Johnny Cash - Hurt (2002) [Best Cover Songs] *DayOne Reacts*

[@charlesyoung9980]

When the original artist says "This is no longer my song" you know it had an incredible impact on him.

[@ptournas]

True, the only other artist I've heard say that was Kris Kristofferson when asked about "your song, Me and Bobby McGee" and he replied "That's not my song, that's Janis' song now." And although Dylan didn't say it in the same words, he did express pretty much the same feeling when he said that Jimi Hendrix found things in "All Along the Watchtower" that he didn't know were there and that he started trying to play it more like Jimi after he heard it. I think of them as super-covers and they are definitely rare.

[@TrianglesAndCircles]

Thank you for your acceptance of that fact. I've had enough arguments about this topic. I think Trent gave a gift to us all when he allowed JC to cover "Hurt".

[@davelister2961]

I love this cover ... but I still prefer Trent's original version with NIN.

[@jeffmurray1681]

I prefer this version of the song. Cash made it his own. However, Trent's lyrics are out of this world.

[@batmanforpresident9655]

This song was written by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. Johnny Cash died A short while after making this video. The lady on the stairs was June Carter, his wife of many years. The elderly woman in the photo was his mother. There is little doubt that Cash recorded this song to say goodbye, ad he knew he was dying. The cryptic ending where he closed the piano was symbolic of s coffin closing. R.I.P., Man in Black.....you are truly missed.

[@batmanforpresident9655]

@Atheos B. Sapien Incorrect...this video was made in February, 2003. June passed away in May, 2003.... And Johnny in September,2003

[@christinerobinson9372]

@@elliottwesterman7704 Look again, there is a picture hung on the wall behind June.

[@christinerobinson9372]

I had read somewhere that the picture was of June's mother, not Johnny's, but I can't find that now, so you may be correct. What I read said that he had loved his mother-in-law like his own mother. While closing the piano could be symbolic of closing a coffin, I really don't feel it quite like that. What I felt was a goodbye to another loved one. He might have been thinking "I won't be playing you again." Edit: I've just read that the picture is of Johnny's mother, and I still can't find any confirmation that it is not. You may be interested to learn that Elton John and John Lennon also covered the song. That was news to me. And again. I'm not finding any confimation. Other people have covered the song, but not Elton John or John Lennon. Heavy sigh.

[@laceye3485]

@@christinerobinson9372 John Lennon died before this song even came out lol. Whoever put that info out there is soo incorrect lol. I'm now wishing I could hear Elton cover this, though. Also....I didn't realize Trent is close to 60! WTF...I thought he was in his mid to late 40s. Closer to my age than the age of my father. Dang.

[@larrymcauley3152]

@@christinerobinson9372 That feels right that it was June's mom. He was accepted and loved by the Carter family.

[@dennislbrown]

Johnny's version only changed a word or two, yet has a completely different meaning from NIN's. It's one of the most haunting songs about life, death and regret that I know. There is no way I can pass up on listening to it when it is recommended on youtube, even when the recommendation is a reaction video. It was his epitaph, carved by Johnny himself, leaving an indelible mark in the industry that helped him build that empire of dirt.

[@richardpowell1220]

Definitely changed the meaning. "My sweetest friend" that he's singing to in the NiN version is heroin. In Cash's version, the friend is Death.

[@davelister2961]

Try Leonard Cohen's _You Want it Darker_ .

[@jillhaas578]

I thought his sweetest friend was June

[@pd4104lang]

Trernt Reznor wrote the song and was honored that Johnny wanted to record it. When Trent heard Johnny's version, he proclaimed that it was so well done and heart rending that it was now his!

[@jorgealfredosotorojasn.9363]

BB, pain has no color .... beautiful reaction..."Hurt" it is a emotional music experience.... I love it ...I love Cash.....

[@thomastreece6773]

Angela, you really captured the gravity and emotional impact this song imparts to the listener. And, yet, you found a way to provide a silver lining of hope and redemption to those of us that follow you. It was a really wonderful reaction to a song of regret. Thank you.

