Johnny Cash song- 'Hurt'- what can you tell me about it?

Question

I just heard it for the first time recently and saw the video... Just wondering if anyone knows any of the history; did 'the Man in Black' write it as well as perform it (I'm guessing yes)? Is there anything on record re the meaning of the lyrics? I like the song and the voice (as always) but must admit it is a bit depressing.

Yeah, I did just see the video on YouTube. The song fits Johnny Cash so perfectly- that's why I thought he'd likely written it, too! Thanks, everybody, for all your help.

Answer 1

Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails wrote the song for The Downward Spiral album in 1994. It is a song about regret and redemption. That being said I don't think it is a depressing song. I think Johnny Cash's version is immense and a huge goodbye to the world. Have you seen the video? It is a perfect companion to the song. It plays out like a retrospective of the man in black's life.
Trent Reznor said that when he heard Johnny's version he knew that it wasn;t his song anymore. Listen to the Nine Inch Nails version it is amazing. Even better try and find a copy of the live version with David Bowie and Trent Reznor - amazing.

Answer 2

"Hurt" is a lament that marks the conclusion to the concept album The Downward Spiral. Next to "A Warm Place", it is the quietest song on the record. The lyrics are sung over a simple guitar melody, synthesizer and subdued industrial background noise, accompanied by piano and drums during the chorus. After the louder second chorus, the song ends in a blast of electronic noise. On the remix album, Further Down the Spiral, it appears in the "quiet" form with no ambience in the background, no silence in the beginning, and the last note of the song is shortened.


Alleged concept
With "Hurt", the story behind the concept album The Downward Spiral is brought to a close. Arguably, the protagonist has already killed himself in the album's penultimate title track and is now reflecting on his life. After his escapades ("broken thoughts I cannot repair") involving drugs ("the needle tears a hole, the old familiar sting"), deceit ("my liar's chair"), self-injury ("I hurt myself today, to see if I still feel", "I focus on the pain, the only thing that's real"), etc, he realizes that all he has gained is ultimately nothing ("I wear this crown of ****", "my empire of dirt"). The person he's singing to, "my sweetest friend", could be referring to the "Piggy" who "left me here I'm all alone" or "the reason I stay alive" in "Closer". Finally, he speculates whether he would change given another chance.

Answer 3

It was written by and first performed by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. Johnny Cash did a cover of it and received a Grammy, posthumously.

Answer 4

My take on that song is this. Trent Resnor from Nine Inch Nails wrote it.I am very good at deciphering metaphors and I feel its a song that puts satan as the narrator.Its what the devil himself would say.You can argue or disagree but thats my take on it.Read the lyrics carefully and listen to the song,and maybe you will figure it out.The one phrase that is so ominous is"I will find a way"

Answer 5

Nine inch nails wrote the song, johnny cash covered it.

Answer 6

It's a cover of a Nine Inch Nails song.

Answer 7

Nine inch nails wrote the song.

Answer 8

it was a nine inch nails song in The Downward Spiral album. It's awsome

Answer 9

"Nine Inch Nails" originally wrote the song and was a single back in the 90's.

Answer 10

I agree it is WAY too depressing.