Old Composer REACTS to Johnny Cash Cover of NIN "Hurt" | Song Reaction and Breakdown

[@KathleenGreer-hk6yl]

When I heard this song, i knew I didn't want to leave this planet with a lot of regret. I mended a few bridges and it put me at peace. Thanks, Johnny.

[@Angie-Pants]

There's an extra layer of heartbreak in the video: parts of it were filmed in the wreckage of the House of Cash museum in Tennessee. It was destroyed by flooding years prior and never reopened. The rest was filmed in Cash's house in Hendersonville TN, which burned down in 2007. The vast majority of things in the video are gone along with him and June.

[@chevota84]

The video is great. Like the song it's simple and very powerful.

[@zminor8534]

The video is a masterpiece on its own...and this is coming from someone from the MTV generation. The last scene with the piano may be one of them moving scenes I've ever encountered.

[@merenthatarrant1860]

The video still moves me to tears. You can feel the pain.

[@StriborCumez]

Yeah I do not know any other video that complements the music on emotional level as this one. It is unbelievable artistic eulogy to the life of an artist. Music is great, video is great but combined together, they are genuine masterpiece. When Trent Reznor first saw the video, while recording with De la Rocha, he sad ... this song does not belong to me anymore.

[@ramongoroth]

Absolutely recommend you check out the video. Very powerful stuff

[@kurtborchers6178]

Trent Reznor's on record as saying he wasn't particularly impressed when he heard just the audio version of this song, but once he saw the video for it is when he said he knew it was no longer his song. this is one instance where you REALLY need to watch the official video to get the full impact.

[@Oduunich]

Absolutely need the video. Seeing the devastation that was his home, the remnants of his life, his wife June behind him on the stairs. The video was shot Feb 2003, June Carter Cash passed away May 2003, Johnny passed away Sept 2003. It's his final music video. When deciding whether to release it, June had all the kids watch it. Roseanne said "Dad, it sounds like you're saying goodbye" & Johnny replied "I am."

[@DerEchteBold]

It seems he watched the actual video but had to cover it up for copyright and crap.

[@Oduunich]

@@DerEchteBold hard to tell if he did since he doesn't mention usual things, like June standing behind him as he plays. But he does mention the piano at the start, but also doesnt comment on it's closing at the end.

[@MigMart75]

Yep. All the power of this "version" is seeing the video and listen all the words... That's completely heart breaking and complete change the history. I already saw the video duzens of time and I keep crying in all of them...

[@DerEchteBold]

@@MigMart75 I don't know, i always found the song very impressive (this one I mean, didn't know the original) without paying that much attention to the video and I rarely pay attention to any lyrics cause I also mostly see the vocals as just one of the instruments.

[@charliekiger]

Trent Reznor himself said this was an entirely different song than he wrote. Just by having a man of Johnny's years and knowledge and heartache sing his lyrics changed it.

[@ericcadwell5193]

When you write a song, and it become somebody else's.

[@Brotha_Teresa]

Trent actually said, in one interview, that it’s Johnny’s song now. That’s the ultimate nod to an artist that simply covers music that you’ve created.

[@ezeziel1498]

Yeah, kinda like Dylan did with Hendrix’s version of ”All along the watchtower”.

[@justaname2422]

@@Brotha_Teresa Coming from Trent also, don't know a lot about him but I've heard he's tough to please.

[@The0ne7777]

@@justaname2422 thousands of keyboards can confirm that he is hard to please, and not pleasant when he's not.

[@fatheroftrinity8963]

As a musician and producer, I'm a huge fan of how you break these down. Not taking too many breaks, simplifying the way you explain things. You're a good dude and you're doing great things for the metal community with a lot of these videos. You're appreciated.

[@GregsWhiskyGuide]

Well said, I can only second that...

[@oldnsleepysmitty5503]

Agreed!

[@bananasamurai]

101% agree!

[@silentdecay]

Essential. ..& thank you for your presence in leaving important comments on this crazy ride. Peace!

[@R.D.R.NIGHTINGALE]

100

[@TheGingernaut]

One of the things about this cover, once his daughter heard it she said dad this sound like you are saying goodbye, he replied I am. This was the only song he done after he lost his wife and died shortly after making the video. RIP THE LEGEND

[@nickhill8612]

Yes I heard or read the same thing. This is definitely his swan song. Have you heard Willie Nelson cover of Just Breath with his son?

