Just think it’s a mistake for anyone who knows nothing about JC to make this their first reaction. No context, no connection, no knowledge of his music. Then he pauses before the chorus even hits to ask his woman’s reaction lol. Just an ill advised reaction. In my opinion.
Why do you pause before the first chorus of nearly every song reaction? You almost almost pause within 60 secs of every song and turn to ur lady to ask her reaction. Just wondering if it was a formula or a routine 🤷🏻♂️
When he sang 'I will let you down, I will make you hurt'... it was not because he knew he would die. Not at all. It's far sadder than that. He was looking back on his life, on everyone he felt he had wronged, betrayed, disappointed, or hurt, and was regretting every moment. The song was powerful when Trent Reznor sang it as an expression of addiction and depression at the end of 'The Downward Spiral'... with Johnny Cash singing it, the song hits like a sledgehammer.
EXACTLY. He is thinking of all the regrets he has, the people he hurt with his addictions, probably his brother..... He has $100 million in the bank and he'd trade it and the Grammys, the fame everything to right it, but he can't.
Done three weeks after his wife died and he give it all away to have more time with her and correct the mistakes he made along the way. as Trent Reznor said i was born to write it he was born to sing it.
This is probably gonna be a long comment but I feel it's important.... IMO, this cover was a gift to us from Johnny. He knew his days were coming to end.... he died 7 months after this video was filmed.... While Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails wrote this song about his troubles and struggles with addiction and depression etc..... Coming from Johnny, an old man, it was a reflection of his life, struggles with addiction, mistakes, regrets and the wisdom that VERY sadly only comes with advanced age.... for me, this is a GIFT.... the gift of WISDOM!!! Peace, light and clarity to all....
@@eripley481 when someone takes what you’ve written and gives it new meaning, another audience, a different perspective. There is no greater adulation, it did become Johnny’s song. Trents realization of that always pulls me back to humility.
Your journey into Johnny Cash will be an eye opener. His later days in life he mellowed out tremendously. Parts of his life he was walking train wreck. Larger than life artist.
...that would be the best way for these young people to understand J.Cs contribution to his art, and maybe understand how powerful his performance of this song
Great movie but it does have the hollywood problem with it isnt a true docementary but allways loved that movie. The soundtrack should have been an own album. And joaquin should had gotten hes first oscar.
Great movie but casing for his first wife was a bit off and they outlook a major source of the tension in his first marriage were the death threats that they received because people including the KKK thought his first wife was Black.
i cant hear this song with out crying .. reminds me of my grandparents , died this year after 67 years together. only 2 days apart. but they had a Great life
Although it must have hurt to loose them both within such a short period of time … be happy for your grandparents that they only had to spend two days apart until they were reunited 🙂
Although this was a cover of Nine Inch Nails, Trent Reznor has stated that this became Johnny Cashs’ song. He had things in common with Trent as far as addiction, depression, loss. Hell life. Brings a tear to my eye every time I listen to his version, and thankful that he did it.If you make it to Nashville, go to the Cash museum and spend a couple of hours there and marvel at who he was.
Trent Reznor saying this became Cash's song is up there with the story of Clapton saying Prince was the greatest guitarist in the world of bullshit internet legends that never happened. Reznor said the first time he heard the cover it was like seeing someone else kiss your girlfriend. He also said having a legend like Cash want to cover his song was a bigger honor than any award.
@@endocry exactly, its amazing how many comments either take Reznors comments out of context and nuance or completely make shit up that he supposedly said.
@@endocry The same is true with R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Otis Redding wrote and released the song, but when Aretha sang it, Otis said it was hers from now on. Sometimes while a song may have a particular meaning at the time of writing, like any art it can mean so many different things to different people. A simple change of perspective can really drive a message home.
