Opera Singer Reacts to Johnny Cash - Hurt

[@michaelevans1193]

When Justin Timberlake beat out Johnny Cash for Best Male Video at the MTV Awards that year, Timberlake chewed out the voters stating that he grew up on Johnny Cash and that this was one of the best videos of all time. In the end he dedicated his award to Cash who died 2 weeks later.

[@marvamoseley899]

Definitely one of the best videos of all time.

[@johnsonpaul1914]

At 75 years old I know a bit about the finality of time. I have watched this thing a multitude of times and that closing of the piano is just so final. Yup, that" it, it is done. Tears come every time. Thanks Maggie for the feelings

[@glennelfmann3143]

Saw it somewhere that the closing of the piano is symbolic of the closing the lid of a coffin.

[@joejacobsen6822]

His daughter after watching close the piano said "It seems like you are saying goodbye" He replied" I am".

[@jasonsexton8869]

The speeding up of the beat in the background, and the ever increasing speed of the video clips always make me think of the last desperate gasps of someone's mind running through their life and regrets in their final moments. And yes, the closing of that piano lid was rather final. From what I understand he never opened it again. If you notice, he seems both relieved and sad to see an old friend go with how he strokes the lid at the end there. I'm also fairly certain he was recorded sobbing into his hands at one point in that video. I don't think this was in any way an unemotional undertaking for him.
Gets me choked up and teary every time, but it is such an amazing performance.

[@kurtisgrant4083]

I am a strong believer that a good musician can make you hear a great song, but a great musician can make you feel a great song.

[@firedoc5]

Johnny's life is a true rags to riches tale, and it was not an easy one. In the video it shows him visiting his boyhood home, the floods that happened regularly, his faith, and his love of trains. He went through a "train" period where he sang about the railroad way of life. The picture of his mother and how his wife June Carter standing over him with such love just chokes me up. Sadly, she passed just a couple of months before him.

[@leftcoaster67]

A voice like no other, every song Cash played he made it his own, and put his own spin on it. RIP good sir.

[@fullmetalcrusader]

I have watched this clip so many times and still brings tears to my eyes

[@markmyers6472]

The piano always struck me as a metaphor of life... opening and closing... and symbolized the lid of a coffin....

[@truckinleprechaunscottcask9747]

I never thought the N.I.N version of this song was all that good. When I heard Johnny Cash do this song it felt like he was meant to sing this song. I cry every time I hear it now. What a way to say goodbye to his family, friends and fans. Great reaction

[@jamesanderson5268]

After I heard Johnny sing this song, I went and found the Nine Inch Nails version and listened to it. I didn't like it at all but Johnny's version is so emotional, he nailed it.

[@truckinleprechaunscottcask9747]

@@jamesanderson5268, NIN can be a little hard to take if you're not into that style of music. Mr. Cash has a way of putting his emotion into the song especially this one.

[@endlessrage4062]

Breaks my heart every time, tears streaming by the first chorus. So powerfully touching. Sleep tight Mr Cash, sweet dreams. 💜

[@bidwell13]

It’s amazing how this song wasn’t written for him or about him but it fits his life so perfectly. Trent Reznor who wrote this song said after hearing Johnny sing it said it’s Johnny’s song now. Him closing the piano at the end was his way of saying goodbye to everyone seeing how he didn’t live much longer after doing this. The scene where his wife is watching him from the stair case wasn’t planned. She happened to come down to see how it all was going and the director caught her expression and made sure the camera got her.

[@DerekScottBland]

Trent wrote it about a young man spiraling towards self destruction. Johnny sang the same lyrics but it became about an old man at the end of his life looking back at his regrets. I'm not a fan of Nine Inch Nails, but it really remarks on the brilliant writing of the song that it can mean both simply depending on who is singing it and the musical arrangement.

[@gothic_ace2037]

I heard that June was called by the doctor right before coming down those stairs, that's why she has that look on her face, she got her test results back.

[@trixiebella]

The emotion here is so powerful! And the video pulls it all together so beautifully. Amazing job by Johnny on this one. Great reaction Maggie!

[@Froggyh63]

Simply iconic. This song touches your soul, just as great music is supposed to do.