[@DanaTheInsane]

His wife is IN the video,

[@Antifurryrepublic-unit0987]

Yes his wife is in the video. She died 3 months after filming. He passed 7 months after filming. It was really a final farewell for him. Even though she didn’t die while filming, it’s like he was foreshadowing in.

[@hiddendragon415]

What a sad but poetic goodbye

[@asaabrahamagulnik574]

It was shortly before his wife passed; she came in the scene unexpectedly.

[@GrimrDirge]

Rick Rubin begged Johnny to record this track, Johnny was very unconvinced at first. He didn't see how to make this his own, but they obviously figured it out.

[@Brotha_Teresa]

Rick signed up to produce the American Recording series of albums by Johnny when no one else would touch him due to his age. Those are all some great albums and they absolutely struck gold with this recording of Hurt.

[@davidlfort]

@@Brotha_Teresa his pitch to Johnny for the original American Recordings was "your voice and an acoustic guitar."

[@Brotha_Teresa]

@@davidlfort perfect sales pitch there!

[@madeleinkroukamp]

I JUST wanted to make a comment about this. Johnny just trusted Rick because he had taken a chance on him and he trusted him, but he didn't want to do it initially. And Trent was also peeved when he heard of it. Only later did Mr Reznor really start to love it and gave his stamp of approval.

[@Arenow]

@@madeleinkroukamp As I seem to recall Trent's comments on nin.com back in the day, he heard it and dismissed it as just another cover of his tired song. Later on the same day he watched the video, was overtaken by feelings and felt as if he had listened to somebody else's song entirely.

[@micheletrainor1601]

When his daughter heard this and turned to her father and said I don't like it, it sounds like u are saying goodbye to which he replied I am. Rest in peace a true legend.

[@vinnyganzano1930]

Johnny Cash took a seriously disturbing song and made it his own by pouring a lifetime of his own pain into the lyrics. A song which touches me deeply as I think of those I've lost in my life. Ultimately, we all hurt.

[@19RaxR91]

Thats quite a fair way to look at it. I mean, I get the appeal of Johnnys version, but personally I do think the original Should be more relevant to our society in general, as it talks about "digging your own grave and willingly playing with the idea of going to sleep in it", when the cover is more about trying to reconcile with the fact the battle is lost in the end anyway. Therefore, the mainstream audience "getting the profoundness of it all" is in a way a disservice to the more Pressing message of the original to "get your shit together".

[@Donte_Mac]

every person has their own opinion and journey when they listen to a song..thats what makes it great!! there is no wrong or right ..its your own.

[@kelseysification]

Trent Reznor wrote this when he was 29! reflecting back on friends he lost - many to H addiction. such a universal song. we all hurt. I love love love this cover. almost as much as you original ;)

[@nburtoninferno]

@@19RaxR91 The songs really deserve to be looked at as two sides of the same coin. The original is heavily focused on the loss of life and sense of self at a young age, mostly substance abuse and suicide being the causes. The cover takes the exact same words and puts them in a similar context of loss at the end of ones life, where the people you love are dying. The things that used to comfort you are now reminding you that you don't have much time left, and maybe you didn't use the time you had effectively, but you can't do anything about that now. At the end of the day, one can listen to either on their own, but it really enhances both songs if you think of them in context together.

[@airborneandrowdy]

When it was released. As a old school goth, I never saw it as disturbing. I saw it as a beautiful reflection. It was probably one of Trent's most gentle songs. But music is subjective. I don't disagree with you. I have a different opinion.

[@Revamckillop]

Oh damn dude. You should have checked the official vid. The emotion from him adds so much more to his "remake"

[@steev.homohumanism]

He watched it for this but it got claimed so had to cover the video with a still and reupload

[@L33PL4Y]

He doesn't want videos distracting him when he's decomposing a track. He's focused entirely on the audio.

[@nickhill8612]

@@L33PL4Y Oh I didn't know that. Thank you.

