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Johnny Cash — Hurt
Album: American IV
Avg rating:
8.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 6729









Released: 2002
Length: 3:33
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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I hurt myself today
To see if I still feel
I focus on the pain
The only thing that's real

The needle tears a hole
The old familiar sting
Try to kill it all away
But I remember everything

What have I become
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know
Goes away in the end

And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt

I wear this crown of thorns
Upon my liars chair
Full of broken thoughts
I cannot repair

Beneath the stains of time
The feelings disappear
You are someone else
I am still right here

What have I become
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know
Goes away in the end

And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt

If I could start again
A million miles away
I would keep myself
I would find a way
Comments (978)add comment
8.6 (as of 10/24) is a phenomenally - and justifiably in the case - high rating. Is this perhaps the highest-rated track on RP? 
Posted 2 weeks ago by siqbal    [ Reply ]
Hearing this after The End by the Cranberries..........
Please I need a pick me up after these
Posted 2 months ago by KPC1    [ Reply ]
When I hear that intro I always hope it's Everlast's "What It's Like", but it never works out that way.  Sorry I just can't do the Johnny Cash song as it's too depressing, it kills the vibe and energy I have going.
Posted 6 months ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
I'm feeling like this tune is getting a little played out on RP...
Posted 6 months ago by VV    [ Reply ]
If there was an 11..
Posted 7 months ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
The voice The words The feeling  ….. Cash is the Man 
Posted 7 months ago by jjbournisien    [ Reply ]
I was moved by the video and it is my all time favorite music video to this day. 
Posted 7 months ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
 craigandbee wrote:


If I'm not mistaken, Trent Reznor agrees...I vaguely remember reading an article years ago where he basically stated it was no longer his song (paraphrasing here) after hearing Johnny Cash's cover.  He really does make you feel the "hurt"... 


He wasn't as much of a fan of it at first, until he saw the video. It was like the video snapped him into focus on the singing of the song, and then he said it was no longer his song. I'm not sure his first listen was the final version either, but I know he said the video really had an impact.
Posted 9 months ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
 renegade_X wrote:

Im not a Johnny Cash fan, but doing a successful rendition of a NIN song surely shows his talent. I actually like this better than the original and I am a NIN fan.



If I'm not mistaken, Trent Reznor agrees...I vaguely remember reading an article years ago where he basically stated it was no longer his song (paraphrasing here) after hearing Johnny Cash's cover.  He really does make you feel the "hurt"... 
Posted 11 months ago by craigandbee    [ Reply ]
Im not a Johnny Cash fan, but doing a successful rendition of a NIN song surely shows his talent. I actually like this better than the original and I am a NIN fan.
Posted 1 year ago by renegade_X    [ Reply ]
10 for the man in black, miss you johnny.
Posted 1 year ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
I don't get the appeal.
Posted 1 year ago by zenhead    [ Reply ]
Whenever this comes on, I have to stop what I'm doing and just listen. For get this one going to 11, this one goes to 20.
Posted 1 year ago by dogpound    [ Reply ]
haunting
Posted 2 years ago by MilidelEubanks    [ Reply ]
Spinal Tap: "it goes to 11." Me as an RP listener wondering why the ratings don't go that high.
Posted 2 years ago by theirongiant    [ Reply ]
Great song and interpretation. Together with "One", "I hung my head", "Bridge over troubled water" and "If you could read my mind"  my favourite from the American series.
Unfortunately the audio engineer did a very bad job since the song is heavily distorted towards the end due to clipping.
Posted 2 years ago by FatAlbert    [ Reply ]
this  is the sadist song I  have ever  heard because it's  about me. There is no end to addiction's destruction and Cash frames its pain perfectly. 
Posted 2 years ago by jimtyrrell    [ Reply ]
I like JC, tho mot much of a C&W fan.  But this seems to be a therapy session via guitar.  Someone help, I can't find the PSD  button.
Posted 2 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
Johnny Cash owns song now
Posted 2 years ago by rhiangalthie    [ Reply ]
 bwcyclist wrote:

where's the 11? 

tears me up everytime




Me too!!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
where's the 11? 

