Now, I’ve heard the song “Hurt” plenty of times. It was popular when I was in high school, and I listened to it several times between then and my early years of college. In 2002, Johnny Cash covered the song, and I heard that version many times as well.
I don’t know why, but I don’t think I had ever seen the video before tonight, and it was a powerful thing. Something about his raw vocals and resigned and sad visage really conveyed the meaning of the song as he meant it, and it moved me.
If you’ve never seen the video to this song, it can be found here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmVAWKfJ4Go
Listen to the lyrics as you watch Johnny Cash singing them from his heart. As he thinks about times past, and his relationship with Jesus Christ, listen to the raw anguish in his voice. It really will move you.
I’m not a Nine Inch Nails fan (the original artist of “Hurt”), but I heartily agree that Johnny Cash’s version is definitive. And the video matches the song perfectly – elegiac.
I enjoyed the original by Trent Reznor, to be honest. I don’t hate Nine Inch Nails, but I tend to not like most of their songs. :) But something about the Johnny Cash version just catches me. :)
I’ve actually been in the “House of Cash” and had a piece publised there in the ’70′s. I’m from the Nashville area and grew up with a lot of Johnny Cash music around.
Of all that he performed, I think this is the best. He reminds me of a modern day Solomon (read Ecclesiastes). Having followed his life when I was younger and even after he became a Christian and toured with Billy Graham, I believe this song as he represented it in his video was a fitting final warning to those who believe they can find fulfillment in fame or anything else other than the Lord he finally served.