[@shawnmiller7487]

Yes, without a doubt the best video ever made to go with the song. The look that June Carter gives him, his history with faith, family, substance abuse…the video is powerful, a must watch

[@parmgill9330]

Both Johnny and his wife (who you see in the video) died within months of filming the video. Seriously, anyone who liked this song should check out all the albums Johnny put out with American recordings. Lots of great songs/covers including Danzig's "Thirteen" and Soundgarden's "Rusty Cage". I found so many gems listening to these albums he put out in his latter years.

[@DallasGunther]

Yeah man. Those last four albums are my favorite Johnny Cash albums. And yeah, after reading the credits of "thirteen" I went out and bought that first American Recordings album. First country album I ever bought.

[@bjornronaldson6017]

Thirteen was such an incredible cover, as was Rusty Cage. All four of those albums were incredible.

[@Kenboslice3]

Thirteen wasn't a Danzig cover. Glenn Danzig wrote the song specifically for Johnny Cash, as he was a big fan of his songwriting and storytelling.

[@straywolf77]

They said goodbye... Their time here in Earth was done and the Good Lord called them home.

[@jerryjanski551]

If you guys think there are only four albums in the American Recordings series you're really missing out. There are actually six and some would argue that there are seven. 1) American Recordings 2) American ll: Unchained 3) American lll: Solitary Man 4) American IV: The Man Comes Around 5) American V: A Hundred Highways 6) American VI: Ain't No Grave 7) My Mother's Hymn Book

[@justaname2422]

God damn this song gets me everytime, goosbumps and tears. Thank you Johnny, and Trent for the music, and Thank you Geebz for the beautiful breakdown. Truly appreciate you

[@TripleTapHK]

The song is very emotional but I think the music video for the song is on a whole other level. It really paints the picture of his feeling of pain, regret, and remembrance.

[@bassman812]

I had the honor of helping with this song. He had an IU professor work on this too.

[@keetakitten]

Neat! I live in Bloomington and never knew that :)

[@justaname2422]

Forgive my ignorance, but what is a UI professor?

[@bassman812]

@@justaname2422 Indiana University Jacob School of Music.

[@bassman812]

@@keetakitten yeah he stayed at the Biddle for a few days while we hashed out the rough form of it.

[@keetakitten]

@@bassman812 Ok! That's cool as hell

[@-NemoMeImpuneLacessit]

I must have heard this song hundreds of time over the years. I still get emotional and a little breathless, my heart pounding. This is the power of music.

[@GingerBeardINC]

I've watched maybe 50 reactions to this song. A. You're a real one, no fakeness. B. you have musical chops, and more importantly, actually use them in your analysis. I don't know what you're doing nowadays, but this three year old video has given you a subscriber!

[@ChrisHendrickson82]

Tears. Every time. Every single damn time. There's so much emotion in this song. Sorrow, regret, and love. Put that together with the knowledge that both he and his wife passed soon after, and the tears come every time I hear this.

[@jerryloos9327]

The video version of this song makes a Bigger impact than just the music (alone) version

[@drivehard2395]

I can't watch the Cash video without crying my eyes out.

[@KazakhToon]

the worst part is, as you get older the regrets pile up and it gets even more emotional. 15 years ago, sniffles and wiping tears. now, full on sobbing into a clenched fist

[@waveridr1]

Gets me every time...

[@adammckenzie8769]

Rick Rubin brought this song to Johnny cash when he tried to convince him to let him sign him, and said I wanna get u a good album again before u finish after several failed albums… and John said what u have in mind, he showed him the words and this composition before playing the original so he wouldn’t think he couldn’t do it!! The rest is history!! Great finish to an amazing career…. His daughter said “I don’t like it dad it makes me sad it’s like your saying goodbye”… John said “I am saying goodbye”!! RIP the great Johnny cash And shout out to the genius or Rick Rubin!!!

[@Originalroninstorm]

I don't care how many times I hear this song... My eyes start leaking every time. Such an emotionally powerful rendition.

[@garrymoore2161]

It was so sad; he knew he was approaching life's end and he would never play again. He so lovingly closes the piano and caresses it as if to say "goodbye" to a lifelong friend.

[@keithpierce5686]

"You don't know what a person's been through till you hear them sing it from the heart."