tears me up everytime
Posted 2 years ago by bwcyclist    [ Reply ]
A few songs make me cry.  This is one.  Another one is John Prine's Sam Stone. 
Posted 2 years ago by wawa2c    [ Reply ]
I’d only add - so painful …. Love it
Posted 2 years ago by Montreal_Mort    [ Reply ]
This is so good it puts shivers down my skin.
Posted 2 years ago by brianp53    [ Reply ]
GODLIKE!!!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
I don't know what it is, but the way he sings the last two words "...a way..." is so Johnny Cash. So deep, authoritative and yet fragile. One of the greatest covers of all time. 
Posted 2 years ago by DanielHLloyd    [ Reply ]
 cc_rider wrote:
Trent Reznor wrote it, NIN recorded it first. TR has admitted Cash's version is the definitive one.
c.


"admitted", you say?
Posted 2 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
 cc_rider wrote:
Trent Reznor wrote it, NIN recorded it first. TR has admitted Cash's version is the definitive one.
c.


I don't think he said it was "definitive," as much as it wasn't his anymore. Reznor wrote it for a specific time and point in his life, and then Cash came along and used the song to say something very different.

But I think this is a different situation than, say, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix with All Along The Watchtower.
Posted 2 years ago by acolt    [ Reply ]
GREAT!!!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
We all have down moments in our lives some more than most, death touches us all but boy Johnny had those dark moments by the bucket load and he emanates it in this song. The sorrow pours from his voice and we can feel the width and breadth of the pain in his life. 
Posted 2 years ago by cob427uk1    [ Reply ]
 Tippster wrote:

the 114 "1" ratings just baffle me.


I've never cared for it. Feels too adolescent, even though I'm a Cash fan. Everyone has their preferences.
Posted 2 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
 deniseperry wrote:

Brilliant song. NIN’s version is sublime! He wrote it, no?

Trent Reznor wrote it, NIN recorded it first. TR has admitted Cash's version is the definitive one.
c.

Posted 2 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Love that segue Bill 
Posted 2 years ago by Pedro1874    [ Reply ]
Just brilliant.
Posted 2 years ago by rhiangalthie    [ Reply ]
My Swedish friend? 
Posted 2 years ago by Grebbel    [ Reply ]
Brilliant song. NIN’s version is sublime! He wrote it, no?
Posted 3 years ago by deniseperry    [ Reply ]
From the same album, Ring of Fire, featuring Red Hot Chili Peppers, is much better than this
Posted 3 years ago by fathom39    [ Reply ]
 Tippster wrote:

the 114 "1" ratings just baffle me.

I really really don't enjoy hearing this song. Hope that helps. I'd be fine if I never heard it again, although I really enjoy Cash in general.

Posted 3 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
Amazing work, poignant and memorable. The music video is a much watch. There is also another video where family talks about Johnny and their thoughts. It brings up a lot of emotion, just like this masterpiece. 
| 
Posted 3 years ago by bigbobbybubba    [ Reply ]
I own them beans
Posted 3 years ago by Stetsonman    [ Reply ]
poesia in musica - molto bella.
Posted 3 years ago by mario_1954    [ Reply ]
I saw the Netflix series that included an interview with Trent Reznor where he talks about when and how he wrote this. Amazing story of how truth came from the deep despair he was in...... and then Johnny Cash somehow brings his own heart into it. I don't think it's better, that's trying to put a linear scale to something that can't be measured in a linear way, but I do think it's amazing.
Posted 3 years ago by bctreefarmer    [ Reply ]
What a gift this song is and when it comes to great performances, this is god like.
Posted 3 years ago by bigbobbybubba    [ Reply ]
How great! First Steven Wilson „Self“ and now Cash!
Bill you are the best.
Posted 3 years ago by sunnyS    [ Reply ]
Mike Campbell & Benmont Tench on guitar & piano.
Posted 3 years ago by TimeWaster    [ Reply ]
 rushfan wrote:
Looking at the ratings for this song.. this must be one of the highest rated RP songs of all time. 
 
the 114 "1" ratings just baffle me.
Posted 3 years ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
This right after Dylan’s Nin a long black coat........mmmm
Posted 3 years ago by PeterMcClelland    [ Reply ]
Johnny Cash is one of those rare performers with such a unique style and voice, he transcends our urge to categorize music. So simple yet so deep. True artistry.
Posted 3 years ago by KeithBrofsky    [ Reply ]
 nelsonha wrote:
I made my Mom cry when I played this version for her.  
 