@@endocry Yes, Trent didn't "say" it is Johny's now. And even if an artist says a "song is now someone elses" the rights don't transfer and Reznor gets a cut of every playing of that song as does the Redding Estate for Respect. But Reznor isn't a fool and saw just how powerful Cash's cover is to the point of being interviewed about the cover and recommending people to partake. I like Reznor's version more but Cash's version has made its way to popularity to the point where it's recommended to many reactors before any NIN performed song is.
An absolute Genuine cover That "The Man in Black" owned. Trent Reznor wrote and recorded it and is honored to have The Legend take and make it beautifully genuine. With Trent's version it's simply a person's struggle with drugs. Johnny Cash's comes from a life time time struggle. He was a pillar until he passed.
I dont want to be argumentative at all because yeah you're right,,, But i dont know if Trent's song is so "simple", regarding one who has utterly lost themselves to addiction.
@@mokane86 A struggle with drugs is no simple task. You are right. My comment is just pointing out that Trent's version is only layered around his addiction. Whilst Jonny Cash's version is so much deeper with layers and far more story in his voice and internal dialogue. Where Trent made good song to continue to get f'd up and clap booty to, Johnny made the song more than just a cool song. Just being honest.
@@eyespyyourspy1328 100% agree...even Trent commented that he was blown away at how much more Johnny brought to this song, due to his own experience's interpretation of the lyrics. Either way, both fantastic versions...if Trent didn't write it, Johnny might never have had his Goodbye Song for the world.
This song brings a tear every single damn time I hear it. Every time. Probably the best cover I've ever heard and the saddest song I've ever heard. If you really want to know what he was about, check out his song "Man in Black".
Only songs get to me fast are " nitty gritty dirt bands will the circle be unbroken and vince gills "Go rest high on that mountain". Cry from second or third not of those.
When Johnny got older , in the 1990s , he made a record called American Recordings. It was later followed by American Recordings "II" through "V" . These were albums very different than Cash's previous work , and contained a lot of covers , and covers of older folk songs. These albums brought Cash to the attention of a younger generation that didn't really know him , and got him attention outside the country genre. They cemented him as a legend.
As a millennial I can confirm this. Not that I was ignorant to him prior. But those Rick Rubin albums really are what put him in my top ten list. And while I like a lot of his older stuff, these records will always be my favorites of his.
Same, and there are some truly amazing covers in those albums. His cover of Rusty cage by Soundgarden and the mercy seat by nick cave are my personal favorites.
I listened to a lot of punk rock, metal, hardcore, etc growing up. One name that all of these different genres of bands respected and loved was Johnny Cash. Also, helped me become a fan of his.
The thing that hits me the hardest about this song when Cash sings it is the overwhelming sense of nostalgia the song makes you feel. But then at the end, his last line is saying he has no regrets at all. Cash's version of this song makes me tear up every time I hear it. Many of the songs people recommend to you guys have a very deep backstory. Sometimes it seems Lex picks up on the impact of the song, but sometimes, it might be good if you both just look some stuff up if you have questions about the song, and use it as content. Those of us who recommend these songs would also be interested in your reaction to learning the backstories and meanings behind them as well.
Most definitely a 'last breath' song, given that he passed some months after. Though the song is originally a Nine Inch Nails number. You started at the end with this one, which isn't a bad thing. Now go back to Mr Cash's beginning, it's gold mine of songs. Great reaction as always from you both 👍👏👏👏
Johnny's music is some of that stuff that will always transcend human barriers. He speaks to everybody. As someone who has done time (quite a few times) it was always cool knowing Johnny thought of inmates and tried to humanize us. Not everybody locked up is a violent social deviant. RIP Johnny!!
To add to this if you are listened to the whole downward spiral, it will give context to closer. While many believe this cover better than the original, it is the jewel in the crown of that album are stronger in its setting. Side note good bye song Leonard Cohen "I'm ready my lord"
This is one you feel in your soul... I think it is about people as well, you can gather things, but all that is in the end is an empire of dirt... The people around you and in your life are more important than dirt. And you can see and feel the pain. This is a masterpiece of a cover song.
