VOICE COACH REACTS | Johnny Cash... HURT. I needed a moment.

Welcome!
This reaction is to Johnny Cash's cover of Hurt (Nine Inch Nails). It is not my first time hearing this song but it is my first time seeing the video clip. Johnny's life was tragedy, success, fame and ultimately this songs meaning is thoroughly explored by having an artist like Johnny cover it. His rendition left me feeling emotionally raw.
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Insta/ @jvoxfox
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[@jvoxfox]

Ok so big disclaimer: I hadn't seen this music video before (although I'm really familiar with the song) and really wasn't prepared for how much it affected me. I hope the small technical comments are enough for my technique-minded subscribers and that you still enjoyed the breakdown even if it was more emotion/intention/lyric inclined. Let me know how it affected you as well! What or who does this song make you think about?

[@jvoxfox]

@Shannon Taylor I'm so sorry for your loss

[@lfsmusik]

Makes me think of my own life, living with depression and anxiety..

[@lfsmusik]

@Shannon Taylor thank you 🙏

[@MustaLaatta]

Nightwish army 🤘🇫🇮 .'I'm gratefull to Nine Inch Nails that they gave this song to Cash - he owed it and made it his personal - maybe last goodbay... Stay safe and Take care..

[@lfsmusik]

Thank you julia for a very nice and emotionell reaction 🙏

[@Sinvare]

His daughter on seeing this video said "Dad it's like you are saying goodbye." He responded, "I am."

[@strangerlucky5753]

I was definitely not ready for this.

[@donriggins8989]

He passed away a few weeks after this video was made.

[@AustintheObserver]

Don actually June died right after this was made and he died after they released it.

[@Gutslinger]

@@donriggins8989 No, he didn't. 🤦‍♂️ I swear, I never seen so many false information be given about an artist and song as I do with Johnny and this song. Johnny deserves better.

[@Gutslinger]

@Sinvare Do you have a link to this story? Because in the interview that watched, she recounted the moment that she first watched this music video with Johnny and June, and she didn't say that.

[@JorgeLourenco000]

Dont blame yourself, im a grown ass man and i cry everytime i ear this song.

[@KilerkRazorclaw]

If you didn't one would be a monster. Cause only a monster would not feel this song,

[@Kyle_Evers]

Same here. Never listen to it without wanting to cry.

[@slipknot95maggot]

Literally actually still can't hear it without crying, at least a bit Like.... Years later now

[@kinrath1987]

truth

[@tchristianfuhriman5177]

Yup.

[@johnmagill3072]

Johnny Cash really did go out on top with this song. I knew when I heard of Junes passing, he would follow her soon after. This song is such a heart breaker. Trent Reznor even said Johnny took it to a place he never could.

[@poulmba]

Trent Reznor prolifically responded to Cash’s “Hurt” cover with: “I wasn’t prepared for what I saw, and it really then, wasn’t my song anymore.”

[@adam_mawz_maas]

@@poulmba That was a response to the video, not the track. Trent was ambivalent about the cover until he saw the video. Johnny's version of the song is excellent, but the video is what makes it so powerful. As an interesting note, the director of the video is long-time NIN collaborator Mark Romanek, who directed the videos for 'Closer' and 'The Perfect Drug' among others. (note the video for the original is a recording of a live performance)

[@PBRatLord]

@@adam_mawz_maas It's also the fact that his voice is so powerful and recognizable, I mean he is the motherfuckin' Man in Black, the OG Outlaw of music; to hear him lean so strongly into vibrato and sing in such a broken way is absolutely heart-wrenching. It's obvious that while he's the King and can still sing after 70 years of hard living, his life has also taken it's toll on him both physically and emotionally. The reason you think the song itself falls short is the exact reason why it's so emotional and impactful for long-time fans of Cash. Sure, he could've belted out a fantastic cover in his prime had the song been out back then, but it wouldn't have had the weight of this stripped-down acoustic performance accompanying the tired voice of a living legend in his final days, his soul heavy as he looked back on the road he took. The video just adds more context to those who weren't already aware of who The Man in Black was.

[@bigtaliberto3092]

Reznor is known for being difficult on most fronts. But even he said, "When Johnny Cash asks to cover your music, there is only one response. And thats, 'Yes sir, Mr Cash. Anyway I can help you?'."

[@jimwilson9371]

Yes he said it was no longer his song.

[@m.maritato863]

I cry every time with this song. Johnny Cash seems so sad and I can feel the pain in his voice. Rest in peace MAN IN BLACK.

[@18_rabbit]

well, it might be 'sadness', but imho, as a fellow american of a younger gen, now early 50's i am, his gen and his particular subculture and position within it, and within the larger american culture, is the major part of why he is literally THE icon is american musical history. He was essentially the only real social justice warrior, before that was even a concept, and he was reeeally really that, in ways NO one else was. He was the real deal, applying is personal moral /ethical values in deliberate ways, that are part of also what the civil rights movement was about of course. All of this is maybe why i rediscovered him for a second and much deeper time in my early 40's ten years ago and was just gutted by this song/vid. However, for ppl to more deeply understand his personality, may or may not be simple to do, depending on our own personalities and even understanding of mental health, for lack of a better word. He did have some very profound major depression, as i recall, and when u look at what he did in his life, i.e the specific good works, and the lyrics, and his attitudes he freely expressed, after originaly planning a career in gospel music, it all kinda makes sense, when u think of what life/society was like during his heyday. It was rough times socially. And the economy was nothing like today, it was far more hard scrabble, particularly where he's from. In any case i was nonetheless devastated pretty much by this song/vid, but in a good way, bcuz Cash generally is part of how i felt more solid footing in my first early mid-life difficult times. He had the firmness that americans need to retain our/their actual freedom, i.e. the basic structure of society which is clearly under assault by ultra conservatives using the legal system to push boundaries to the point of breaking.