[@mauriciodelarosa2449]

When Trent Reznor who wrote this song saw Johnny’s video he said “it’s really not my song anymore”

[@sirsuse]

I believe this was the last song he recorded before passing. Rest In Peace Mr. Johnny Cash. The world is not the same without you. 💔

[@wnsafford1854]

Hurt wasn't Johnny's last recording. It was just his last video. He recorded & released the audio in 2002. The video was filmed Feb. 2003 & released March 2003. June died May 15, 2003. In his final interview (Aug. 20, 2003), he said, even while in the hospital, June pushed him to keep working & “3 days after the funeral I was in the studio" & "it was great therapy for me." May-Aug 2003, he recorded the album, "American V, A Hundred Highways" (not released till 2006) & then died Sept. 12, 2003.

[@dennislbrown]

It is said he recorded 60 songs (no videos) in the last few months of his life. He essentially said he had to keep busy to keep living, after the passing of his wife. I think he had a lot of loose ends to tie up, musically, knowing his time was near.

[@brentdallyn8459]

The video was shot in his home, the cameraman spontaneously pans to June, capturing the moment she had actually come to check on Johnny due to his fragile state. Sadly, June passed shortly after this video was shot, and Johnny followed her a short time later. Anyone familiar with Johnny Cash’s life would immediately recognize the serendipity in the lyrics

[@wnsafford1854]

@Atheos B. Sapien The woman on the stairs is Johnny’s wife, June. She was famous in her own right, easily recognizable & looks nothing like Johnny’s daughters (all by his 1st wife). The vid was filmed Feb. 2003, in Johnny & June's home of 30 years (plus, part in the near-by, closed down, House of Cash Museum). Both had serious health problems at the time. June had been resting upstairs, worried that Johnny was overworking, came to check on him & accidentally walked into the scene. The director decided to leave her in the vid. The vid was released March 2003. June died May 15, 2003. In his final interview (Aug. 20, 2003), Johnny said June “loved the Hurt video & I’m so glad she lived long enough to see it do what it did.”

[@georgefrechette2707]

Nine inch nails were so moved by this version that they stopped performing it live

[@waynestark2457]

“As long as you are breathing, you can fix it” was the best part of this reaction. Thank you for that. Great reaction.

[@gregfagan199]

Cash pours all the pain and regret of his life into this performance. I cry every time I listen to it. So moving.

[@1bigrowdy]

When June shows up its all over for me

[@russgilbertson8689]

Johnny was reflecting on his whole life. I saw him go back to his old house. His wife June was there listening too. We all have to reflect and ask for forgiveness from the Lord. Thank you for this post.

[@Brandi6666]

The man in black🤘🤘🤘🤘❤️❤️❤️❤️ i grew up in the greatest decades of music.

[@johnjacob5839]

Cash owned this song. Thanks for the thoughtful reaction.

[@stevencolatrella3257]

Thank you so much for your sincere comments. They helped today. A lot.

[@evanirvana500]

This song hits home for everyone who watches it because it's a very human song and Johnny turned it into something everyone can relate. It'd about a man at the end if his life looking b back at the totality of his life and facing all the things he's done. It's the great equalizer. Bc it doesn't matter how much money and fame you've acquired, death eventually comes for everyone and all of us will face our lives as well. Lesson is be careful those bridges you burn and people you turn away.

[@kevincaulder96]

I am impressed with your empathy when you react to music. That you connect with the feeling delivered, as well as the words, show the real strength of your character. And the deep emotion you carry and want from life. You are a rare person searching for beauty and light in a world growing darker. Keep going Angela. You will find your reward in the end. In the meantime, enjoy the music. I have a request for Billy Idol and his cover for TO BE A LOVER. It was originally a reggae song and was much slower than his take on the song. Which includes a boxing ring, ladies of the 8o's, who are singing it and shaking it hard, with Billy bringing it home on his own inimitable fashion. Enjoy.

[@brentwebster6164]

Trent Reznor, after hearing this version said he felt like someone had stolen his girlfriend. “It’s not mine anymore,” he said.