I hope it was because of the song.
Posted 3 years ago by kazoo    [ Reply ]
Looking at the ratings for this song.. this must be one of the highest rated RP songs of all time. 
Posted 3 years ago by rushfan    [ Reply ]
I made my Mom cry when I played this version for her.  
Posted 3 years ago by nelsonha    [ Reply ]
Wow - I love this song even more today
Posted 4 years ago by surfin_powder    [ Reply ]
Would like to hear the Original version here once in a while Bill... 
Posted 4 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Bill -- Why you playing the last song I'll hear when I die? 
Posted 4 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
an 11 for me..
Posted 4 years ago by bwcyclist    [ Reply ]
 ImaOldman wrote:

Why the fuck not? He's Johnny Cash!
 

Damn right.
Posted 4 years ago by garyalex    [ Reply ]
 "10"  ..."TEN".... Cash's  version of this  Reznor classic
is a heart breaking tribute to our bleak and barren  existential  fate.
Posted 4 years ago by neptunejeff    [ Reply ]
I've seen this video a lot of times, but when I recently saw it at the JC museum - it is one of the last parts of the exhibit before you leave - it was unbelievable...people of all walks of life mesmerized by it, very few dry eyes, and people coming back to watch it again and again.
Posted 4 years ago by stevieslo    [ Reply ]
Pure emotion and feeling,RIP 🙏
Posted 4 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
looking for 11
Posted 4 years ago by bwcyclist    [ Reply ]
An instant classic; raw and heartfelt, as the song demands.
For anyone who hasn't seen the equally impressive video:

JohnnyCash-Hurt
Posted 4 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Gawd, the power of this...............it gives me chills every time I hear it. Then, whatever follows just can't match it. Damn Johnny, what you could do with such little vocal range.
Posted 4 years ago by all_ears    [ Reply ]
gets me everytime. 
Posted 4 years ago by bwcyclist    [ Reply ]
This is one of those extremely rare cases when a cover of an already great song takes to an even higher level of greatness. 
Posted 4 years ago by njswede    [ Reply ]
I didn't realise that this was not a Johnny Cash original, I thank  9 inch nails for writing such an amazing piece of poetry put to song which JC pulls off in his own majestic style.
Posted 4 years ago by howards.hogan648    [ Reply ]
I was CQ and this came in on the day room, I heard it, recognized it and went to watch it and my mouth dropped open. Could not believe JC was doing Trent Reznor and it worked so unbelievably well it was a show stopper... just blew me away with the video, still does. Not something I can see or hear everyday, just too powerful and poignant. Undeniably a 10. 
Posted 4 years ago by Triquel67    [ Reply ]
 planet_lizard wrote:
Best cover ever?
 
Yes.  I'm told that Nine Inch Nails even says it's a Johnny Cash song now!
Posted 4 years ago by cinzia1026    [ Reply ]
 Noni163 wrote:
He shouldn't change the lyrics
 
Why the fuck not? He's Johnny Cash!
Posted 4 years ago by ImaOldman    [ Reply ]
What was the old record for number of comments about a song? It's at 912 as I write  this. Can't say it doesn't have an impact on people.
Posted 4 years ago by tcseeley    [ Reply ]
From Hendon:” The depth and feeling are devastating. Great parting.” The legitimacy of Cash’s voice, the simply crushing honesty of the lyrics. Here the Bay Area our homeless problems are profound, and the factor of the numerous addicts is painfully obvious. Hearing this song reminds me of just how tragic the lives of these people are. Everyone they know (and care about) goes away in the end — the ultimate loss for social creatures.
Posted 5 years ago by S-curvy    [ Reply ]
 miquela75269 wrote:

He gave us a lifetime of great American music, and crowned  his career with a sound that inspires me every time......a 10.
 