[@perrdawg41]

He had just lost his wife right around this time

[@tdog8507]

So do I

[@timm7071]

"It's like watching him die and having regrets." - that is exactly what it is. He's giving us all one last lesson before he dies.

[@eljefe9020]

He speaks for all of us

[@MartinBahls]

by far the best comment i ever read on this song....dont die having regrets people, dont.....

[@jessikatkins1173]

Now yours is the best comment in turn. Telling people not to die with regrets...I'll also add for people to try not to LIVE a life of regrets either, if at all possible...

[@rhondabothelio7238]

that is the best interpretation of this song I've ever heard..

[@zackyboi2048]

You’re going to fuck up in life. The trick is growing and forgiving yourself.

[@kennethdodd5924]

"The song no longer belongs to me." - Trent Reznor

[@MesaperProductions]

I had no real opinion of Trent Reznor before learning that. Knowing that he understood what happened, my respect for Trent went off the scale.

[@tbella5186]

As a super fan of NIN, I immediately felt Cash took an incredible song and deepened it immeasurably.

[@BrandonWestfall]

It’s not quite the right quote but it still holds true, It just goes to show how much he respects the legend.

[@Vorador47]

@@BrandonWestfall yeah, every time i see this cover, someone writes that damn quote, despite Reznor never saying that.

[@0NightRage]

@@Vorador47 societyofrock.com/trent-reznor-i-wasnt-prepared-for-what-i-saw-and-it-really-then-wasnt-my-song-anymore/#:~:text=NIN%27s%20songwriter%2C%20Trent%20Reznor%20prolifically,and%20it%20was%20very%20strange. Do you spent 5 minutes thinking you know the answer, or actually go do research on it?

[@darkestdarker3726]

I cannot tell who is more sincere - Johnny singing or Julia listening. Thank you for this, Miss Nilon.

[@chrisbanks6659]

There was such a finality of that piano lid coming down. It was almost with reluctant acceptance. THE most moving and meaningful piece of modern art I have ever seen.

[@A_Man_Named_Mark]

I love NIN (always have), but let's be real, this song is 100% Johnnys now.

[@mlenz2553]

To me it's two completely different songs. NIN is the anger, fear and depression you feel becoming man. Feeling the world is against you. Cash is the reflection of age, seeing what was really good in life and how much you wasted. Each evokes such a different emotions, they feel completely different.

[@momof3chis291]

I really do agree with both of you. I love(d) Johnny Cash, I was born in 1966, so there has never been a time in my life until recently)where he wasn’t present in some way. I’m an R.E.M, Green Day girl, but being Southern I grew up with country music playing off in the background to some degree or other. Johnny Cash (The Man in Black), was one of a kind, imho. This video slays me every time I see it. If you haven’t heard him sing ‘When the Man Comes Around’, you really should. It was used as the background in the opening of ‘Dawn of the Dead’, the new one. ✌🏻

[@redvikingbiker]

The lead singer of NIN heard this version and said that this song is no longer his

[@Aussie_bush_kid]

Jr owns every song he sings. He only sings the songs he can own. The goat.

[@PapaHaddix]

100% agree.

[@Tommy1977777]

Johnny Cash had a love for June that most of us only ever hope to have.

[@theghostofthomasjenkins9643]

and she had the patience of a saint to put up with all the crap he put her through.

[@sillysausage4549]

I never loved her, and never hoped to love her.

[@oorwilly9305]

The death of June was what killed him imo. A broken heart, he was ready for it.

[@michellamoureuxm]

I feel a bit of that each time i hear it. That man worked his ass off his entire life doing something he loved, looking back at all his records, rewards and accolades, yet compared to his wife? Nothing but dirt, the only other thing he dedicated his life to.

[@georgestem2039]

She saved him

[@donp1964]

This song does change with your age. The closer you get to the end of life, it becomes more relatable.

[@u32lb1]

"Closing the piano and music is his whole life, sorry. " I end up watching reactions to this video from different voice coaches/vocalist and this is so brilliant and true.

[@smk3390]

That wasn't a song, that was a glance into the soul of a legend.

[@kmarklandes8630]

When he closes the piano lid and caresses it like a lover gets me every time. As if he is saying goodbye to music, life and pain. All my best June and Johnny you will not be forgotten.

[@BenChanNYC]

To me, it felt like he was closing a coffin. Heartbreak and resignation - there's nothing more to be said, nothing more you can do. The finality of it is crushing.

[@citizengaines5414]

I always had that feeling about it, but you finally expressed it for me.

[@adamw2785]

The piano was never opened again after you see him close it in the music video.

[@redxsage]

Yes. _"That's it. I'm done. Goodbye."_

[@markmyers6472]

It was an image of the closing of a casket lid... very emotionally and visually striking.

[@deeanddude]

Julia: The fact that this moved you so deeply, gives you much more credibility. Don’t apologise for having to take a moment. This video was the last song that Johnny ever sung, and he knew it too. He was such a powerhouse of a performer; grassroots, singing from the heart

[@3dpooltile829]

This was Mr. Cash the artist, final masterpiece. Johnny Cash's final interview is on KZbin. Mr. Cash was ready to go.