[@NickPyke-ee4xk]

This song for me always feels like an iconic voice vs a voice based on pure emotion with Trent, it’s like giving an upcoming track to a seasoned professional. The production (based on years between in technical production ) and pure feeling in the tone, it’s like a black and white song. Johnny is singing a cover, Trent is feeling every word in the song

[@NickPyke-ee4xk]

Post note, they sound and feel like totally different songs when played together

[@MrSchism]

No matter how old you are, you need to hear this song. You just never know this fact until it happens to you.

[@19RaxR91]

How about giving the Original a chance first?

[@jasongalloway9582]

You can't appreciate this song and this production without seeing the video. Sometimes the video isn't especially important. Here, it is. When he closes that piano at the end...

[@legendaryrat]

I always loved how the driving, pleading pulse of the piano in this track reminds me of the ticking of a clock. It's like the song as a whole is a testament to the inevitability of time, especially from the perspective of a man like Johnny Cash.

[@mauricestevenson5740]

"...the piano in this track reminds me of the ticking of a clock." Yes! Yes! Someone has recorded the sound of tempus fugitting!

[@jeffrichards1537]

You can hear the pain in his voice. With the way he closed the piano its like he knew it would be the last time he would do it. R.I.P.

[@elfcounsul]

He was near the end when he recorded this, and that added more emotion. David Bowie’s “Lazarus” is another farewell song. Cancer had its way with him, the beautiful young man was gone but his music remained.

[@fourutubez7294]

This entire set of recordings is jaw dropping , the perfect swansong for a man who lived one hell of a life.

[@yvesboucher178]

As great as this cover is. John Cash also covered Sound Garden's Rusty Cage. He did this song justice. You should give it a listen.

[@larryhaug71]

I agree. Cash owns rusty cage as well

[@JB-xh5mc]

He does Heart of Gold the best.

[@mkswk09]

You took the words right out of my mouth

[@danielmcbride2375]

Effing foot stomping version! Rip cash

[@jodyparrish637]

He does a great job on the “Personal Jesus” cover but yes “Rusty Cage” is also a special cover.

[@Anonymous20789]

I cry every time I hear this song, I'm only 26 but i have so much pain and guilt already, and this edition of this song really makes me feel it.

[@d4mdcykey]

That video gets me misty everytime I've seen it over the years, not only because Johnny was at the very end of his long difficult road but because the lyrics cause you to painfully reevaluate the mistakes and pain we have all mindlessly caused during our own journey. A masterpiece.

[@buddyshell2507]

The visuals of looking back on his youth and visiting his home where he grew up poor as a young wealthy man. Laughing with his wife. But knowing as we grow old, we took so many moments for granted. Small moments that gave us so much pleasure. We would like to go back and relive all those😢 small moments but with an intensity that is not possible. But we can smile and feel those moments when they are all that is left.

[@yohansing]

One of my favorite songs of all time. Having Cash cover it was such a blessing

[@thedaylightwolfman564]

If you're not watching the video you're not experiencing the sheer Beauty of Johnny Cash covering this song there's a reason he did and it's because it suits his life so perfectly.

[@FluffyMcFluffavicMeowskiOFluff]

Goosebumps... chicken skin... every time I hear this... those tears start to build up again! This is pure emotion!

[@justaname2422]

Who's cutting onions?

[@FluffyMcFluffavicMeowskiOFluff]

@@justaname2422 yeah, must be the onions, every time 😂

[@Fenianboyo]

Every damn time...

[@PracticalContrarian]

I still remember the first time I heard this song and watched the associated video. The pure simplicity of the music, the raw emotion in his amazingly still rich baritone and the images of the video combined and hit me like a locamotive. What a wonderful commentary you give. I enjoyed your comments tremendously.

[@Dr.Faceman]

Johnny and my grandfather looked a lot alike. I got my love of guitar from my grandfather and was lucky to have shared it with him before he passed. Every time I see this video I can't help but see my grandfather singing. I can't help but see my grandfather crying at the end. I miss you, Tommy.

[@ryanguertin8028]

This cover proves how subjective art is. The song means something completely different coming from a dying man. I cry every time. Take the vocals away and the tears remain. Beautiful.

[@reydelsol7026]

Johnny Cash was able to add a new level of what despair and regret sound like. This is nothing but stunning.