[@mikenolan8044]

"Everyone I know goes away in the end." I have no words. 💔

[@Gutslinger]

It was his last music video.. I wouldn't say last song.
June Carter passed during heart surgery a couple of months after the video was done. Afterwards, producer Rick Ruben said Johnny requested that he have something for him to work on every day, so that he wouldn't just die, himself.
Rick Ruben first approached Johnny with this song, and Johnny originally declined to do it. But Rick was persistent enough that Johnny eventually changed his mind.

[@sandrak.robbins6305]

This song and delivery and the age of Johnny at the time, along with the video, are devastating. It completely stops me in my tracks. Thank you for doing this one.

[@PDXurbia]

Maggie tears to create my tears to start the morning.. even tho I've heard it a million times, always brings the tears

[@mikeellis3240]

I get chills to this song every single time at the parts where the piano kicks in and builds and builds. Never fails. Thanks for doing this

[@normdyer94]

Most of the reaction videos to this song were caught speechless, so comments and analysis were between nothing and thin. Thank you for your operatic perspective. Looks like your youthful exuberance got you through without crying. Most listeners cried and started breathing with large exhales.

[@Gant209]

He made this song have a completely different meaning than what the writer intended...he made it his own...which is an amazing interpretation of a really tragic song.

[@donnieboughton1730]

Trent Reznor actually said "this is Johnny's song now"

[@edwardmunoz7853]

Just by the way he sang it made it have a completely different point of view

[@oof333]

@@edwardmunoz7853 Trent's version was a suicide note. Johnny's version is a tombstone.

[@edwardmunoz7853]

@@oof333 damm bro never thought of it like that thanks 🍻

[@robertwalker1803]

Heartbreaking and beautiful…

[@GhostDrummer]

It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve watched this video, when he closes the piano cover, I choke up. Freaking tears as I’m writing this. I can’t help it.

[@bjspeck4337]

I heard this last year and it is the best work he did. So much truth is what he's saying. I can't hear this without weeping.

[@otakubancho6655]

He was my favorite artist from when I was very little,even now there is no one in country music who lived harder than him!
God bless you Johnny,God bless you June,may you rest in peace together!💖💖💖🙏🙏🙏

[@bigjay123]

Me and Johnny Cash share the same birthday.
40 years apart, both in the leap year.
That's cool to me.

[@mdswish]

"And you could have it all.....my empire of dirt" How easy is it to get caught up in a life of fame and glory and forget the things that truly matter and forget how to really live and experience all the things that life has to offer. Then to reach the end of the road and realize when it's far too late how much was wasted. Now THAT is regret. Life is short, friends. Cherish it. Treasure the ones close to you. Don't take a moment for granted. The next one is not guaranteed. Great reaction, Maggy!

[@plantlord3266]

one of the emotional songs and reactions have seen you do. The reason the song and your review is the same-you both show so much real emotion-not acting but putting 'soul' into every word-Cash remembering all the bad-drugs and crime and the good-meeting June, his awards, his fans and because of your music level and being such a compassionate and understand person, you can feel it. When I was 13 my familt took a 2 week trip up and down the eastern coast stopping at various places. One night, we were at hotel in North Carolina (about to see the battleship memorial) when we saw a nearby country music show. We all liked country so we got tickets and heard several acts all not bad. Then the stage manager said that a special artist was passing through and wanted to do a few songs-it was Cash. The crowd (and us) went crazy-he did 4 songs and just owned the place. What a stage presence .....

[@Crazael]

For me, the best part of the video is him closing the piano at the end. It's just this great final visual of and metaphor for the end of a lifetime of music.

[@philseager8469]

This song brings me to tears every time I hear it x

[@terrybrennan425]

His Mother is in the picture on the wall. His wife June who was terminally ill, was on the staircase. She had come down during the video shooting to see if Johnny was ok. Johnny said this song/video was a goodbye postcard to her. She died within 2 months and Johnny 6 months later (his friends said from a broken heart).

[@professorbugbear]

This whole album is heartbreaking and beautiful and painful and perfect. It was his goodbye to the world and it makes me weap every time

[@memnarch129]

Bit more behind the scenes. You got the Piano part where that was the last time Johnys Piano was ever used or opened.
When they showed this to their kids two things happened. Their daughter said to Johnny "Its like your saying Goodbye", Johnnys response was "I am". Also when she saw the video it was a gut punch with the home movies. She asked her mother June why theyd make somthing thats such a gut punch. Junes response was "Honey you should see the stuff we cut out" meaning the First Cut was even MORE impactful.
Also the most impactful. June died think it was 3 months after the video premier. Johnny always said he couldnt live without June. Well 5 months after she past he past as well.

