Hurt

Johnny Cash’s 2002 version of “Hurt” is is an emotionally charged cover of the song originally written and performed by Nine Inch Nails. Nine Inch Nails’ lead singer and songwriter Trent Reznor wrote the song during a period of depression and self-destructive behavior, reflecting on his own feelings of isolation and despair. Nine Inch Nails’ song received acclaim when it was released in 1994, but it wasn’t until Cash’s haunting and poignant cover in 2002 that it became a mainstream hit.

Cash’s version of the song is stripped down and somber, featuring only Cash’s voice and an acoustic guitar. Cash’s version of “Hurt” resonates strongly with listeners as he seems to infuse the song with his own experiences and emotions. His voice is fragile and vulnerable, seemingly reflecting the pain and possible regret he felt in his final years. The video for the song features footage of Cash’s life and career, including images of him performing in front of prisoners and his later years as he suffered from illness.

Cash’s cover of “Hurt” reached a new audience and introduced Cash to a new generation of fans, many of whom had never listened to his music before. It has been widely praised by critics and fans alike and it has become one of Cash’s most iconic songs. In 2003 the song won a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video and it was ranked as one of the greatest music videos of all time by Rolling Stone.