Just something to keep in mind...remember that "I wanna f*** you like an animal" guy with the bizarre music video? This is a cover of one of his songs. I got a lot of respect for Johnny Cash, but I gotta speak up for my lifelong love of Nine Inch Nails.
Johnny Cash was a huge Country Music Star, he died in 2003. He was known as "The Man In Black". You should listen to his song "A Boy Named Sue". You will love it.
Trent Reznor when he first heard Cash cover his song: “Tears started welling up. I realized it wasn't really my song anymore. It just gave me goose bumps up and down my spine. It's an unbelievably powerful piece of work. After he passed away I remember feeling saddened, but being honored to have framed the end of his life in something that is very tasteful."
@@Oliverklozov13 wrong buddy, he didn't like it when he first heard it. And never said it was a Johnny Cashnsong now. Although this seems to be regurgitated in any Cash Hurt reaction.
@@yomo1690 he didn't say he didn't like it... he thought it was weird... it was a personal song about his own struggles... and someone else recording it was "like someone kissing my girlfriend". He later had immense appreciation for it. Both feelings are completely understandable.
Trust me, young folks....it most certainly DOES go by in a flash. Then your sitting there wondering, where did all the time go? Life is like a vapor. Here, then gone. In a moment in time. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, but even if you manage to live to be 100. What is 100 years of life... as compared to the eternity you will be dead? Enjoy every minute of life, but prepare for the afterlife. Set your affairs in this world in order. While at the same time prepare to meet your maker to give an account for the things you did in life. What you do in life echoes throughout eternity, young ones. Remember that as you navigate this life. Do unto others the way you would have done unto you. Peace Fam.
thank you for reacting to "Hurt" - just one note; at about 5:50 in, you wonder about the words "I would keep myself" - I believe he's saying he wouldn't lose himself (for example, in addiction) - or other things that pull a person away from their true selves. The "My empire of dirt" line, suggests, to me, that he would do things differently. Also, I just think it's so amazing that this country star latched until a song by Nine Inch Nails - an industrial rock band.
Yes, that's what I get out of it, too. He would stay true to himself and not get lost in addiction. When somebody is lost there, everyone they know keeps growing and evolving, but they are stuck right there in their addiction. That's the "you are someone else, I am still right here". And the "I will make you hurt", goes from the prison scene when he disappointed people, to his wife and disappointing her at times, and then there's Jesus with the cross at the end showing how Cash feels like his sins required the crucifixion and pain of Jesus to save his soul. Such a song of regret and apology.
I rewatched this and came to the comments to say the same thing. In Cash’s case, he’s talking about ‘keeping himself’ instead of getting lost in the excesses of his life of celebrity. It includes drugs, obvs, but there’s more to it than that. There’s the womanizing, throwing money at frivolous things because you have so much money loses its meaning, the trashing hotels, feeling entitled, there’s the hubris that comes with thousands of people wanting just to see you each day, and there’s the sense of entitlement from being given things that you may have worked to deserve, but in extremes far beyond reason. All the things that turn celebrities into tropes and caricatures of themselves instead of the person you were before all of these other things changed you.
its kind of difficult to relay how important an artist Johnny Cash was to these young people.Much less the impact of this song and video. I don't love his style of music, but he was cool as hell
Congratulations on your new baby! Johnny Cash is a legend! To hear the full song you should watch the video, it fits it all together perfectly. The Professor of Rock has a good dissection of the video.
David Bowie did that with his last album, Blackstar. He was terminally ill with cancer and recorded the album secretly. His cancer wasn't publicly known until after his death. It was released on his 69th birthday and he passed away 2 days later. The songs are VERY haunting. He was so brilliant and did the album as a parting gift to his fans.
It is I have buried so many of my friends and family . Had a friend tell me at a funeral girl your gonna be the last one of us standing . The worst tho was when I had to bury my son at the age of 29 .
