Why I dig this tune…HURT (Johnny Cash)

This installment of Why I Dig This…Tune is Johnny Cash’s version of the Nine Inch Nails tune, Hurt. Produced by Rick Rubin as part of The American Series for American records. Recorded in 2002 and months before Cash’s death. The lyrics, written by Trent Rezner, are full of profound regret. The song takes a very different feel when sung by an elderly man near the end of his life versus the original version by a young man going through a rough time earlier in his life.
Rezner was so impressed and taken by Cash’s version, he even commented something to the effect that this is now Johnny’s song.
Written by Trent Rezner
Recorded by Johnny Cash
Produced by Rick Rubin
Album: Johnny Cash American IV: The Man Comes Around, 2002

[@brianmitchell5906]

Cash's version of this song is a powerful masterpiece. I can't listen to it without crying like a baby.

[@andrewkiffe5354]

I saw nin live and this was a very personal song for Trent Reznor , and he said at first he was against Mr Cash covering his song because of how personal it was to him but afterwards he realized how his song became so much more than intended he came to respect Cash's cover. So much repect for both of them for how this song reflects on how we are humans with flaws and adicitions .

[@anth0613]

Thanks for the comment and thoughts! Yes, respect to both. Both versions are great. Also respect to Rick Rubin for the foresight in bringing it out in Johnny

[@terryjohnsen75]

Very powerful song, interpretation.

[@anth0613]

Yes. Great interpretation. Both versions are so different in great on their own.

[@1lthrnk]

Nine Inch Nails said this is now Johnny Cash’s song because he brings so much feeling to the song. Most albums have maybe 30 percent good, 50-60 ok for background music, 10-20% are just trash. June died in surgery

[@anth0613]

Great observation. I had read that as well about Trent saying this is Johnny’s now. Thanks for adding that!

[@robertbullwinkel3639]

This was the most powerful song I had ever heard when Johnnie first sang it I was in a dark place but it somehow related with me in a very profound way which helped me turn my life around I am in my 60s now and it tears me up to listen to it the same as it did back then