[@davidw.hulbertiv5211]

Really appreciate you...
Toda raba...

[@robbpowell194]

Thank you, Christine❗️

[@nmt2k2]

When Johnny Cash sings a song, it stays sung.

[@billward9301]

That house he was looking in , was his childhood home in Dyess,Arkansas

[@patheddles4004]

I've watched Johnny's video many times, both directly and in reaction videos. Stops me cold every time.
And I just realised a thing, about Trent Reznor and about this song becoming Johnny's. Johnny took Trent's song, made it his own, and used it to say goodbye - what I've finally realised is, that right there is the highest honour and validation for Trent and the song that he wrote.

[@jamesmcdaniel9601]

Just now happed upon your page. And WOW!!! What a first time reaction to see. When Cash forst released this song i couldn't listen much past the opening few lines. Theres some living in Johnny Cashs voice that you cant fake and it really shines through every note of this song. If i may recommend another song just as powerful from another legend Glen Campbell. His final song he wrote for his wife Im Not Gonna Miss You. He suffered from Alzheimers and that video has his life in it as well. Please, please, react to it.

[@xslabcabxhearsex]

This was Johnnys last gift of this beautiful song and what a gift it was.

[@caciquenica2482]

The phrase everyone I know, goes away in the end, it really deep on my feelings, I lost both of my parents a few years ago and grandparents years before that and it feels the more you get older, the more you keep losing loved ones.

[@adamlorenz4748]

I always think of a casket closing when he closes the piano.

[@edwardmunoz7853]

Probably the greatest cover ever 💯🔥

[@Mclint9171]

Please do more Johnny.

[@JohnInSale]

I hope you’ll review James Blunt’s Monsters after this
He sings it to his Dad , after finding out his father’s been diagnosed with cancer and not expected to survive
It’s so heartbreaking and touching and wait until the end of the video when his dad pats his arm, it would bring a tear to a glass eye !!!

[@df5199]

I cannot imagine any one else singing this.

[@spencermiller6274]

Very well said!

[@Pokyhawk]

I grew up on the Man in Black and will always believe he could write a song with a verbatim recitation of a phone-book and I would listen to it over and over with a smile on my face. R.I.P. to a true icon 😢🙏.

[@kentjohnson8223]

Actually, the last song Johnny recorded was "September When It Comes", a duet with his daughter Rosanne. Keep the tissues handy.

[@Bluewizard7131]

Yes, these are all personal images from his life and his home. That is his house in Hendersonville, TN that was flooded, then eventually burned. The images are from home movies, his videos and movies.

[@dennishinkle5010]

It's talent

[@terrycarter1137]

need to listen to the opening to dawn of the dead where the Jonny Cash song "when the man comes around" is played, it adds a whole different diamention.

[@wayneraynal8487]

There are two songs that Never fail to bring me to Tears. This is one of them.

[@chanmax2]

Did anyone alive, with a heart and soul, ever watch this video without crying or getting emotional?

[@Joe___R]

The most amazing thing about this song is that it is a remake of a metal song. Johnny Cash truly made it his own, it is truly a perfect song for him.

[@kahamarca]

At one point in time Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Cash was under the same record label SUN records in Memphis There is a recording called the golden quartet where you can hear them play around by a piano( Cash is unfort not singing in it but still)

[@bobharp3492]

You are an amazing angel your reaction are from the heart and I love your personality you make great reactions

[@069gypsy]

awesome what a version i can hardly listen to this brings a tear to my eye

[@eddiewilkinson9794]

I have to stop watching people react to this video... Someone keeps cutting onions. 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 have seen a dozen or more different reactions (many of whom had no clue who Johnny Cash was) and they all were 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.

[@jonkerr2050]

This was the first song I learned to play through when I started playing guitar. It is amazing and beautiful song and very powerful to play.

[@JennLynnTarot]

I love comparing Joni Mitchell singing Both Sides Now when she was younger versus older....have to say I love her older self singing more because her feelings come through more💓

[@mlong1958]

When Trent Reznor (the author) first heard this song, he said he wasn't paying too much attention. When he listened to it again, he said it felt like he had just lost a girlfriend. He said something like, it isn't my song, I just carried it a while for Johnny. June Carter Cash, his wife, came down while they were filming this just to check on Johnny and the director asked her to stay.