She’s very attractive for a colored women. If she was in a slave auction back in the early days of America and I was looking to buy, I would pick her and breed her myself.
Love watching you two doing the vids, you genuinely seem like each others best friends as well as parners... so cute :) but you also each bring something different to the reaction and your own interpretation. Keep at it guys, you are doing brilliantly x
This is a cover of a Nine Inch Nails song. The singer of NIN said after Cash covered it that Hurt was Cash's song now. Cash died shortly after this was released.
@@joesmith5159 each version has its own place IMO. NIN version is about drug addiction and fucking up your loved ones. While Cash's version, speaks about dying and regret for your life's actions. I think Cash's version gets more clout because he died shortly after (I think it wad his last recorded song) and the fact he had the balls to cover this song and interpret it in the way he did. The video is also amazing so that might play into it.
He was part of a group called the million dollar quartet which included Elvis Presley,Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. They were called that because they were the top selling artists for the label Sun Records which helped launch their careers.
Oh man, this song, the video, the music...can't listen too it without choking up eyes watering. You hear the regrets, the hurt, the age in his voice, knowing its his last published recording, his life's struggles from the peak of fame to sitting their in his broken dusty run down museum of faded glory....the lyrics just completely hit you in the heart.
I started with the NIN version & as an addict with 3 yrs of sobriety TO ME this song always was about the pain of addiction. The 1st verse was always like when you’re high you can’t feel & that’s what you want but it doesn’t go away “ the needle tears a hole the old familiar sting try to kill it all away but I remember everything. & then the chorus is like your self reflection of “what have I become my sweetest friend everyone I love goes away in the end” because when you’re in active addiction 99.9% of ppl you love either leave or you drive them away. Then 2nd verse is like getting clean or thinking about it cuz when you 1st get clean everything’s fucked up you have to deal with all the shit in your head you’ve been trying to get away from “full of broken thoughts I can not repair” but the longer you’re clean the easier it gets “beneath the stains of time the feelings disappear” (although I’ve also interrupted these 2 lines to also be like a friend or relationship you had before becoming an addict “beneath the stains of time the feelings disappear you are someone else I am still right here” like you’ve gone on to getta job & have a good life & I’m still right here getting high) 3rd verse is all about accepting yourself accepting your disease & being good with the person you are. That’s my interruption of the song & I think it holds great with both Johnny Cash & Trent Reznor since both are addicts… Normally I would comment do “Attack The Radical” by Pantera but today I’m gonna say do “ Something I can never have” by Nine Inch Nails
What I've always gotten from this song is exactly what Brad discussed. "Enjoy the moment". Learn from, but don't worry about the past (could've, should've, would've). And don't stress on the future (what if?, what if?, what if?).
This was originally a 9 inch nails song. He was tormented when June passed. I spent my childhood in the 70’s and 80’s going to the gates of their house on family vacations and the Grand Ole Oort. It was his regret for all he did. June had died two weeks before this and he died a week after this. The closing of the piano is so poignant. He was a brutal but profound husband. Their story is iconic
The American Recordings that Cash did with Rick Rubin at the end of his life were some of the best of his entire career. Though they were mostly covers, I think they were all written for Johnny to perform. None more so than Nine Inch Nails’ Hurt. He was the greatest.
Experience & Perspective - every time I watch one of these - my first reaction is - HOW? How do they not know of this Artist? How could they have not heard this song? Then I think about the age difference (30+ years?) and how much of the music they grew up listening to, I've never heard. Experience shapes perspective.