[@ravens_wing]

This song makes me cry and I mean full on sob, runny nose, ugly cry face, heart hurting kind of crying every time I hear it. It really tugs on my heart but even though it makes me a weeping mess i love this song so much and it is such a beautiful cover. I love johnny cash and love what he has done with this song.

[@Kenboslice3]

First time I heard and saw this song and the video on the closed circuit broadcast of the music store I was in it stopped me dead in my tracks. It commands your undivided attention and makes his pain and sadness become your's as well. RIP Johnny Cash

[@timothypreseau8741]

And then I felt sad because I realized that once people are broken in certain ways, they can't ever be fixed, and this is something nobody ever tells you when you are young and it never fails to surprise you as you grow older as you see the people in your life break one by one. You wonder when your turn is going to be, or if it's already happened. ~ Douglas Coupland

[@SiD-vs7jg]

One of the greatest covers ever made IMO Dark and beautiful.

[@sandrameads1124]

My 1st concert @ 15yrs old, Johnny Cash. Free tix & meet. The benefits of having your ultra cool Mom working at ISU. Been blessed enough to see NIN live also. Trevor gave it a thumbs up. I cry everytime I hear this. I lived this.

[@Offoda]

if you want a good cry, watch the official video to the end: it really accentuates the emotion JC put into it.. thumbs up

[@mrsusan893]

Absolutely

[@tammysatra143]

Ahhhhh!!!! You Get IT !!!!! I have heard these seperations, challanges, and uniqueness since I watched the Johnny Cash Show with my Dad!! He would turn uo the TV , and wherever I was in the house..... Or outside, usually outside!!! I would come running to watch it with him!!!! Such a gorgeous memory....... PS. I was about 6...... I Love Music!!!!

[@Drachenkonig2]

The first time I heard this song, I was working in my high school radio station. The first time I truly listened to it I did cry. Very few songs have touched me so and I know how to play each and every one of them.

[@TheTexasCowboy56]

This is considered the greatest cover ever. And to me Cash was such a nice guy to ask Trent if he could cover it. Johnny Cash such a legend he probably could've and no one would care, but he went out if his way out of respect to Trent and ask if he could. Also another story abiut this video he showed his daughter well one forget if he have more then one, but he showed her it and she said. "Dad you look like you dying." He replied with. "Cause I am."

[@CitizenKang]

This song never fails to bring tears to my eyes.

[@revdmcspumcsb]

I love the single note on the piano with the guitars in the background in connection to the words. He says you are someone else, while I'm still here. Still here, stuck on the one note while everyone is growing... the one note grows louder and louder with intensity, just like his life. His single note life overpowers everyone else.

[@trowabarton222]

So many people think this song was originally done by Johnny Cash. Glad you checked out the NIN version first. I personally like the original better but I also heard it long before the cover was done. When I saw NIN around 08 this song brought me to tears.

[@Brotha_Teresa]

I love them equally because being so far spaced apart emotionally, they both feel like 2 totally different songs.

[@snekinoke38]

I’m the same way. The NIN version has that diminished chord at the beginning of the progression in the verse and the vocal rhythms seem overly simplified to my ears after knowing the original for so long. I do know what he means about that dissonant note at the turnaround though haha

[@travisbunce7334]

Same here, having the original with me so long, it took a few listens to appreciate the majesty of this version. Sevendust played an acoustic show a couple of days after Johnny Cash died, and did a very impressive version they dedicated to him. Worth a listen if you're a fan of this song, or Sevendust. It's on the Southside, Double Wide live Album.

[@jamiesmith3259]

I saw nin do this on the fragile tour in Brixton, London and when they played this song I looked to my left and realised I was stood next to Gary numan

[@jamiesmith3259]

@Kelli Franklin a great version!

[@drakhan6287]

I find the best way i can describe the feel of the two songs is the NINs original is a reflection of emotional exhaustion, a kind of 'it hurts too much i don't feel it anymore', whereas I find Johnny Cash's cover a resignation, 'I've done all I can and I have nothing left to give except this'. They are untilmatly two sides of the same coin, but spoken from different introspectives.

[@Mountprospect1]

The distortion build towards the end is part of the recording. Such an amazing use of sonics to build emotion & energy.... Makes the final vocal line even more stark when it hits. Brilliant production!

[@Silks]

This.