Posted 5 years ago by miquela75269    [ Reply ]
 Decoy wrote:

It certainly is now. 
 
....and for ever.
Posted 5 years ago by miquela75269    [ Reply ]
 planet_lizard wrote:
Best cover ever?
 

Posted 5 years ago by dancindan    [ Reply ]
No one could ever sing this song like JohnnyI It’s to real. Big 9
Posted 5 years ago by stephen.king12101    [ Reply ]
A great song when Trent wrote it.

One of the greatest songs ever when Johnny sings it.  Sublime.
Posted 5 years ago by zinzarin    [ Reply ]
boring
and i really like JC.......
Posted 5 years ago by Wonderloaf    [ Reply ]
 MSKDCT wrote:
I prefer the original version from Nine Inch Nails. While I get the appeal of Johnny's cover, NIN captured the sound of despair beautifully.
 
I hear you.  However, I found NIN's sound is one of desperation; Cash's is of despair.  Both are fantastic to my ear.
Posted 5 years ago by stretcher    [ Reply ]
Such a different meaning when Johnny says:
Everyone I know, goes away in the end.
Posted 5 years ago by dianed    [ Reply ]
Long Live                                                                                                                                Radio Paradise
Rating to me                                                                                                                          9-OUTSTANDING
Posted 5 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
I love the low e (a music major told me it is the lowest key, e natural) finds it's way into a few songs by Johnny... 
Posted 5 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
Tears me apart whenever I hear this. The accompanying video starts playing in my head and I'm floored.
Posted 5 years ago by SpinyNorma    [ Reply ]
The depth and feeling are devastating.   Great parting.
Posted 5 years ago by Hendon2    [ Reply ]
When I heard and saw the video for Johnny's cover of this song it overwhelmed me.  Amazing cover!
Posted 5 years ago by Malachy    [ Reply ]
He shouldn't change the lyrics
Posted 5 years ago by Noni163    [ Reply ]
I prefer the original version from Nine Inch Nails. While I get the appeal of Johnny's cover, NIN captured the sound of despair beautifully.
Posted 5 years ago by MSKDCT    [ Reply ]
ouch
Posted 5 years ago by GapBetweenEars    [ Reply ]
Gorgeous as always.
Posted 5 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
didn't work
Posted 5 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Certainly not as good as the original, but still an 8 for me, great cover!
Posted 5 years ago by Marce_El_Pela    [ Reply ]
just....awesome. makes me cry everytime.
Posted 5 years ago by bwcyclist    [ Reply ]
Hell yes! The man in black smashed this one out of the park!
Posted 6 years ago by Slickamoe    [ Reply ]
No kidding, he owns it.


 Decoy wrote:

It certainly is now. 

 
thewiseking wrote:
This is not a "Johnny Cash song"

 



Posted 6 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]
I cannot abide this song.    {#Beat}
Posted 6 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
Still so good after so many years. What an amazing cover! 
Posted 6 years ago by cavemanleong    [ Reply ]
I usually listen to Radio Paradise while I am working, because the vibe is always very good and it flows really well. But sometimes a song appears that makes me stop for a while and just listen to it, and this is one such marvelous song. Thank you for splashing my day with such beautiful music.

But I am also glad these songs are the exception and not the rule - otherwise I could never get any work done! :D 
Posted 6 years ago by adrianac    [ Reply ]

JOHNNY CASH,
AMERICAN TREASURE. 
He was dying and chose the music for what he knew could be his last musical effort accordingly.
Absolutely heart wrenching to hear him sing this.
Released in November of 2002.
He was gone 9 months later.
GOD BLESS YOU, JOHNNY CASH, FOREVER ~
 .
Posted 6 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
Best cover ever?
Posted 6 years ago by planet_lizard    [ Reply ]
 It's utterly incredible.

Decoy wrote:

It certainly is now. 

