Trent Reznor's Reaction To Hearing Johnny Cash's 'Hurt' Cover

Is Johnny Cash's "Hurt" the best cover song of all time? New Youtube video essay on how he transformed the Nine Inch Nails hit now up!

[Jimjam-lkud]

Johnnys version is about you outliving everyone.

Trents version is about everyone outliving you

[thomascollette]

the two versions land in such a different way. one evokes a man who's spent his life on a self-destructive path, and has reached the inevitable end; the other of a man who has laid waste to all those who have loved him, and is now alone with his sorrow. They seem the same, until you listen to both versions.

[jyesucevitz]

he had no idea he was writing Johnny's life story in a song and his final goodbye at the same time.

[lessthanthreemetal]

Imagine a legend covering your song and making it a modern classic in its own right. There would be no greater achievement as a musician.

[ttaylor]

I’m so glad that Johnny covered this, and so grateful for Reznor letting this happen

[tjb]

There's a level of humility to admit "It's not my song anymore". Trent deserves a ton of credit for recognizing this. Both him and Cash deserve their flowers, obviously, but for him to say this shows that's he has a great understanding of music as a whole, well beyond his own genre. Good show on Trent's end for seeing, good on Johnny for performing. Two legends in their own regards.

[michaelferruzzi]

It’s your song Trent…the big difference is hearing your version and knowing your age we knew there was still hope for you, it would be hard but not impossible to change. Hearing Johnny it was complete regret and dispair with no chance, or time, for anything….it was hopelessness at its core and that hits hard.

[Wastelander-]

Someone left out an important fact: Trent gave Johnny his space, and said it was ok. Johnny earned the right to do that. 😊

[htz]

His farewell would not of been complete without your awesome lyrics.

[danvez]

I love both Versions but thats your song Trent, them words came from the heart and thats why its so powerful as a piece of music/art

[eloquentsarcasm]

A true artist, Trent wrote the song, performed it, and a long time later realized it was meant for someone else, and let them take it and end a glorious career performing it. RIP Johhny, you lived your life, scars, warts and all, made amends where you could but always stayed true to yourself.

[stevenrobins]

It’s a great tribute to you that Johnny said goodbye through your words, so powerfully. What an amazing video inspired by your song. If it’s all you ever did you could glow for the rest of your life. Thank you, brother.

[Lacroa]

They've really become two very different and iconic songs.

[josemarta]

Your song not only became cashes song it became the worlds song million of fans we all connect thru this song your writing .. thank you

[dannygibson]

Trent is a musical genius himself, and for him to be so honest and humble is just, awesome. When Rick Ruben approached him about Johnny doing this song, he really wasn't sure how to feel about it, if he was even feeling it at all. Hats off to you because he knew what it was all about when he felt that first initial reaction to it. We all did

[sundance]

Both versions make me emotional for different reasons. I can’t watch/listen to Cash’s w/o crying. Reznor’s version, as completely different as you can get.

[jasonjamesbond]

I love both versions NIN resonates with me more the rawness of self destruction and self loathing. But Johnny Cash did a lovely homage I think Trent has written so many of our lives and touches people like no one else. I wish Trent happiness and Cash peace.

[xrobx]

What a honor him picking your amazing song as his last

[CaesarRomanin]

Heart wrenching rendition of the song by Johnny Cash. Trent Reznor's agonizing lyrics brought to life by the Man In Black. Beautiful.

[DuncanMcintyre-jkqb]

Loads of respect for Trent anyway but way much more after hearing this ❤❤❤❤