[@kairoshin]

"What have I become?" is always what gets me teary. Decades of emotion in one line. It just hits different.

[@oldmuso586]

The line that gets me is "Every one I know goes away in the end". Parents dying, pets dying, kids moving away, all occurred in a short span for me.

[@lairdcummings9092]

Coming from Cash, at the end of his long and storied life, that line hits like a brick to the head.

[@larryrodriguez1977]

But those weren't his lyrics. Those are Trent reznors lyrics so you're saying that Trent reznors lyrics are what move you.

[@lairdcummings9092]

@@larryrodriguez1977 lyrics are only a part of the music, and I'd argue not even the largest part in the emotional impact. Musical arrangement and the singer's performance are very important. For an example, see (hear) Simon & Garfunkel's performance of "Sounds of Silence" vs. Disturb's rendition. *VERY* different impact, despite the same lyrics. Bottom line: if two different versions of the song leave you with different feelings, then it isn't the words that are moving you, but the singer.

[@larryrodriguez1977]

@@lairdcummings9092 I agree wholeheartedly. but I guess my point was that not many people nowadays know that it was a nine inch nails song. I grew up with the NIN version so thats the one I am drawn to. The Cash version is truly moving I will admit but for me i cant hear anything but trent singing. I am little biased i guess

[@kvoltti]

The beauty of the American Recordings is that they didn’t produce his voice at all. No auto tune, no polish, just the raw unfiltered voice full of age and truth and sorrow and wisdom.

[@markberard804]

I think auto tuning Johnny Cash in this song would be a crime against humanity and is likely prohibited by the Geneva Convention

[@Cautionary_Tale_Harris]

@@markberard804 It would definitely be a capital offense.

[@xxpoisonblxx]

@@markberard804 The things anyone that would do that to his voice would deserve are *certainly* against the Geneva Convention.

[@CFWhitman]

@@markberard804 Auto tuning Johnny Cash would totally nullify what made him special. He made an art form of singing slightly out of tune for emotional effect.

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

I love Johnny's voice. I believe it was Steve Earle who described it as the sound of a train howling across a prairie landscape.

[@michaelradel2405]

You hit the mark so perfectly with this, young woman. Johnny Cash dies within 12 months of recording this. You picked up on the sentiments and message perfectly. As a 71 yr old male myself, some of this sits uncomfortably close to the mark with me. Go bless you and keep up your fine work 🙏😓🤗🌹

[@jacqueplett1800]

This

[@danalawrence4473]

When I first heard him sing this song, I thought to myself that there will never be a song as perfect as this, and it nearly brought me to my knees. I know Trent Reznor wrote this as an autobiographical piece, but it fit Johnny so beautifully, and the production by Rick Rubin strips it down to bare bones. I recall thinking, Johnny is going to sing Nine Inch Nails? And now, seeing this video, it is just devastating. Seeing June standing over him during what is clearly a time where he is ready to take his leave, I am in tears like you. Wow. Just, wow.

[@douglashayes3167]

It's even more powerful to realize June, died about 3 months after this video.... Johnny only 7.... when Johnny closed the piano for the last time.... it was really the last time..... this video is not only powerful.... its a living historical document in my view.....Thanks Julia for sharing.....

[@FFVison]

On top of that, the contour of the lid for the keys of the piano kinda look a bit like the curvature of the top of a casket as he's closing it.

[@Gothicsilencer]

Came here to say this. It was literally Johnny and June saying goodbye. When she looks at him during this video being produced, that look from the stairs, it's one of the last times either one of them was healthy enough to be out in public. Not sure if Johnny Cash killed it, or the song killed Johnny Cash...

[@dnsmithnc]

@@FFVison Great observation. Hadn't noticed that.

[@thegreenpickel]

Hard for me to listen to this track. It's like a kick in the nuts.

[@bosyber]

Trent Reznor talking about how he at first dismissed the song when he was told about it, busy with stuff, and not feeling good with himself; then later looked at the clip with the band - he is audably emotional thinking how impacted he was.

[@Katatta93]

Me: I'm not crying, you're crying You: *crying* Me: Ok fine we're both crying

[@MesaperProductions]

To channel Letterkenny: "If you're not crying, I don't care to know you."

[@spartyon3000]

Johnny did the best job ever of pointing out that stuff means dirt. Family and friends are the true legacy

[@USMCSniperWolf]

I was not expecting to wake up today to start crying within an hour of getting out of bed. Hearing both Disturbed's "Sound of Silence" and Johnny Cash's "Hurt", and listening to your reaction, really did me in. Beautifully done, on both the video and the songs.

[@LeglessWonder]

Trent Reznor was born to write “Hurt” .... Johnny Cash was born to sing it

[@kingnothing77685]

Cody Evans so well said.

[@fnjesusfreak]

And indeed, it's so quintessentialy Cash, and yet still manages to remain quintessentially Reznor.

[@jefftraboulsy8631]

lol nah

[@jefftraboulsy8631]

@Brix Broox No problem buddy.

[@l.martinfletes3566]

Johnny sang “Hurt” to say goodbye. You could say that he was dying to sing it😔

[@darkiee69]

He changed one word in the lyrics. He changed shit to thorns in the "I wear this crown off ..." June wasn't supposed to be in the video. She was resting upstairs and came down to see what was going on, and they kept it in. She died a short while after.