[@annaburns5382]

I think that this song came out after his beloved wife died, which was extremely painful for him. He didn't live much longer after this. He died from a broken heart. When I hear Johny sing this I really feel his pain. It's hard.

[@tr1co0]

Watching this music video made me cry as a child. It was a profound moment for me witnessing such beauty and pain.

[@debraalves6472]

this man has been through alot of pain....June passing was a reminder of his end....and he welcomes it now. R.I.P.

[@nickhill8612]

When June appears to the video it's more goosebumps.

[@dclarkmusic]

This song makes me cry almost immediately every time. I’m not really aware of much of Johnny’s music, but there’s something deeply affecting about this version.

[@joelteague2008]

I am 59 years old and it makes me think of life is starting to wind down knowing that you have less years in front of you then you have yours behind you

[@maryscaggsdane1978]

The simple rawness of this track gives it a pure emotion. That constant beating chord on the piano is like a pulse. It doesn't get faster, but STRONGER. Like all the sins of his life are sitting at his door waiting for his soul - and he knows it. That tell-tale heart pounding so loud that other people can hear it.

[@kimlorton1566]

My favorite part of this cover is hearing Cash’s years in his voice as you pointed out. He sounds tired. It deepens the lyrics so much. This song would be flat without that depth of emotion. I didn’t know this was a cover for the longest time. I thought this song was written for him because it’s so filled with that mix of emotions one would have while looking back on their life in old age. It makes me think of how I’m living life and avoiding the feelings this song emotes.

[@DominiqueHeine]

Absolutely gives me goosebumps and brings tears to my eyes every single time, as soon as he sings the first words

[@davebowden4010]

130000 subs bro!!! This song is one of the few that has a video which only tears your heart out more than what you're hearing. RIP The Man In Black

[@levijulik1731]

i started watching these reaction videos to see people who havent heard them before but now most do reactions to songs we all know they have heard already...i have thoroughly enjoyed an opinion by somone who really understands music now.

[@Istielthia]

I don't know if others will feel this way, but in the future if/when you decide to do other covers, I would totally be down to watch a long-ass video of you reacting to/analyzing the original AND the cover.

[@nickhill8612]

I agree with you there.

[@agamaurata]

Same

[@michaellambert5223]

Yes!

[@19RaxR91]

Agreed. I havent even watched this video, since I just dont like the cover, and I Would love to hear his thoughts on the original a lot more...

[@twistedpipes04]

Agreed!!

[@suzrobb]

yes1 i love your videos . as soon as you said - "its clear he felt something with this song to cover it!" he loved it, we love it, we love him and he did it justice... wonderful

[@OmegaSoypreme]

I still remember when I first heard this song. I could hardly believe that it was a cover at all, let alone a cover of a NIN song.

[@johnfracentese266]

Johnny Cash - Hurt. NIN yeah it's Johnny's now and will ever be. You can hear his entire life's journey in his amazing rendition of this song. It is so raw, pure, the summation of a life's journey (think about it when you listen) The man in black rules.

[@lozyoung4110]

Amazing track, I honestly can't listen to it without crying.

[@Blinny19]

I truly hope you have seen the official video to accompany this song. This song always brings some emotion to my chest. I love Johnny.

[@johnurbanski8486]

Only Johnny Cash could truly change the whole meaning of the song with just a very few different words and placing them where they were. He truly has a great and unique sound that changes the way any song comes across to the listener. This video and version was done during the time of his wife dying and finished up shortly after she died. You can definitely hear all of his emotions coming through the music. I can say that this song is definitely one that everyone should listen to and hear all of the lyrics and just soak them in. If anyone is truly interested in listening to this song there’s no way that you should not be moved by such an amazing song. Originally Trent was very hesitant about Johnny Cash covering this particular song, because this is the last song that they perform at the end of every concert. When he first heard this version of his song he was (from what I have heard) he was really excited about it and gave his blessing on the song and was okay with him doing this song.

[@oliviadial5170]

I cry like a baby every time I listen to this... including when it was playing on a screen in the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville... I was like “oh don’t mind me :’(“

[@thomasmeyer8798]

One of the very few songs I can't stand emotionally. More beauty is not possible.

[@marshad82]

There is certain instrumental piece, practically a guitar solo, which does that to me. It's John Fruscuante's Wayne kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIaaiZ2ahN6lkK8 (video description will let you understand the piece).