[@BrendanAshton]

A great song given additional gravitas and poignancy by Cash, the life he lead and the timing of the recording, so powerful. The whole package is perfect song, arrangement, performance and video, it reminds me we are not immortal and we should live our best lives for ourselves and those we love.

[@matthewgoodA1206]

“The only thing that’s final is death.” I agree. And that’s the sort of thought people could draw hope & strength from. So it’s worth remembering.

[@williammeise8415]

can hear this a million times and feel the same

[@erickent3557]

People splitting apart, that feeling of being left behind and stagnating in self-misery shows up in the line: "You are someone else; I am still right here..." I always felt it echoed the line from Johnny's own Folsom Prison Blues decades earlier: "But those people keep moving, and that's what tortures me..."

[@APaganPerspective]

Trent Reznor was floored when he heard this, he gave johnny props. he said this was johnnys song

[@MrGuitarman8000]

Your a 180 mentally stable. How beautiful to hear wisdom. Thank you.. inspired now thanks God bless you young lady.

[@thelionsshare6668]

There are times in life, for some of us, where we consider ourselves victims, letting the resentment and bitterness build and build. And then there are those times when we are shown the truth. Looking back we see that we were not the victim. All along, we were the villain.

[@shanenolan8252]

His wife june who appeared in the video died just after this , and he died not long after, i believe it was the last thing he did . The lady in the photo was his mother i believe.

[@wnsafford1854]

Just to add a bit; The Hurt audio was recorded & released in 2002. The vid was filmed Feb. 2003 & released March 2003. June died May 15, 2003 & Johnny died Sept. 12, 2003. Also, yes, the women in the photo (red dress) is Johnny's mother, Carrie Cloveree Rivers Cash (died 1991).

[@shanenolan8252]

@@wnsafford1854 hey good to see ypu again hope ypur well ?

[@BestofItMoviedoc]

Trent Reznor wrote this song when he was 29. Johnny Cash recorded Hurt both song and video when he was 70 a year before his death Two men with quite different perspectives on life. Cash during interviews late in his life talked about how many important people to him were no longer alive and he felt regret he didn’t convey their importance to him while they were still with him. I felt that several times during the video. Make your time with people count while you’re both still here.

[@wnsafford1854]

Just to add some dates; The Hurt audio was recorded & released in 2002. The vid was filmed Feb. 2003 & released March 2003. June died May 15, 2003 & Johnny died Sept. 12, 2003.

[@brookegoslin]

June Carter’s Face As She Looks At Her Beloved Husband Breaks My Heart Every Time I See This Video ! The Utter Agony Devastation & Pain In Her Face Breaks My Heart . The Way Johnny Cash Sings This Songs You Can Feel The Words He Is Singing Very Very Deeply .😢🙏🏼✨

[@ronjoanne5980]

Angela, we've been watching many of your reactions and this one confirmed to us that you have a very sweet soul. Loved it. Your reaction to this performance by Johnny mirrors ours from our first time watching it. We are decades long fans of him and his wife, June, and we know in our hearts that he intended this to be his last performance. Thank you for honoring him with your reaction. We are new subscribers from several weeks ago and we are enjoying catching up on your reactions as well as your ones. Stay safe and happy.

[@philipdickey6460]

Angela, this song also gets me in the heart, he goes back in time, regretting his life with drug and alcohol addiction, beautiful song, nice reaction..

[@jazzmaan707]

Lovely reaction to the song, and great insight into his life. Knowing his history and life, Johnny did great in expressing his life. The 9 Inch Nails version doesn't "feel" the way that his song "feels." Trent wrote the song when he was 20. How could he know what regret was, since he was still just a kid. Johnny had already lived it, and knew his end was near. You could hear his emotion in his singing, as if struggling to take one more step. Johnny says it all. "What good did it do me to get my Empire, and then lose it all in the end? It's all dirt." When Johnny closes the lid on the piano, when music had been his whole life, it is if he is closing the lid on his own coffin. Johnny knew his end was near.

[@KevinWright-pr6gk]

The cover. Even Trent Reisner said it wasn't his song anymore after watching Johnny Cash 's video of his song. He was blown away.

[@shanenolan8252]

This song always hits me in the feels .