[@justdave9610]

That was also the radio edit lyrics in the original song too

[@stuartcole4845]

Just Dave yes, but it also serves to link the song into Johnny’s faith. They were both gone within a year or so of this release, which is part of what makes this piece so sad.

[@ethanbrown2900]

If I am remembering correctly, June died a few months before the video was released, and he died a few months after

[@Green-Lyon]

Yes, the look of concern on June's face was quite genuine.

[@andyfletcher3561]

@@Green-Lyon That broke me this time. As many time as I have watched this video, I had never noticed her on the stairs.

[@pointnemo72]

When a voice holds a lifetime of experience behind every note.

[@seanquarles7742]

The most powerful real moment of his life. This song was made for him. As hard as his life was this was a exit of class and redemption

[@jimward204]

I personally believe this song has an ever increasing impact the older you get. Family and friends pass on and before you know it, you're pretty much alone. At 69, I cry every time I hear it.

[@m.lindemann8400]

Beautifully put, Jim.

[@jimward204]

@@m.lindemann8400 Thank you.

[@Zack-xv2yc]

Damn, hope you're doing well, bud.

[@OriginalMiztiki]

When you visit the cemetery and say this is my husband, and here is mom and dad, and there are my two brothers, and over there is my best friend since kindergarten, oh and there’s Aunt so-and-so, and Tom (he was the first boy I ever kissed), and…and, and, and(…)

[@rodneysmith9177]

63 here. When you are 20 your think you have all the time in the world to right all your wrongs and make up for all your mistakes. Then at some point you realize you will just have to live with many of them. The people you hurt are gone, the things you didn't do that you should have done are in the rear view mirror.

[@diGritz1]

Johnny Cash didn't die, God wanted guitar lessons.

[@daltonfischer2224]

Amen

[@Richard_Gatecliffe_Photography]

Well said my friend.

[@MaggotKing556]

Lol. Facts

[@Azhureus]

The best way looking at it !

[@Christian-my4dp]

god wanted to learn the Tennessee flat top box

[@JacksonCA2]

I totally love Johnny Cash and this version of “Hurt” brings up such emotions. The fact that he was addicted to heroin for so long, as was Trent Reznor, and he knew the pain of the needle, shouldn’t be lost. Hence the regret and the fear in these lyrics. Thanks for your reaction.

[@CaptOrbit]

I think the song only gathers more meaning and impact to the listener the older we get, the more people we lose, and the more regrets we accumulate.

[@SCharlesDennicon]

"you can't fake the experience." --> You deserve a like for that alone. Yes you can't.

[@roryslaine7896]

"What's the difference between knowledge and wisdom? Knowledge is knowing that tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad."

[@andrewe2057]

It doesn't matter if I just listened to the song 5 minutes ago, I cry every time I hear it. Grown man, Army vet... doesn't matter. I cry EVERY time I watch this video.

[@Wolfie5309]

This. SO much this. And the more you listen to it, or watch the video....the more it hurts, and the harder you cry.

[@akiraakai]

You are not alone. 50YO and I cry every time.

[@JEilonwyn]

I think it's the undertone of the song. Tren was trying to work out a horrible situation in his life. Johnny is looking back on his. This song resonates with every life experience we can have, every failure, every triumph (which ultimately amounts to nothing, we have to leave it behind), every wrong thing I have done, or right thing I didn't. It calls us to do better, and reminds us we will still fail. Someone once said; "Life IS pain. Anyone who tells you different is selling you something." This song, and this version of it, speaks to that part of me deeply. And even deeper the more life I have.

[@mlong1958]

Trent Reznor, the author, said something like, it isn't my song, I just carried it a while for Johnny. Johnny's wife, June, the woman on the stairs, died not too long after he recorded this. He died not too long after her. His daughter told him it sounded like he was saying goodbye and he replied, I was. You should listen to The Man Comes Around, which he wrote not too long before he died. It is a masterpiece.

[@Bluesman1-6560]

I played guitar for Johnny a few times and it breaks my heart every time I watch this video and I love your true reaction, thank you for not editing it out, that emotion is what makes us all human.

[@stewartmcdonald4121]

thanks

[@aaronjackson2780]

I've seen this a hundred times... I'm a grown ass man, and I break down inside each and every time

[@lim-dulspaladin50]

That makes two of us brother

[@titantasorin]

Same brother, every single time.

[@ChasingLamely]

Yep. Every single time.

[@tehnemox]

I have not met nor seen any person yet that does not at the very least tear up upon watching this video for the first time. It's just so powerful. Many have tried to disect it and explain it and try to be methodical and rational about it but at the end of the day the power it holds is all in the emotion it evokes.

[@Joxman2k]

Me too.

[@slabpanda]

When he closed the piano, he was saying “it is finished” because his work on earth was complete. He was the very epitome of the word incomparable.

[@K4rouWS9]

A lot of people have compared it to the closing of a coffin lid, with a final caress goodbye.

[@okipatrick]

This video is exponentially better because of your emotional connection and willingness to be honest about your own feelings. The video for Hurt is what made Trent Reznor adapt his response from not liking the cover on first listen to accepting it wasn't his song anymore.

[@richardknight1532]

This is old-school song storytelling at its best. the life, pain and experiences are undeniable.

[@cerberus01]

The fact that the video was shot at The House of Cash, Johnny Cash museum, and that is the actual condition it was in, plus June passed away 3 months after the video was shot, and Johnny shortly after make this quite possibly the saddest music video of all time.

[@fnjesusfreak]

I think Mark Romanek well understood what Cash intended with his version of the song, and made a masterpiece of a video for it as a result.