[@caseypaulson1139]

Same, this song is another one that really got me kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXyZm4WEoZ1mqrs&ab_channel=iamAURORAVEVO

[@sunshinefogleman127]

My favorite cover of all time. Its like this song was written for Johnny Cash. His version just brings an element of authenticity that is undeniable.

[@Sean-parker]

On first hearing Johnny cash cover this it stopped me in my tracks, the gravitas behind the lyrics he brought to the song is astounding. You can feel every word.

[@HenningUhle]

I know both versions: NIN and Johnny Cash. And I cannot help, it touches me very, very deeply whenever I hear the old man in black, looking back at his moving life, singing a song about all the people he has hurt. No matter if he first felt uncomfortable with this song, he made it his own. I am touched very emotionally when this song is played on the radio.

[@michaelb1761]

This song and 10,000 Days/Wings For Marie make me tear up every time. So much sorrow, so much emotion.

[@jonahmainwaring8311]

Rubin is a genius of a producer. His range of style and genre is amazing.

[@daisho13]

Saw this performed by nin not long after the downward spiral was released. It was always emotional to me, but Johnny's version breaks me ever time. The timbre of his voice just gets me.

[@SJeffersonDavisIV]

My understanding is that this was recorded with just Johnny Cash and his guitar. They then recorded the additional instrumental accompaniment around that solo performance. That's pretty amazing.

[@jeannettesimpson9778]

I love this cover version. If you watch the official video, it's very moving. Johnny has a story to tell.

[@kenleppek]

That saturation sound at the end is in the master cut. It's almost distortion seemingly caused by the levels to high. To me it's such a climax point in the song and it wouldn't be the same without it. Whoever mixed this knew exactly what they were doing.

[@MrGreendayzed]

I think Cash related to the pain of the song. Him for reaching the end of his road looking back at what he's lost to time where it was trent it was his social issues.

[@DerEchteBold]

As far as I've read Johnny Cash didn't like the song when he first heard it and he really hated the lyrics, his son and Rick Rubin had to persuade him to do it. Interestingly Trent Reznor actually seemed to dislike the cover at first because having Cash singing it totally changes his intended meaning of the lyrics.

[@PPodpiska]

It's the last song on a concept album about self-hatred and self-destruction. Also, was Trent addicted to heroin by the 1994?

[@JTNugget]

Heroine addiction? Was he addicted to Wonder Woman movies?

[@beausinclair4605]

Cash was a smackie, too.

[@chrisester2910]

This is not just about a long life laced with tragedy, Johnny Cash was also plagued by addiction throughout his life.

[@dwzmom]

The power to try and hold those emotions in while listening to this is amazing.

[@j.j.6327]

Rick Rubin is the man responsible for Johnny covering this. Highly recommend the “American Recording” series of albums that Rubin produced for Johnny. He’s covered a lot of alt rock/ grunge tracks. Songs by Soundgarden, Danzig, Depeche Mode, and even Tom Petty can be found on those albums. Fun fact: Tom Petty and the Hearbreakers were the backing band and vocalists for the album American III: Solitary Man album. In Johnnys rendition of Tom Pettys “ I wont back down” you can clearly hear Pettys vocals in the background. If you love Cash, i cant recommend the American Recordings albums enough. SO GOOD.

[@hannekevanoijen5952]

When his contract with his old record company was ended by that company, he was offered a contract with American and pushed by Rick Rubin, he covered a lot of songs there, some of them completely unexpected, considering his reputation as a country singer (One by U2, Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode, to name but a few). What you see is that in the 4 records he made and were published before his death, he is already preparing for his final goodbyes in his choice of songs: from 'We'll meet again' to 'Danny Boy', this song, 'Wayfaring Stranger': this was a man preparing for the end of his life and imho, Hurt is the ultimate expression of it, particularly when you watch the video. I think it is amazing that someone is so accepting of their nearing end. It is humbling and awesome.

[@Cold4Life629]

This is the greatest cover song of all time. It's not even a Nine Inch Nails song anymore. It's a Johnny Cash song.