[@gabrielbusu45]

Sound like a testimony

[@bryansmith5980]

Credit to Rik Ruben for the concept and bring Johnny's last four albums together. Some of Johnny's best work.

[@angelapierce6764]

I Love the original by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, but this version is even sadder especially once you know this was completed just after his wife passed and just before he passed.

[@edithdavis2848]

Rest in Peace Johnny. You are an icon for country music.
This song hurts every time you hear it.
Yes personal views of his life. Some is movies he was in. June died not to long after this song came out.

[@Metzwerg74]

the moment he closes that piano... like he knew it would be the last time..... this always gets me...

[@billymoon4089]

As an act of symmetry, do his live video at the beginning of his carrier call "the man in black". While watching that, reflect on this video, of him in still in black. Singing that song.

[@wendyedwards1440]

I heard Johnny Cash sang this for his son who was a fan of NIN. I don't know if this is fact but I'm a fan of both Johnny Cash and NIN.

[@spacecatboy2962]

the video really makes it great. That house is the house he grew up in. Johns older brother was killed by a big saw blade. Later his dad said to john, why couldnt it have been you.

[@armadillotoe]

What have I become? I believe every self-reflective person will ask themself that sooner or later.

[@MrTech226]

Maggie Renee
His daughter asked him, "are you saying goodbye in this song?" Johnny replied, "yes". Johnny recorded this song; I believe in Feb. of 2003. His wife, June standing nearby on the stair was very ill. June died in May of 2003. Then Johnny died in Sept. of 2003. He wanted to cover this song. Johnny and Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails have mutual friend in the business. Mutual friend is Rick Rubin. Johnny had Rick to asked Trent if Johnny can cover this song. At 1st, Trent had some reservations about Johnny doing this song, but he given an OK. After Trent seen this video, he stated, "This song is Johnny's!"

[@DerekScottBland]

This is incorrect. Rick Rubin had the idea for Johnny to cover the song, and at first listen Johnny said he didn't get it and couldn't understand the lyrics, and didn't think he could do it. Rick sent him the lyrics and convinced him to read them and see if he could rework the song into something more his style.
This came from an interview Rick Rubin did with Rolling Stone about the song and an interview Johnny did with Kurt Loder of MtV.

[@jasonsexton8869]

@@DerekScottBland Johnny was also in very poor health at this point as well. If I remember right he was dealing with hearing problems and pretty substantial nerve damage in his hands and face. You can see the palsy when he dumps his wine glass all over the table.

[@alexflores7652]

This is one of those songs that you try not to tear up or cry to, but fail every time. It's like when I watch Five Finger Death Punchs' song "Wrong Side of heaven Righteous side of hell" That one hits me pretty hard given that I am a Veteran as well not combat but still a Veteran. It's great seeing your reaction videos. 💔💔💔💔

[@katheryne-bois]

This song always get me under my skin! Litterally! I have been an Opiod Addict for many years and lost so many peoples that were the nearest to me, so this song become really emotional and personal for me! I understand so much how Johnny was feeling when doing this song, I was literraly in comunion with what he was feeling! 💔💔💔💔💔

[@kevdoe3360]

Check out Johnny"s version of "Personal Jesus" by Depeche Mode,equally brilliant!!!

[@Buffaloheart68]

Can listen to the song and enjoy, watch the video and it hits me every damn time.

[@josejackmourinho4006]

Johnny Cash "The Junkie's Prayer" are another deep Story if u want to react to.

[@pacificcoastpiper3949]

He wrote some of the funniest, and also some of the most heartbreaking songs

[@chadbassalo5293]

When he turns around and says " You stay away from me you hear" He is talking to the devil

[@christopherwashburn8163]

💔 💔!! Love this song. Reminds me of my grandfather who passed away a year ago

[@VIDSTORAGE]

''Hurt'' was not Johnny's usual style of music at all but he made it his song

[@jonathanwetherell3609]

A fine swan song. He could not have done anything more fitting.

[@ameyer1970]

June want originally supposed to be in the video. She came down the stairs in order to check on Johnny. The director decided to leave it in.

[@D.o.a]

You need to give a listen to Chris Ledoux this cowboys hat another amazing songs.

[@mikekelly5491]

Thanks. Hit me right in the feels. Go ahead I can take it.