[@JeremyNeish]

And then I think the museum burned down not much later. Seems somehow fitting.

[@3rod3reelfishing19]

@@JeremyNeish his house burned down. The former museum is now an office of some sort. I think a real estate type business. The House of Cash sign is still over the front entrance.

[@daveyhouston]

I would be sadder if I was not dying too

[@adam_mawz_maas]

@@fnjesusfreak Romanek had the advantage of not only understanding Cash's intentions, but Trent Reznor's original ones. He's a long-time collaborator with NIN and directed one of the videos (Closer) for the album that Hurt was originally released on. It's one of the greatest videos released, a perfect understanding of the song, Cash and Reznor including both where Cash was (a look back on his very checkered past and the woman who kept him alive and gave his life meaning) and Reznor was when he first wrote it (a young man, alone and just about broken)

[@MrZnarffy]

Even Trent Reznor who wrote this song reacted strongly to watching this video for the firsts time and basically said how Johnny just nailed it. It fits so well with his life, and his voice can carry so much emotion with a lifetime of experiences coloring it....It reflects on all of us, our life choices, things we regret and are proud of, but in the end, all there is are memories...

[@thomasarussellsr]

" ...all there is are memories." If we are lucky. Alzheimer's took even that from both of my maternal grandparents. Between a traumatic brain injury and a stroke I have lost many memories from my earlier life already. Be thankful if you still have the good ones, as I am thankful for the loss of the bad ones (until someone in the family tells the stories of those bad times and "gifts" them back to me).

[@rogerledoux4741]

He also said he wrote it but it was no longer his song.

[@MrTech226]

Trent and Johnny had a mutual friend, producer, Rick Rubin. Johnny had Rick asked Trent to see if he can cover the song. At 1st, Trent had reservations of Johnny's version, but hearing and seeing Johnny's version. Trent allegedly stated this is Johnny's song. I agree with him. Trent's version is about drug addiction. Johnny had his bouts with drug addiction during his life.

[@crazyjim1987]

Not just that but i read in an article that Cash's Hurt rendition was the only one that passed by a large margin even the original version.

[@ctwoolley1974]

No! It’s watching him live, and you’re absolutely right, with regret. June Carter looking on always breaks me

[@mikeboyd21]

I'm an old man of 76yrs. This clip made me cry. I was a fan and to see him pass...

[@TJMiton]

This video is why the question "what is the best cover of all time?" needs to be followed by "other than Hurt by Johnny Cash."

[@johnbarry8238]

TJMiton agreed

[@Duane_Grabert]

Ok. That statement is valid. Number 2 is Whitney Houston covers Dolly Parton's I Will Always Love You.

[@brianl8481]

"What is the best cover of all time, and why is it Hurt by Johnny Cash?"

[@jeffreyfickert4818]

This and Disturbed’s cover of Sound of silence are what all covers are judged by

[@Neoreaver]

"Painkiller" covered by Death.

[@johnnykrejlgaard3339]

My father died 15 December 2016... I held his hand when he died. Exactly one year later, I held my mothers hand when she died. I come back to this song over and over again and I cry everytime. The two very first records I bought as young was with Johnny Cash in the late -60's. I miss my father and my mother so much and this song is special for me as it reminds me of my belowed parents.

[@jamesrosenbaum120]

I'm a young man who also lost both of his parents recently. I feel the same way when I hear this song. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@andrewleet1942]

I know your feelings on this. Lost my dad in 19 and I've tried so hard not to link this song to my dad. It's hard because my dad and Johnny lived very similar lives.

[@dekelanson5280]

I feel your pain, friend. I lost Dad when I was 7, and Mom almost 4 1/2 years ago. It will always hurt, but time will ease the pain, if only a little bit.

[@d0gu67]

"That's My Job" by Conway Twitty is the tear-jerker for me.

[@jacktait9849]

may they rest in peace

[@lunaticloon5638]

First of all, great song! At 62, this song rings so true to me. I didn't feel this way when I was 20-50 years old. At an older age, I feel these emotions and realize no matter what small or large empire I have built, I know I am at the end of my life. My friends will eventually die and so will I. If I am the last one standing alone to face the end alone, with no friend alive, that's when I realize, there goes my empire and memories leaving me with nothing in the end. In the end, time will move on without me! Eric

[@michaelshelton3910]

Don’t be sorry, it was beautiful on so many levels.

[@revredbeard3289]

A dying man Knowing he’s dying and he still left us with this masterpiece. Thank you thank you thank you. Edit: typing through tears is hard lol. If you love this thank Rick Rubin. He made this magic happen.

[@Buenopablito]

Cash and Bowie left the earth by the big door. No doubt.

[@LadyNikitaShark]

I think most old people know when their time is coming. My grandma, 3 days before she died, told my mom she wasn't going to be arround much more...

[@vamwolf]

@@LadyNikitaShark same. I do miss my gram

[@briankrahn2364]

Let yourself cry, I was Ugly-crying the first time I heard this as an about 42 year old man who was raised not to cry.

[@graveuncertainty2627]

Like you, first time I heard this I had a damp feeling on my cheeks. My first thought was music doesn't do this to me I was wrong.

[@kevinaronyk6081]

It doesn't matter how many times I listen ,and watch this ,it strikes me to my core each time. I always love watching the reactions from all the various types of people who "react" to this. They always start off with their particular kind of "persona" they want to project ,but by the time they finish listening ,and watching this masterpiece , that image that they want to project is striped away ,and we get a glimpse into the "real" person. This is a performance which transcends the usual boundaries of a "performance. " I loved your response ,and honest reactions.