[@thomasjones4932]

Songs of heartache are the most powerful. It's our strongest emotion.

[@fittrad3r687]

Arguably the most emotional music video ever produced. As well as one of the best projects Rick Rubin ever did. Everything came together just in time.

[@aragorn1ring]

This song and video was his goodbye to the world. A man filled with regret even though he gave a lot of people enjoyment over his life. RIP Man in black

[@jimbrown1303]

From one soul to another...I love you. You are a beautiful person

[@davewright5777]

Your reaction spot on ... no other words ...

[@poeronald48]

Life, rip Johnny .. Thanks gift of your music you brought in our life. God Bless

[@arnoldcox9128]

So sad, but very beautiful song

[@PapaEli-pz8ff]

I saw this video on the Country Channel when it was first released.. it made quite an impression on me. Now that I look forward to birthday number 73 in a couple of weeks the impact has grown stronger. I've accepted that right now is the Autumn season of my life. I recall some sadness, pain and lots of Joy. I live with the decisions I have made over time which influenced where my life is right now. Other things were/are beyond my control. Those black and white video clips took me back to my youth.. the house reminds me of visits to my grandparents in North Carolina. I don't feel that Johnny Cash's perspective or personal message is one of regret..

[@armadillotoe]

IMO he looked so much older than his 71 years. He lived hard and was sick for quite a while. RIP Johnnie. Losing everyone you love as you get older leaves you hollow and lonely.

[@paulwalker9421]

Very powerful song! June Carter Cash looking down from the stair case listening to this confession powerful. When he passed she was not long behind him powerful!

[@wnsafford1854]

@Atheos B. Sapien The woman on the stairs is Johnny’s wife, June, famous in her own right, easily recognizable & looks nothing like Johnny’s daughters (all by his 1st wife). The vid was filmed Feb. 2003 & released March 2003. June died May 15, 2003. In his final interview (Aug. 20, 2003), Johnny said June “loved the Hurt video & I’m so glad she lived long enough to see it do what it did.” Johnny died Sept. 12, 2003.

[@paulprendergast3184]

So you have now dropped 26 of your top 30. I am going to hold off on definitive comments until I see the whole list, but this one would definitely be in my top 10

[@JeffersonMills]

What a beautiful reaction. ❤

[@dragonriders729]

For me the main point is his regret at how much his weaknesses have hurt his loved ones. THAT was, for him as he was confronting his mortality, the hardest part to deal with.

[@ptournas]

That's a very insightful and I think quite an accurate interpretation. Johnny Cash was addicted to hard drugs and amphetamines, which he first took in 1957. He was in and out of rehab and decided in 1970 he was done with them after the birth of his son. He did it himself, living in a cave through severe withdrawal while his wife, June Carter brought him food and checked on him every day. He did have a few short relapses after that, but ultimately got completely clean. So yes, he is singing this with his heart and soul.

[@murraycarpenter9086]

One of the greatest recordings ever made.

[@waynemitchel212]

Love all of Johnny Cash's music..... I've listened to him since the 50's,,, my father was a big fan since Johnny and my Dad were from Arkansas....... very powerful musician and singer..... love your reactions always Angela... you have a very sharp understanding of things..... thank you Angela.....please react to more of Johnny Cash's songs....... :)

[@stlmopoet]

Johnny Cash knew he was nearing the end. He had many regrets. But he was also a Christian. It's not an accident that he showed the crucifixion. He knew he was forgiven, but he still had many regrets, things he knew he could not undo. It's a powerful song when paired with the video. The two have to be together for greatest impact. I like the Trent Reznor version. It took me a while, because I heard the Johnny Cash version first. Trent's is the wail of a young man deep in the thralls of addiction, but he is a young man, so there is hope he can get out of it. Cash is an old man, he knows he is forgiven, but he also knows he doesn't have a way to undo anything of the past.

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

Johnny Cash’ daughter mentioned when she saw the piano being closed “it looked like you were closing a coffin” “I am” was the reply.

[@xorcha33]

Thank you for your very heartfelt and wise reaction.

