About the song
Johnny Cash, a name synonymous with country music, released a cover of “Hurt” in 2002 that would forever alter his legacy. Originally penned by Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor, the song’s themes of pain, regret, and mortality found a profound resonance in Cash’s weathered voice and life experiences.
Cash’s rendition of “Hurt” was a stark departure from his earlier, upbeat country hits. The stripped-down arrangement, featuring only Cash’s vocals, a piano, and a string quartet, allowed the lyrics to take center stage. Reznor’s raw and intense lyrics, filled with imagery of self-destruction and despair, were given a new depth and poignancy through Cash’s interpretation.
The contrast between Cash’s aged appearance and the song’s themes of youth and rebellion created a powerful and haunting effect. His voice, once full of vitality and energy, was now raspy and weary, reflecting a lifetime of experiences. The juxtaposition of Cash’s iconic image with the song’s dark and introspective nature made “Hurt” a truly unforgettable piece of music.
“Hurt” became a critical and commercial success, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100. It also earned Cash a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. The song’s impact extended beyond the music world, becoming a cultural touchstone and a testament to Cash’s enduring legacy.
Video
Lyrics
I hurt myself today
To see if I still feel
I focus on the pain
The only thing that’s real
The needle tears a hole
The old familiar sting
Try to kill it all away
But I remember everything
What have I become?
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know goes away
In the end
And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt
I wear this crown of thorns
Upon my liar’s chair
Full of broken thoughts
I cannot repair
Beneath the stains of time
The feelings disappear
You are someone else
I’m still right here
What have I become?
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know goes away
In the end
And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt
If I could start again
A million miles away
I would keep myself
I would find a way