Brad and Lex,This has been by far my most favorite espisode you've done! THANK YOU! This means alot to me. This song, "Hurt" is very personal to me because I can relate alot to the lyrics. Back in 1994 , I was a junkie /crackhead and spiraling downward more and more in addiction. The price of my addiction led me to lose custody of my 2 young kids, my son and my daughter, some stints in county jail, homelessness, detoxes,rehabs, whatever else drama and chaos happened . In 1998 , I had to relinquish my parental rights with my daughter. My mother couldn't take care of both of my kids financially and emotionally. It was the most difficult thing ,I had to do in my life but, I loved my daughter very much and I wanted her to have a life that I know in reality couldn't give her. But, after that, I felt like a failure, ashamed , guilty, "HURT". So,that gave me the excuse to keep doing what I was doin'. I pretty much gave up ; I didn't care anymore,escpecially what would happen to me. Also, I just want to say, THANK GOD FOR MY MOTHER because she used alot of "TOUGH LOVE " on me many , many times through my addiction. I truly believe, by her doing that, saved me and my life! God was watching over me too. Back in 2004, I saw on MTV , Johnny's rendition of, "HURT".Even though I was in a haze and a daze, it made such a huge impact on me, that I FINALLY decided to get myself clean and sober, FOR ME,NOT ANYBODY ELSE! ME! It was the 2nd hardest thing I had to do in my life. Getting clean and sober sucks at 1st, for a couple of years even. But, with alot of support and actually doing what I NEEDED TO DO,sticking with it at all costs......HERE I AM! I have been in recovery from crack and heroin since 2004;alcohol since 2011. I feel truly grateful and blessed. I should've been dead yeeeeeeeeeeeears ago! Life isn't perfect but it sure beats the hell of me being 6 feet under! When I still hear this song, I break down and cry. It's very cleansing for me and reminds me just how far I've overcame. Now,my mission is to help those strugglin' with addiction/ alcoholism and/or mental illness . With all, that being said, THANK YOU, BRAD AND LEX FOR SHARING AND DOING THIS EPISODE! I APPRECIATE YOU AND WHAT YOU DO! YOU ROCK! 🤘😎 By the way, CONGRATS ON YOUR LITTLE ONE AND GOD BLESS YOU BOTH AND YOU LITTLE ONE.❤
This song was a cover of a Nine Inch Nails song, it's actually about heroine addiction. Trent Reznor said it became Johnny Cash's song after the cover was done.
You are missing alot of nuance in what Reznor actually said. He said its nit mine anymore, in that this song took a new life and meaning and reached a whole new audience and so his "ownership" of this deeply personal song was somewhat relinquished.
@@yomo1690 Well, that, and it wasn't the cover so much as the video. He actually said he was basically unimpressed on just hearing it, then he saw the video.
Hurt" is a song by American industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails from their second studio album, The Downward Spiral (1994), written by Trent Reznor. The song includes references to self-harm and heroin addiction, although the overall meaning of the song is disputed. Some listeners contend that the song acts as a suicide note written by the song's protagonist, as a result of his depression, while others claim that it describes the difficult process of finding a reason to live in spite of depression and pain and does not have much to do with the storyline of The Downward Spiral.
It’s an interesting thought: what would an artist produce at the end. David Bowie completed an entire album while terminally ill. It was released on his birthday, and two days later he died. And it’s an incredible piece of work. As is this cover by Jonny Cash. He’s totally made it his own.
Are you two actually getting to watch the video that goes along with this song? It hits really hard being a Cash fan since I was younger. I appreciated his songs even more after the movie Walk the Line. He was an amazing story teller. This song always makes me cry for him. RIP Man in Black.
This was Johnny's last recording. His wife June died 3 months after this and Johnny followed her 4 months later. He knew the end was near and I believe this was his final farewell and he had a message for us all he wanted to pass along.
An artist that did make an album while dying is David Bowie. He reinvented himself literally to the very end - his swan song Lazarus is a raw and brilliant reflection on dying.