[@richh650]

This song was simply one of the most powerful performances I have ever seen in my many years. It was just so sublime and very raw. Thank you Greatly for your very good breakdown of this review Julia!

[@et1965]

The video clip was recorded in February 2003. June dies 3 months later in May of that year. Jonny died 7 months after it was filmed in September of that year. Sadly, the house burned down in 2007 and the scene where June is standing on the stairs behind Johnny visibly upset was still visible after the house burned down. This scene of the fireplace after the house burned down seems like a sad metaphor to the song, the video clip and the meaning of the entire production. It is truly one of the most profound and heartbreaking productions I have ever seen. Live well people. Be kind to yourselves and others. Peace from Australia.

[@johnsonye683]

In my culture, we burn things to our departed love ones so they can use in the afterlife. They arent of my culture but I like to think that Johnny and his wife is reunited in the afterlife and is residing in their own home with each other once more

[@et1965]

@@johnsonye683 That is a nice thought.

[@andycofin6983]

His closing the lid on that piano is like closing the lid of a coffin.

[@jackkomorowski2722]

Closing the piano cover was symbolic of closing his own coffin. He knew he was leaving

[@brettteply9363]

This song is special. Thank you. You can have it all.

[@garbonzo9]

I can generally hold it together until he closes the piano.. That usually does me in.. Enjoyed your reaction.

[@revredbeard3289]

The symbolism of closing the piano...no words.

[@99sheepy]

Exactly, the finality of him closing the piano, is very powerful.

[@ryanedwardson6541]

Same.

[@dr.pendyke4887]

That is an incredibly sad moment, there is even something in the expression when he looked down. I can somehow feel the pain.

[@neoneherefrom5836]

Yeah it always kills me in movies when they flip a light switch off at the end of a scene.

[@Mildcat743]

June's placement during the video ended up being impressively symbolic with hindsight. June passed away only a few months before Johnny, so looking back she's almost there as a ghost, watching over the love of her life as his draws to a close.

[@slosubies4845]

That's the part of the video that gets me every time. This cover and the video are both masterpieces of contemplative art.

[@truckrboat]

the whole thing of this incredible masterpiece was June died 3 months later and John died 7 months later he truly was saying goodbye to everyone, and to himself!

[@DA2THFA1RY]

I don't cry often, but this song always gets me, every single time. It's painful to listen to, but it's such a great song sung with pure heartfelt pain and experience

[@jamesl1809]

Well, I'll be 72 next month and every time I watch this video it resonates with me and I tear up throughout the song. The piano lid does me in each time. Excellent reaction as always.

[@cydrych]

When he played this for his children they said “it’s like you’re saying goodbye” he said “I am”.

[@00dfm00]

Damnnn

[@wyattwilliams2457]

My great grandfather asked the nurse to play this on repeat, he was dying of sepsis

[@RichardRagan]

No greater tribute to Cash, than to see Julia's eyes progressively redden over the 10 minutes of her analysis. Not to mention the 20 or so cuts that she made as she composed herself.

[@popuptarget7386]

Most of us will never have the ability to express what Johnny did in this song. We feel how life turns to dust in the end. Once those who remember us are gone, we are gone forever.

[@douglewis5701]

Julia, nine inch nails version is about a history of drug abuse, Johnny Cash's version here is more about a man realizing his life is coming to a close.

[@ThatOneGuy9556]

Even more than that, it's a reflection. Like, "Boy, it goes quick, don't it?" Realizing that all the fame, the money, it doesn't mean much in the end. You can't take it with you.

[@BigAlbutcher]

Remember, Cash had a long history of alcoholism and drug abuse, too.

[@thewildhealer541]

Johnny Cash had addictions and suffered from alcoholism too. I interpret this cover as as a dying man who realized he never lived his life to its full potential. He missed chances in life, did things he regret, the years of drug abuse trying to kill his emotions but all in vain etc. The last verse is him telling us to love ourselves and life more while we can.

[@jamestaylor-tg2ln]

This is the first time I've heard this song and I'm speechless. My heart hurts.

[@Hard_7_Iron]

A Powerful Song. No doubt. Johnny drove it home! And the videographer did as well. I cannot watch this video without tears. Powerful, is the only word.

[@frankhuggins9856]

He is a great man I have hard his songs when I was 4 years old I will be 54 years old in OCTOBER 26 my MOM would play his songs & ELVIS PRESLEY & a lot more

[@liberty_or_death]

This was actually the last video that June Carter was in. She died shortly after.

[@kalak_9040]

You could feel the pain in his voice You could see it in his eyes You felt everything just by his voice It does hurt Everything pain you have comes up

[@Yarkoonian]

it hurts

[@lightlover33]

Thank you for being real. You seemed to really connect to the gravity of this song, such an indictment on temporal pursuits. Johnny was so instrumental (pun intended) calling the younger generation to spiritual foundations.

[@Ciaoboy9999]

I'm just now seeing this reaction to Johnny's take on Hurt. Nine Inch Nails was part of my teenage soundtrack, and hearing JC put an entirely new feel and power to this song was heartbreaking to me. Thank you for your reaction! When you broke stating ".... and music was his whole life!" So did I! It is wonderful to see your generation actually feel the music of my generation, instead of just dismissing it. Thank you so much for what you do in these reaction videos.

