The Sad Story Behind Johnny Cash’s Hurt

Why Was Johnny Cash So "Hurt"?
We all know that his version of "hurt" was one of johnny cash´s last songs. But what we all don't know is that it was originally written by Trent #Reznor from the band "Nine Inch Nails" and was recorded first in 1994. Cash's version came out in 2002.
At that time, Cash's health was declining rapidly and he knew that his so long, and exemplary music career was coming to an end. Some of the references in the song clearly related to his life, like depression, self-harm, and drug addiction.
Ask anyone to name a song that has the power to reduce them to tears, and the chances are they'll reply “Johnny #Cash #Hurt.” Let's dive today into one of country music's greatest rebels and explore the story behind the saddest song ever.

Here, we talk about tales of music that your school classes probably never covered. In here, you will find discussions about some of the world's greatest artists, stories about their personal life and the untold weird parts of their history!

[mr.milehi]

This is my favorite video of yours yet! Also, it is a sad and fitting end to a career of the greatest legend of country since Hank Williams Senior.

[WHR]

Trent Reznor is quoted as saying “the song belongs to him now” after seeing the powerful music video. NIN closes every concert with Hurt, it’s a masterpiece and that is why Cash was attracted to it.

[Mr.Glidehook]

I've taken on this song as a personal anthem. My health is failing, mostly mental health but the rest is not far behind. I chase everyone away. I hirt them. I bring them down. But I'm grateful for this. A sadder story I have never heard.

[SamuriVikingLumbrjck]

As emotional as this song is, i feel it's not meant to be a sad one. It's to mark a journey. A milestone.

[zolalloyd]

I am too young to really appreciate the work and of times of Johnny Cash. However, I found this particular video purely by chance, and was tempted to either fast-forward through most of it, or just move away and find a far more appropriate song for my tastes. But for whatever reason, I watched the video in full, and OMG it drew me in so quickly. Cash's fragile voice gripped my heart, and the pounding guitar strings and piano hit me like someone beating on my soul.
I never knew the man, his songs or his career. And yet after listening to this song I feel like I've known him all my life, just like a distant uncle. I cry when I play this song. I really don't know why, but I cry and cry. Whether this is a sad song or a reflection on his career, it matters not to me because I absolutely adore it, and has taught me to live life and appreciate it to the full before its all too late.
Thank you, Johnny (and his wife). RIP xx

[Slinger]

There is no video/song any sadder than Big John's iconic "Hurt"
🙏 RIP John & June ✝️

[Randomoter]

My dad was a Cash fan. And because of that I never paid attention, until this song / album. Now, Man in Black, The Wonderer and A man comes around are my favourite songs.

[PapaHaddix]

Few songs make me feel so deeply. Thanks for this video. Interesting to hear some of the backstory that I didn’t know.

[Paraaronoid]

While I was too young to experience this great legend, my father-in-law has very fond memories of Johnny Cash. He loved to come up to Saskatchewan, Canada and spend time fishing in La Ronge.

[terrysowards]

My son hated county music his whole life till this song by Johnny came out. To my astonishment he went out and bought every one of his cds he could get his hands on. Lol.

[cmscms]

I heard that Trent, the original writer of the song, after hearing Johnny's version said 'it's not my song anymore'.... It became Johnny, and Johnny became the song.

[bctvr]

This is a great video. When you mentioned that his wife was looking into the distance, I thought that she was lovingly looking at him, seeing his pain and feeling sympathetic, which was sadly ironic since her passing was close to the filming. It also seems a bit ironic that about halfway in between their deaths was the last time he did a live performance. I love some of his music, but I have to say Hurt was definitely my favorite. Even though it was a cover, Trent Reznor himself said that it became his song when he watched the music video.

[johnbroadwell]

Wow I love Johnny, that is an awesome recording of a beautiful song, I have cried every time I have played.

[laurensiemens]

My dad was a faithful Cash fan, He had all his songs. The one we would listen to was "one piece at a time" and when I listen to it I remember doing this with my dad. Lately I have been reflecting on life and how life is going by so fast, and when I saw this video, I could not help but shed a few tears. Thank you for sharing

[mirellark]

Hurt is my favourite video of Johnny Cash. Its as deep as his voice and strong as his legacy.

[johnnycashfan]

I cried the first time I saw the video and heard the song I always feel my chest tighten up but I know this song is a reflection of his journey through life.

[Pellkot]

A sad song for sure. Keep on moving people we only move forward. Something this song taught me. We should not have regrets as hard as that might be.

[mikewalker]

Amazing and speechless.. I cannot cry when listening to this song

[Rogue]

I knew this was NIN's song first but damn this remake is good. One of the best covers ever

[CariagaXIII]

a song that has a sad before and after being made.