[@BlackRoseImmortal]

There are two songs that I can actually see as well as feel the anguish on the singers face. Two very heart heavy songs, and this is one of them. The other is Alice in Chains unplugged, the song "Nutshell". Skid Rows "Wasted Time" is right up there as well as it is about ex Guns and Roses drummer Steven Adler.

[@evanirvana500]

I think this is also a commentary that many entertainers whether it be music or acting or what have you, anyone with fame should watch and learn from. Be careful what you do and how you treat loved ones and what bridges you burn because at the end of life it doesn't matter how much fame and fortune you had because everyone ends up the same, looking at the totality of their life and journey, and the people they've loved and lost and the many regrets that haunt us. Because I don't care who you are, you can't live your life without there being some regrets and what they could have done differently. So live your best life because money and fame won't save you from what comes to us all in the end.

[@leifgunnartoth8070]

This song allways makes me tear up. NIN's version is amazing, but Johnny just took it up another level. You can see and hear his pain through the song. And the fact they recorded it with a little distortion towards the end, makes you feel like it wasn't just a typical clean studio recording, but more of a set up and record whatever we get. Makes it so much more real!

[@atexandude8303]

The song doesn’t kill me, it’s the end, the moment he closes the piano and gently touches it in the most “goodbye old friend” way, such a simple motion speaks so loudly. That’s a painful thing to watch.

[@mr.rogers1962]

How would anybody get through a night with you and even get a word in

[@65cj55]

When Johnny covered a Song, it was always the best version.

[@Maximus43968]

Johnny Cash was the first American to know Joseph Stalin had passes way.

[@marksmith2402]

You should take this full circle and do a reaction to a NIN song. But not Hurt, an earlier song like Head Like A Hole, Wish, or Happiness in Slavery. The live performance of Reptile at Woodstock is also a great clip to react to.

[@williamdenny8963]

If you want to check out another band that knows how to sing emotion and tell a story with song try checking out Blue October. Especially the songs The Feel Again (Stay), The Worry List, and Fear.... Preferably the live/ acoustic versions. The lead singer Justin Ferstienfeld puts his heart and soul into these songs. But almost any song by them is good....some songs are dark and sad some are cheerful and happy and uplifting.

[@Flum666]

the american recordings are the hardest to listen to, his wife June Carter Cash died on may 15 2003, Johnny died 3 months later, this was recorded between.

[@wnsafford1854]

To add some dates; The Hurt audio was recorded & released in 2002. The vid was filmed Feb. 2003 & released March 2003. As you said, June died May 15, 2003. Johnny died Sept. 12, 2003.

[@yvonnephillips3888]

The house he was looking into was his childhood home. As a young biy, his brother died in an accident. His father said it should have been you. If you can, watch his life story.

[@robertdocholliday66sadler]

his wife made a cameo , Sadly June passed like 42months after this video if i remember correctly , And he passed months later , the videos of the closed Museum was his stuff and then later after he passed a place that had alot of his stuff in it caught fire and burned it all

[@wnsafford1854]

Just to add some dates; The Hurt audio was recorded & released in 2002. The vid was filmed Feb. 2003 & released March 2003. June died May 15, 2003 & Johnny died Sept. 12, 2003.

[@danh8804]

Nothing breaks my heart more watching this video is watching June - she apparently came down stairs during filming and wasn't actually shot *for* the video. She's just concerned for her husband, probably understanding how much is on his mind performing this song.
That, and the imagery of Cash pouring wine over the feast, like pouring it out over his works, the waste all the banquet he had built for himself was measured against all he saw as his failures. For a man who had lived his life, the idea of having an "empire of dirt" to abandon and cast off is not very metaphorical.

[@matthewreames1137]

Loved your reaction. Could you please do Elvis unchained melody in 1977

[@seekermel3079]

Really enjoyed this reaction and your commentary from a performer’s viewpoint. If you haven’t watched Walk the Line, I think you’d really like it.

[@ExUSSailor]

That is what REAL country music is, honest, real. Artists like Hank Williams, George Jones, Johnny, Willie Nelson. It is TOTALLY different than the Top 40, overproduced, Trashville, radio country they spoon-feed to gullible, brainless masses today.

[@ExUSSailor]

Rick Rubin's production on this track was BRILLIANT.

[@myphone4590]

Johnny's swan song.