[@mightymad2000]

the piano crescendo at the end utterly breaks me every time. It is so disturbing... and I think it is supposed to be.

[@SasquatchFab]

the crescendo paired with the eerie distortion of his voice just gives me chills and you can just feel his emotion in it.

[@dchiznit209]

like you can hear the end, the cadence death itself coming on the other side..and when it winds down...its him finally walking up to you to tell you it’s time

[@kmarklandes8630]

The crescendo provides the emotional resonance for the closing of the piano cover to symbolize the end of of first, his musical career and then months later his life.

[@racerex340]

I've waited nearly 20 years to hear someone explain the impact of this song, this video in a way that captures how it impacted, and still impacts me today. Trent's original of Hurt touched me as a teen, having grown up with family members and friends that were addicts, some who gave up fighting. Johnny's on the other hand touches me in an entirely different way, in a way that I can relate to even more now at my age than i did 19 years ago, the regret, the sorrow and remorse in his voice, someone at the end of his life realizing all of the pain he has caused to those around him, and being forced to come to terms with the fact that what is done is done, he can't undo it, he can't fix it, this was his life as he sees it's, realizing that it's almost over. It breaks my heart every time I hear it because it hits so close to home.

[@Nerinabell]

Really great comment.

[@scottdenham9425]

His broken heart is singing . He's a beautiful old man.I'm a real man who feels that deeply ,thank you for this you're a lovely person

[@mitchcavanaugh7796]

I will never not cry seeing and hearing him sing this. The sheer level of emotion he conveys through such simple story telling. It's impossible to compare.

[@paulmadden1975]

"Closing the lid of the piano, and music is his whole life". I'd pretty much held it together until then... I'm a 45 year old man, whenever I watch this video, it gets me choked up. But oh my word, watching your sincere reaction to this was melancholically beautiful, as stupid as that may sound. I cried with you, I'm happy to admit, and I don't think I've ever hugged my phone before... With regards to the song itself, I've listened to Nine Inch Nails for years, seeing them live some time ago and hearing it both live and studio. Trent Reznor is a genius, both troubled and strong, and their original version has often been portrayed with disturbing imagery, set out to have an emotional impact, but not in this way. This is down to basics sadness, it's human, and it's beautiful. I know exactly what you mean about the impact it has when coupled with the video, very clever directing and production, it turns even the most hardened soul into an empath. I can't think of many songs that have been covered, or in this case, repurposed as I'd like to think of it, with as much emotion and honesty. Thank you, lovely Julia, for this video. I'm subscribing, please don't make me cry again. :-)

[@Wayneraltman]

If the purpose of music is to evoke emotion, this is a masterpiece.

[@hangman2159]

Wow , I deeply appreciated how you reacted to Johny Cash in this performance. It broke me down, the song, his voice, how you responded in detail about his life and the layers of meanings in the lyrics. It's deep and you "get it". Never heard someone tell it exactly how I felt and then give their insight to make me think. Thanks much 🎵👍

[@Canthus13]

We ALL cry when we see this. I cry every time I hear it. It's heart wrenching and perfect and the greatest cover ever.

[@eddiewilkinson9794]

I've got to stop watching people react to this video.. someone keeps cutting onions. As to "not his lyrics" according to Trent Reznor, this is a Johnny Cash song now. The song is very powerful but the imagery of this video turns the emotion up to a much higher level. I've seen a dozen or more different reactions (many of whom had no clue who Johnny Cash was) and they all were either wiping their eyes or sitting perfectly still trying to process. One young man said "This sounds crazy but I feel like i know him now" you do lad, you do.

[@WolfHreda]

Another song in a similar vein is David Bowie's Lazarus. Sort of a musical last will and testament, and performed fearlessly.

[@sudragon2k3]

Queen: 'The Show must go on'. Freddie got it in one take.

[@nonesuch6829]

Yes yes and yes to the Lazarus comment!

[@danielmassingham3673]

Lazarus is a beautiful spine tingling song

[@eswing2153]

It’s not even close. What are you talking about?

[@WolfHreda]

@@eswing2153 they're both the last songs they recorded before their deaths, each one essentially saying goodbye to the world, and both weighed heavily by a life of experiences that fundamentally shaped them.

[@GORF_EMPIRE]

Watching how this touched you was a beautiful thing. How can anyone watch and listen to this and not be moved.

[@Jay-pv3ql]

Probably the best reaction video I have seen.

[@user-sx4yu3nw4j]

This was the most genuine and heartfelt “reaction” of this performance. I’m glad to see you get it. Every time I watch it, I become Niagara Falls 😭

[@juliettemcgee9055]

Here's a virtual hug from a stranger. That was a raw, heartfelt reaction. I feel you. This week is quite tough for me to go through, it's my birthday week- and also the 3rd year anniversary of my mom leaving the world which we had on Monday. Nevertheless, I instill in my head she wouldn't want to see me sad, she'd want us to be happy...and that thought keeps me sane and I'm able to move on. Thanks for not afraid to show your emotions to us 💛

[@novaasher1185]

Awww here's another virtual hug for you, my friend ❤

[@jvoxfox]

Happy Birthday Juliette, I'm so sorry about your mum

[@mikkj1]

I'm 73, and when I pass, I want the memory of me to bring a smile to those who care about me. I want them to remember my sense of humor, a kindness, or my smile, or good times in general. We old folk don't want our memory to bring pain to those we care about. Build a stock of good memories of her in your mind, and, whenever thought of her brings sadness, focus on one of those good memories. Eventually, the thought of her will bring a smile to your face. Be well.

