused..I agree length of years lived really separates the two.

[@souperdave2009]

Mr. Johnny Cash's life work will live forever, and such a testament to Trent Reznor's musical and lyrical genius as well. ❤️

[@philh8829]

I have never met a person who hasn't cried watching Johnny sing Hurt.

[@zRockin1]

Hi TV, i find this song so moving in Johnny's version, it's hard to put to words, and although I can relate to most of it, besides the needle reference, i actually feel the loss through similar experiences in my life, so this is a song that will always sing true to me, RIP JC, Rock On!

[@geraldcormeraie1009]

To me this is by far the best cover ever made. As Trent said himself, this song belongs to Cash. It's like he wrote it for him, it is so relatable to his life of excess and fame and the resulting loneliness at the end. The emotions are incredible, it is so touching. Cash was such an amazing artist, he did so many timeless classics, this song was the perfect way to say goodbye. I don't like much all the covers he did at the end but this one is simply incredible. And the video itself is a masterpiece. We are all extremely lucky he had the time to record it before his (and June's) passing.

[@nrgltwrkr2225]

Oh! This man's voice! Both vocalists share an authenticity in their voices and what they are choosing to do with this song...and the more you know about Johnny Cash's life as a man and his life with June Carter Cash, the video portion just blows me away too. Both versions are such explorations of pain, loss, regret and grief.

[@tyrannicaltypomichaeltester]

Johnny took this song for sure Trent said so himself So much emotion and power

[@marvinboswell6889]

Being 80 there so much in this performance that I can associate with in my own life as more and more of your friends and family are gone and how you wish you had done certain things differently ,enjoyed your reaction, thumbs up 👍

[@lw3918]

Trent Reznor said it's Johnny's song now.

[@yodaphobic96]

There isn’t a particular moment where the tears come in, it just builds from the beginning until it overflows.

[@josefinasoderholm6488]

Oh, this song and this video! I grew up in Sweden with a father who tough me to love country music and Johny Cash in particular. I new all songs from the highwayman tour by heart at age five. When this song dropped I remember the feeling and the sensation, how it completely took my breath away. I’m so sad that I never got to se him live, but I’m so grateful to have been surrounded by his music all my life.

[@abinam2255]

Johnny inadvertently made this song his own. No one can ever emulate his story, ... his age, ... his pain.

[@gorecore5723]

I felt your exhale and "okay" at the end. You must have taken a moment to compose yourself. I could see your eyes were swimming in tears. It is such a beautifully heart wrenching version. Johnny gave his 100% on that track.

[@Jude_196]

THANK YOU for this one, Hon!! STILL brings me to tears, tho - just can't make it thru this one....

[@scottsmith4197]

This song and video is one of the most beautiful things that's ever been.

[@goatkiller666]

No matter how many times I watch his versions, it breaks me up seeing him close the piano at the end. Because he’s done forever.

[@vagabundorkchaosmagick-use2898]

Hurt was my song in the 90s, when I was a teenager and reached adulthood (between my 17 and 20 years old). It was angry, desperate, raw. Hurt is my song in the 2020s, when I'm and older man (in my 40s). It is sad, introspective, final.

[@Tallera257]

Such a beautiful rendition, rugs at my heart strings every time! When you mentioned how some singers are able to maintain that aspect of their voice that makes them recognizable as they age, i immediately thought of Billy Joel recently releasing his first pop song in decades, and totally still sounding like he did in the 80's and 90's, but a bit more raspy and with more depth. Any chance you'd review that song sometime ("Turn the Lights Back On")?? Please?? 😊

[@bobwallace1880]

Great post thank you so much. Makes me cry every time I hears this. It's a legend saying goodbye. Love your channel.

[@RonniePeterson]

A truly unique voice that is much missed. Thank you.

[@Tux.Penguin]

Very insightful analysis Bethany. Love you! ❤

[@heffatheanimal2200]

The NIN original has been incredibly important to me since my teens, one of those songs that kept me alive, held me from the edge, consoled me when I was at the bottom. When I heard that Johnny Cash had made a cover, even though I respect him and his work, I was kinda pissed off. I didn't want to listen to it, afraid of how it could affect my love of the song. But I eventually watched the music video, and heard this version for the first time. And I got it. I felt it and heard it in a completely different way. The original holds a special place for me and always will. And this version hold another, different special place. As you put it, they are 2 different songs. Two other modern covers I feel the same way about: Disturbed covering The Sound Of Silence, and Kasey Chambers cover of Lose Yourself.

[@asquare9316]

I hear you. Even Trent Reznor said, after hearing Johnny's version, that it was now Johnny's song.

[@ganggreen9012]

I resisted listening to Disturbed's "Sound of Silence" for a couple of years because I couldn't picture a group with that name being respectful to the original. It's been my favorite version since the first time I saw the Conan video.

[@Lemon-qs3uz]

​@@asquare9316Not what he said lol. Trent didn't even like the cover but once he saw the video his opinion changed

[@asquare9316]

@@Lemon-qs3uz Here's a quote from an interview with Trent by Geoff Rickly of the Alternative Press: " I pop the video in, and... wow. Tears welling, silence, goose-bumps... Wow. I just lost my girlfriend, because that song isn't mine any more." lol

[@ChasityTurner-jd4yb]

This is a perfect example of the love of art. Taking a beautiful piece of art and applying it to your own artistic expression. You were spot on with your summary at the end.

[@oziris3135]

What good lirics, a good interpreter and a good presentation can do.... wow

[@haletehking]

"Hearing it was like someone kissing your girlfriend." - Trent Reznor

[@synystera]

very subtle...

[@Thelemorf]

And doing it much better

[@UseLogicNotEmotion]

Yes, But after he watched the video he completely changed his mind and said "It's Cash's song now"!

[@keltonhutchison5951]

@@UseLogicNotEmotion He said that before he watched the video. You are so correct.

[@JasenHeffner]

he didn't say " kissing" lol

[@lorenchapman9505]

I have loved this song and this video for a long time, and it rarely fails to draw tears. But watching my own emotions play over your beautiful face is something I won’t soon forget. In those moments, I was suddenly not alone. Thank you so much for sharing your open heart. What a gift!

[@burningskies2062]

The difference is between a man standing at the end of his life and looking back vs. a passionate younger man recognizing the shambles he's made of his life. The younger has more passion and anger and the older has resignation to his fate.

[@burningskies2062]

To me the lyric "Everyone I know Goes away in the end" is very telling. For Cash it's a reflection on HIM going away (he died soon after this album was complete and knew it was coming). And for Trent it's about him pushing away people. @DM_Mrs_vocalyst-on-TeIeGrm

[@Bobbias]

The tender loving way he closed the piano at the end has such finality to it. And the depth of emotion he carries in this performance is incredible. This is one of the most emotionally charged pieces of music I've ever heard, and no matter how many times I hear it, it has the potential to being me to tears.