[@impudentdomain]

This still makes me cry everytime I see it. I grew up in the 60's and 70's and was a big Johnny fan. It is said that the object of every artist is to make people feel something. In that case Johnny was one of the greatest artists ever.

[@scottmeeks662]

You’re analysis and advice is spot on.

[@tonygroves5516]

You have a good heart lady. 67 year old English guy, and I've cried with you several times now. Luckily, I don't have to worry about my mascara running. :)

[@jamesrobertson2361]

As you age and face your end introspection becomes a daily routine.

[@christopherbaldwin2005]

There is a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke that goes like this: Let everything happen to you Beauty and terror Just keep going No feeling is final. You're very young. So, I think now is the time for beauty. The terror comes later. Please enjoy now. Another song that will make you reflect on yourself is the song "Time", by Pink Floyd. Thank you for your appreciation of music.

[@SweetThing]

Well said. This reactor is still too young to realize that some things "cannot be fixed". June Carter died on the operating table and then Johnny didn't want to take care of his health (diabetes) anymore; he didn't want to live without June. He was only 71, but he just didn't want to live anymore. There was nothing he needed to make amends for; he just willed himself to die.

[@joonzville]

The cover by Cash! The guy who originally recorded the song also says *this* is the ultimate interpretation.

[@mikeferris408]

You hit the nail right on the head!

[@rhwinner]

Cash took a song that belonged to a specific genre of music, and turned it into a universal lament that will last the ages. That's quite an accomplishment.

[@Peter-oh3hc]

Your reactions are the best. Thank you

[@bobdusseault9059]

Crazy song that hits home

[@mikecaetano]

"If I could start again \ A million miles away \ I would keep myself \ I would find a way" -- There's so much that can be said about this version of the song. Johnny Cash was there with Elvis at the beginnings of rock and roll. June Carter, his wife, was the daughter of Maybelle Carter, who sang and played guitar and banjo for The Carter Family, perhaps best know for popularizing "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" in 1935. June often sang with Johnny. Their duet on the song "Jackson" from his Folsom Prison album provides a stellar example. She's the woman standing on the stairs behind him in a couple of scenes in that video. She passed away shortly after the release of this song. For more from Johnny Cash, check out "Ring of Fire", "Rock Island Line", "Folsom Prison Blues", "Cocaine Blues" among others. The Nine Inch Nails version of "Hurt" is harder, perhaps more psychotic, and that makes it much easier to listen to without shedding any tears in contrast. I saw Nine Inch Nails perform on their first tour back around 1990. They opened for former Bauhaus frontman Peter Murphy at a theater that held maybe five thousand people. Their show was quite intense. Their debut single, "Head Like a Hole", was quite the introduction to their sound. "Hurt" was the last song on their second album, The Downward Spiral, released in 1994. They've released nine more studio albums since then, most recently in 2020. Nine Inch Nails is more or less Trent Reznor and he's also worked on the soundtracks to a dozen or so movies, the 2020 film Soul, for example. Another cover of one of their songs worth checking out is DEVO's version of "Head Like A Hole". DEVO released several interesting covers over the years, but that's a story for some other time.

[@thomasmcginnis2782]

This song digs deep into anyone that can feel, especially those near the end heavily reflecting on how we used our time here.

[@trenchgunM1897]

hits me right in the feelz every time

[@rebelbabeconner9064]

Excellent heartfelt reaction and ANALYSIS

[@brianbrantley4067]

Love your sincere commentary. It’s definitely a heavy song.

[@RockDocNeal]

Angela, I love your analysis after the song. This cover hit me hard the first time I heard it because of the stripped down sound and his delivery. Everytime I hear the song, especially in the last few years, it reminds me of all my regrets.

[@kennethfelker2619]

You captured the Truest meaning of this song,and the idea of trying to make amends,I feel He heard this song and it touched him so,that he had to record it,but Angela your insights and thoughts are why I love to listen to your Channel, Keep Up The Good Work 👍👍👍👍

[@Rick-or2kq]

It is hard to judge people when we do not even know what life is, what is it beginning it's origin, where we came from, where it all came from. I know sometimes I stop and look -up at the stars in absolute wonder.