[@juliettemcgee9055]

Thank you, everyone 😊

[@chrisvaughn4399]

Not sure how I managed to stumble across the video and your comment.. but, I'm certainly glad to have seen it. Lost my mother last year to an accidental overdose. Today is her birthday. I'm not much of an emotional person. This one got me. Yup. I felt it. If sincere, anonymous, socially distant cyber hugs are the trendy offering here in the comments section, there's one in my basket for ya. *My empire of dirt* What an amazingly profound (and deeply meaningful) lyric.

[@richardkev3077]

I don’t know how many times I’ve seen this music vid. It brings tears to my eyes every single time.

[@AmalgmousProxy]

Knowing he specifically requested to do this cover and that this is his very last song... Man, it gets me in the feels every time...

[@campybear]

NIN's version made me look at my life and clean up when it came out. Then Johnny Cash brought it back in such a different way, and made me clean up things in a very different way. It's strange getting slapped in the face twice in one life by the same song in such different ways. But as potent as Cash's version is, the tears on my face will attest to that, Trent's version is still the more important to me.

[@antanis]

I think in general there are more people at younger ages that can empathize with nin's version of this song. The amount of life experience Johnny had when he covered this is something most people just don't have. Both are incredibly powerful songs lryicly and the goals are admittedly different.

[@campybear]

It is true that age plays a factor. Trent's is a young man's story, Cash's is an end of time story. And Cash's rings stronger and stronger every year. But one saved my life, and that colours my opinion so strongly.

[@cannotwaittoseedavanteadam4301]

@@antanis I love both versions. I remember when NIN first released this song. I'm still "only" 37 but feel like I can relate to Cash's version a lot cuz due to my health I won't be around for much longer. I have so much regret and would love nothing more than to go back and do things differently knowing how short my time here will be.

[@antanis]

@@campybear I totally understand that

[@jvoxfox]

@@cannotwaittoseedavanteadam4301 your comment made me cry all over again. my thoughts are with you and I hope you aren't in any pain.

[@iristhundercloud9684]

Rip Johnny and June cash

[@cliffhall4168]

what a beautiful and respectful reaction.

[@jefferycantwell7455]

Thank you. I'm 57 grew up with Jonny cash and rest of them all. His last song recorded. He did a perfect job.

[@AztecHusBone]

"and you can have it all, my, empire of dirt" Devastating lyric

[@wackyvorlon]

I feel like it’s really a prayer. A lamentation over his mistakes.

[@danielroque02]

Completely agree with you

[@boneheded2819]

He was praying for forgiveness and I think he got it.

[@legovicar]

It does feel like a prayer and the images of Christ’s crucifixion would add evidence to that notion.

[@oldmachinist9236]

3 years later and this is still the best reaction I've seen to this video

[@kevinfancher3512]

So beautifully considered and brilliantly shared, Julia. It is more than just the performance of the song that has me needing a hug right now. Thank you.

[@barrettflorida]

Even more emotional when you know June Cater died shortly after this video was made, and he passed away only 3 months later.

[@pwlpc]

These three months must have been the worst for Johnny and so adds to the song

[@Kodi093]

He died four months later

[@mr_ozzio5095]

@@pwlpc This song is johnys life, he hurt and miss treated a lot of people in his drug/booze years. Hes saying sorry from the botton of his heart, you really feel pain and regret....

[@pwlpc]

@@mr_ozzio5095 I know

[@elh954]

They say Johnny died from diabetes, he didn't die from that, he died from a broken heart from losing June.

[@shewmonohoto]

I want to thank you. I fell into a rabbit hole this evening, and started watching '...Reacts to Johnny Cash's cover of Hurt' videos, and I was getting quite sad. This is the 6th or 7th that I have watched, you are the first person that has actually said the name June Carter. Without June, we would have never known Johnny. Thank You... PS, 1979, I was 5 years old the first time I saw Johnny and June live, I have only very vague memories of that concert. My mother has told me, serval times, that on the way home I asked "Can she be my other grandma?" Apparently I was smitten.... The venue where we saw them, several times a year, shut down by the time I was 10. Fast Forward, 1993, I end up as a regular Extra on a TV show set in 1890s Colorado Springs. One morning I show up and see the call sheet, and almost wet my authentic 1800s vintage wool slacks... The assistant director (who I was kinda friends with) kept starting scenes with me next to FRACKING JOHNNY CASH!!!! So we spent the morning making small talk, (me doing my best to be good professional extra, rule one, don't go fanboy on the guest star while on set). Finally we get a break and Johnny motions me over to his 'lounge' (a few chairs and a cooler set up under the Awning of the General Store) I confessed all, Johnny grabbed my right hand in a shake, then covers it with his left hand (so I can't get away) and says "Damn kid, you make me feel old, honored and good, but ol...." before he got the last 'old' out of his mouth, I felt arms around my chest, I felt my feet leave the floor, and I was traveling in circles, then I felt the lips on my cheek. June Carter Cash (my fantasy 'other grandma') had me locked in a bearhug, and she gave an almost familial kiss to the fake beard on my cheek... sorry for the long winded reply, there was something cathartic about actually writing it down.

[@dagfincarp1113]

I've watched a few reaction videos to this song. Yours is the best. It's hard to analyze because this is a legendary performer essentially baring his soul as a human being and summing up his life from his own deepest perspective. It's not performing, it's existence, life and death that we all face.