 


Posted 6 years ago by Spugsy    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:
This is not a "Johnny Cash song"

 
It certainly is now. 
Posted 7 years ago by Decoy    [ Reply ]
Love this. Thanks for sharing. I remember listening to Trent's original back in my Army days, and then hearing Cash's remake when I was older and wiser, brought new meaning to the words. Godlike.

wyrd wrote:
One of the few cases in which the cover is better than the original. Even Trent Reznor basically admitted that this is the superior version of his own song...
He was quoted to say: "I pop the video in, and wow… Tears welling, silence, goose-bumps… Wow. I just lost my girlfriend, because that song isn’t mine anymore… It really made me think about how powerful music is as a medium and art form. I wrote some words and music in my bedroom as a way of staying sane, about a bleak and desperate place I was in, totally isolated and alone. that winds up reinterpreted by a music legend from a radically different era/genre and still retains sincerity and meaning — different, but every bit as pure."

 


Posted 7 years ago by PeaceInIraq    [ Reply ]
One of the few cases in which the cover is better than the original. Even Trent Reznor basically admitted that this is the superior version of his own song...
He was quoted to say: "I pop the video in, and wow… Tears welling, silence, goose-bumps… Wow. I just lost my girlfriend, because that song isn’t mine anymore… It really made me think about how powerful music is as a medium and art form. I wrote some words and music in my bedroom as a way of staying sane, about a bleak and desperate place I was in, totally isolated and alone. that winds up reinterpreted by a music legend from a radically different era/genre and still retains sincerity and meaning — different, but every bit as pure."
Posted 7 years ago by wyrd    [ Reply ]
{#Crown}
Posted 7 years ago by Azrica    [ Reply ]
 PeterMC3 wrote:
This song is so good it hurts..

 
ICWYDT
Posted 7 years ago by djblitz    [ Reply ]
This is not a "Johnny Cash song"
Posted 7 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
When this is sung by Johnny Cash he instills it with all of his life experiences. Chilling!
Posted 7 years ago by 2ndGenGeek    [ Reply ]
 Steely_D wrote:
Cash was such a mature performer, but this such an adolescent song.

 
Totally agree. I know I'm in the minority here, but I've just never seen this as a great performance. It was cool when he covered "Rusty Cage" as part of his career revival, but this is stretching a good thing too far. 
Posted 7 years ago by mdnlsn    [ Reply ]
Not a terrible cover, but like most, the original is better. 
Posted 7 years ago by crackker8385    [ Reply ]
this version of this song is fabulous, Cash is GODLIKE  imo

this bit of lyrics made me think of The Liar

"I wear this crown of thorns
Upon my liars chair
Full of broken thoughts
I cannot repair"


Posted 7 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
This song is so good it hurts..
Posted 7 years ago by PeterMC3    [ Reply ]
My favorite cover/version by far... 
Posted 8 years ago by mdfergy    [ Reply ]
Cash was such a mature performer, but this such an adolescent song.
Posted 8 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
{#Cheesygrin}
Posted 8 years ago by fitmartin    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

I believe Trent himself said words to that effect.

 
I agree, I love listening to both versions
Posted 8 years ago by NorthernLad    [ Reply ]
 dputlak wrote:
Almost seems that Nine Inch Nails wrote this song for Johnny Cash to sing it ultimately.  Perfect fit.
 
I believe Trent himself said words to that effect.
Posted 8 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
I enjoy this song so much better than Nine Inch Nails' original. So much emotion, and coming from someone who had experienced so much loss, and who was in his final days, makes it that much more moving.
Posted 8 years ago by mdfergy    [ Reply ]
Almost seems that Nine Inch Nails wrote this song for Johnny Cash to sing it ultimately.  Perfect fit.
Posted 8 years ago by dputlak    [ Reply ]
So much better than the original by Nine Inch Nails
Posted 8 years ago by dubberdan    [ Reply ]
I don't really know or even like much Johnny Cash, but OMG the emotion, the emptyness, truly moving.

What a song, must look for the original - but I love this for the darker moments (usually Ian Curtis satisfies that)

Thanks Johhny ! 
Posted 9 years ago by Timmer7    [ Reply ]
I really want  like it but...........
Posted 9 years ago by Pwb6769    [ Reply ]
A perfect snapshot of some dark times we all experience at one time or another, all stated in less than four minutes, very touching song.
Posted 9 years ago by scadawizard    [ Reply ]