[@CraigKeidel]

I don't know, Eric Bourdon & The Animals did a pretty solid rendition of House of the Rising Sun... That wasn't originally written by them ;)

[@knackers2773]

Hendrix, along the watchtower cover. Dylan changed to play it the way Hendrix had and even bought Hendrix rights of his cover when he died.

[@395PRS]

Just found your channel and just saw you cover this. Right now I don't even know if I can watch this video, as it is probably the most beautiful, honest and sad, not sure I can even come up with the word, like tragic or soul crushing... You have to watch the video with the song at some point if you haven't It is so unreal! It completely engulfs me in a emotional wreck and is hard to come to terms. I feel so helpless and would do anything to take the pain and sorrow away, and all I can do is watch it play out. When I tell friends and others, "You Have to Watch this Video" I can't watch it with them. It is a masterpiece like no other...

[@XionLuis]

"It sounds like you're saying 'goodbye'". "I am".

[@fritzcolburn]

I've really been a Johnny fan for as long as I can remember. That's not a cliche it's literally as long as I can remember. In 1977-78ish (7yrs old) I was listening to my grandma's Johnny and Tennessee Ernie Ford LP's and was hooked on Johnny. So I literally grew up with him and his defense of the "little guy". A major influence on my life not just music. Listening to the American recordings 1-6 is highly recommended. Don't cherry pick songs. Take the journey through the end of Johnny's life by listening in order. From the classic Cash voice everybody knows and loves to the weakening voice closer to his death but still distinctly Cash. His love of life. Unimpeachable love for June. His regrets. His faith. Everything is right there. Then turn and thank the genius that is Rick Rubin for pushing Johnny to do songs like this one that he initially didn't want to do.

[@aliselynch]

Johnny is a King of covers. His cover of Personal Jesus beats Marilyn Mansons. His cover of One originally by U2 is miles better than the original. Others have mentioned Rusty Cage too. He was just an incredible talent.

[@stevez.6805]

Where Johnny and June were at this point in their lives makes this song and version that much more great and haunting.

[@sandrameads1124]

Totally agreed. He was a different artist in the past. I saw him live in 1977. It was an unforgettable experience.

[@jackkitchen154]

She was dead, he dedicated this for her

[@mrp8674]

Rick Rubin on this one. Awesome that he did this with him at the end of his career/life

[@ChrisDN]

That sustained note you mention. It's guitar but played with an ebow; an electrionic device held over a string that causes it to resonate.

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

Johnny Cash did several cover songs as part of the group of albums called "American Recordings" with Rick Rubin. Amazing set of albums. Johnny teamed up with Rick Rubin after his own album company abandoned him. There's a photo of a full-page ad that Johnny did "thanking" his record company after these "American Recordings" catapulted him back into the public eye. And the video that goes with this song is just emotionally overwhelming.

[@toadfan64]

Just the idea of Johnny Cash listening to the original version is a fascinating thought. I can't see him vibing much with it, if at all, so for him to make such a legendary cover is quite the feat.

[@bloodybutunbowed291]

That common note pedaling throughout...just gets me. I heard that the 1st time Trent Reznor heard this he said "Whelp...I guess it's Johnny Cash's song now..."

[@tawilk]

no, he was first mad that some covered it.

[@elizabethbanks2074]

@@tawilk I find that unlikely since he was contacted by Cash’s team first to make sure it was cool that they put a cover of Trent’s song on an album.

[@tawilk]

@@elizabethbanks2074 there's an interview w/ Trent that he talks about it. check it for yourself.

[@watercolourmark]

@@tawilk Rubin asked if Cash could cover it, he stated he was flattered. He got sent a CD and upon hearing said it felt like watching someone kissing you girlfriend, he felt violated. Then he watched the video and got goosebumps, and stated it wasn't his song anymore. No surprised anger at being covered, but a complex range of emotion.

[@chiefsteps-in-poo8447]

You can tell he was trying not to cry when the song ended and he started to give his reaction.

[@PowderedToastMan420]

Geebz Johnny owns this song. What a legend (RIP).

[@jethrofloyd67]

God if that chorus doesn't give me chills everytime... Johnny did some amazing covers before he died, I always saw it as a sort of hat-tip/passing the torch by saying "hey you wrote something really special and I want to show you how special it is before I go". His version of Hurt and U2's One are the definitive versions of the songs to me.