"He called me to ask how I'd feel if Johnny Cash covered Hurt. I said I'd be very flattered but was given no indication it would actually be recorded."Hearing it was like someone kissing your girlfriend." "Aug 5, 2008" - Dad actually met JC personally, his daughter was a fan of Steppenwolf (dad played bass) and invited them to the Grand Ol Opry house to see JC perform. After the show backstage JC invited them to his house for breakfast. Only Dad and John Kay took him up on it. JC told stories in his robe while Roseanne sat there with him and his wife cooked breakfast. Imagine that! Steppenwolf members were the first "Long Hair Hippies" to EVER go backstage at the Grand ol' Opry = who was going to stop them when they were JC's guest?! LoL #RIP #legend
When I heard you say "I think I've heard of him, is he famous?" Johnny Cash was about as famous as famous can be. This is a cover song he did right before he died, the guy was a legend. Absolute legend.
Great reaction for not knowing his history. 😊 Classic Johnny Cash songs in his younger years are A Boy Named Sue written by Shel Silverstein and Man in Black written by Johnny. The best is the live recording of Man in Black when he performed it for the first time. It is true Johnny Cash.
Thank you for sharing this with me Mr. Cash is one of a kind . We were raised up on country and western in the 50, 60’s and 70’s old school check it out
If you do more Johnny Cash I highly recommend “the Man comes around” and “God‘s gonna cut you down “ but there are so many great ones. Folsom prison blues” live from Folsom prison deserves mentioning too
With the amount of songs they don’t know or at least Lex doesn’t know, I’m starting to wonder if they grew up in a fundamentalist group or something 🤭. Like how does anyone not know some of the most played out songs to exist?
By being born after the vast majority of these artists no longer perform? Also, if you think about how long records were (and still are) around, then the rapid fire succession of short life music mediums since (8 track, cassette, CD...), a lot of music doesn’t get ported over from one medium to the next without serious effort.
Regret is the focus of Cash's version. He's recalling all those he hurt. At the end he says if he could start over again that he would "keep himself." Meaning he would remain true to himself. He would find a way. One doesn't wish to start over and "find a way" except in regret for past mistakes.
Johnny was looking to do some cover songs with meaning as a farewell to the music. He knew he didn't have time left. A friend of his was playing Nine Inch Nails in a car and he listened to Hurt and he got in Contact with Trent Reznor, the singer of NiN and here is the crazy part. Trent was feeling down, useless that his music wasn't good enough to reach anyone. He was contemplating leaving the music industry. He'd pretty much stopped singing and was doing music for movies and games. But he wasn't feeling it. His Agent called him and said "Trent you sitting down. I have someone here. Johnny wants to talk to you." And Trent went "Johnny who?" and on speaker he heard "Cash, Son. I'd like to talk to you about your music." And Trent apparently screamed. He said "What do you have in mind?" three months later Johnny sang his cover of Hurt and then passed away shortly after.
Thanks to nine inch nails' trent reznor that this song exists. U might want to check that out later on ur own, i believe the original has more despair and sadness in it.
If you ant a good example of a "end of life" song check out Leonard Cohen's "You Want it Darker". He released it about a month before he passed away, at the age of 82.
This is one of THE most authentic, honest and vulnerable songs any songwriter has ever written. For those that know his life, he is saying a fantastic amount with these very simple words. And wasn't that his gift? He always found such beautiful ways to expose such common truths, and always using language that was so evocative AND accessible. This song would mean very different things to people at different stages of life. That is a huge part of its genius.
@@robfrey9881 Yeah, maybe I should have added that. So many others mentioned it that it felt moot at the time. But yes, it isn't his. Although, even the songwriter felt that Johnny owned it after singing it the way he did. They shared a heroin addiction I believe. So the younger man may have heard more life experience behind lines he meant just as sincerely, but that he had sung after fewer miles and years.
Although I do love Johnny Cash’s version, it’s a cover. The original version is by Nine Inch Nails, and honestly it’s way more devastating to me. You guys should probably give it a listen, but it’s a pretty heavy song emotionally, so be prepared haha
Johnny Cash made it a completely different song. Trents original version is about his drug addiction and you can feel how it starts with him being apologetic and ending with him angrily defensive about having to apologize. Johnny's version comes off as him apologetic and trying to come to terms with his failures and ends with him admitting he would be the same person if he started over. Both are hard hitting but it's amazing how the same lyrics came off as different songs.