[@ronburgardt6495]

His daughter said it sounded like he was saying goodbye in this song. He told her he was.

[@christinerobinson9372]

All of the imagery in this video is important and tied to the meaning of the lyrics. For example, the food on the table is all rich, opulent, and expensive. It lies ignored and spoiling, no longer wanted or important.

[@planet_aldrain224]

He really made that song his own and I think that song was written for him before he even knew it. And a lot of messages from his take and video and the last part with the piano is like his closing his own casket. Real powerful moment. I remember when this song came out I was 12-13. And it was feature in the 2003 film The Hunted.

[@WojMoj]

He even runs his hands along the fallboard the way you would on the edge of a casket.

[@rogueshadow93]

Thank you for being one of who let it play through.... most who do these reviews only want to hear themselves talk.

[@robertbagley9199]

Another great reaction Angela!

[@carlosrubino6451]

It is amazing how great songs have such an impact. Even a song like this one that makes people feel sad or pain is "enjoyed" despite that. Does not matter what the genre is, if the song is sung with passion and honesty and touches the universal bonds of life we all experience and share then that song will live forever in our hearts

[@davidhapka5410]

The song and video is hauntingly beautiful.... Johnny Cash the Man in Black 😎 😥

[@johnthegreek5836]

You’re right this song is definitely heavy and makes you definitely think of your life

[@laceye3485]

Both songs are very good, but for two totally different reasons. Both have different meanings for each artist. Johnny's version always makes me tear up without fail. When you realize that this was recorded in 2002, and the video shortly before both June and Johnny passed away, it hits even harder. May they both rest in peace.

[@mikeellis3240]

I absolutely love your thoughts on this. That piano building every single time I listen to this song gives me goosebumps. Thanks for doing this

[@plawflo575]

The hardest person to forgive, is yourself.

[@kennethmartin8582]

Well said, well spoken ❤

[@rob7953]

The best covers respect the original while making the song their own in some way. And this is one of the best.

[@johnharkness7114]

None of us can avoid hurting sometimes even the ones we love most dearly, but when it happens, it's still one of the saddest, hardest times you can have

[@robertasirgutz8800]

Trent Rexnor wrote it, but says it's Johnny's song.

[@bobschenkel7921]

One of the very last things The Man In Black ever did. It seemed like he was summing up his life. A really DEEP song.

[@ryanfeit1420]

This may be the best cover song ever and the best song of the 2000's. I am so glad that you were able to watch the video which is haunting and deeply moving.

[@njsanders]

You looked away at one of the hardest hitting moments of the video... Johnny praying and crying.

[@MisterWondrous]

This one is wrenching. A brilliant cover for Johnny to have as a sort of swan song. Swans mate for life. He was a black swan, and always wore black. Like Jesus. No, Manny. There is a live Nine Inch Nails version with a huge video backdrop, that is a work of art. I would watch that one. It was the one on VH1 and probably has the most views.

[@bobblethreadgill4463]

The hardest one to forgive, is to forgive yourself...

[@Zehnhund]

Tim McGraw has two very emotion laden songs. 'Don't Take the Girl' and 'Live Like You Were Dying."

[@elisamcgowan4774]

Great reaction, thank you).

[@harveycooper7600]

Hey! Thank's for ruining my Friday night.😄

[@teresabunting6364]

You need to watch Walk the Line Reese Witherspoon and the guy that plays Johnny Cash. They covered all the songs in this movie. It’s a good movie!!

[@edwardgerdemann2400]

This was Johnny's confession and repentance.

[@Gutslinger]

Johnny was a believer in Christ, and was very much at peace with himself at the end of his life. He expressed as much in his late interviews, and you could tell that he was.

[@travissweat9098]

You gave a oerfect interpretation of what he meant..Trent Resnor said after listening to Johnny Cash singing HURT...The song was now Johnny's...and no longer his...I love you for you insight!

[@havok6280]

It's crazy. Trent Reznor wrote a song about addiction. Cash completely reimagined it making it about an old man looking back on his life. And he barely changed any lyrics.

[@lccast777]

Thank you beautiful!