@@michaelsangster2354 Yes, I know, I agree that Cash made a completely different version AND meaning, and I love it as well, but I do enjoy more NIN's version.
This song is so fuckin real. It hits me hard now that I've had a few deaths in the family and seen a few friends grow away from you - even successful musicians like Johnny Cash end up with nothing in the end. Live in the moment and enjoy life as much as you can
He was a legend in Rockabilly, Folk then Country who crossed over to mainstream popularity. His wife June Carter was part of the Carter Family dynasty in folk and country whose popularity started in the 20s. He also had a lot of pain in his life ….drugs, jail, violence whose career was turned around to reach a peak in the 80s and 90s.
This song is a NIN song about addiction but Cash made it about how life goes fast. I hear you guys enjoying being young and treasure that time. I am 52 and time just keeps moving faster. It feels like I was 25 a few years ago. We will all relate to this song as Cash did. Hours are like diamonds don't let them waste.
Prison, Dope, alcohol, His life before he met his wife June Carter, also a singer. She helped him straighten up, and gave him a reason to live. They were married almost 40 years, June passing 3 months after this video, and Johnny 4 months later. There is a live video of this that shows more details. Very moving.
Yes, THE Johnny Cash. He passed away shortly after making this video, so this was considered by many as his farewell song.
When he closes the cover to the piano. That was a powerful image.
Just think it’s a mistake for anyone who knows nothing about JC to make this their first reaction. No context, no connection, no knowledge of his music. Then he pauses before the chorus even hits to ask his woman’s reaction lol. Just an ill advised reaction. In my opinion.
Why do you pause before the first chorus of nearly every song reaction? You almost almost pause within 60 secs of every song and turn to ur lady to ask her reaction. Just wondering if it was a formula or a routine 🤷🏻♂️
Didn't his daughter say that when she told him it sounded like a good bye, he said it was? I remember reading that somewhere.
@@madicelander It's become kind of their thing but only because of TH-cam's dumbass copywrite restrictions/strike policies.
When he sang 'I will let you down, I will make you hurt'... it was not because he knew he would die. Not at all. It's far sadder than that. He was looking back on his life, on everyone he felt he had wronged, betrayed, disappointed, or hurt, and was regretting every moment. The song was powerful when Trent Reznor sang it as an expression of addiction and depression at the end of 'The Downward Spiral'... with Johnny Cash singing it, the song hits like a sledgehammer.
EXACTLY. He is thinking of all the regrets he has, the people he hurt with his addictions, probably his brother..... He has $100 million in the bank and he'd trade it and the Grammys, the fame everything to right it, but he can't.
Done three weeks after his wife died and he give it all away to have more time with her and correct the mistakes he made along the way. as Trent Reznor said i was born to write it he was born to sing it.
This is probably gonna be a long comment but I feel it's important.... IMO, this cover was a gift to us from Johnny. He knew his days were coming to end.... he died 7 months after this video was filmed....
While Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails wrote this song about his troubles and struggles with addiction and depression etc..... Coming from Johnny, an old man, it was a reflection of his life, struggles with addiction, mistakes, regrets and the wisdom that VERY sadly only comes with advanced age.... for me, this is a GIFT.... the gift of WISDOM!!! Peace, light and clarity to all....
I remember Trent saying that when he saw the video he knew it wasn't his song anymore. This is one of the greatest covers of all time.
I remember this. Broke my heart. Named my son Ethan Cash after Johnny....
This was very well said. I hope they listen to a few more from Johnny the man in black.
@@eripley481 when someone takes what you’ve written and gives it new meaning, another audience, a different perspective. There is no greater adulation, it did become Johnny’s song. Trents realization of that always pulls me back to humility.
And I'm sure you've also heard that when Mr. Cashs daughter heard the song she said "it sounds like your saying goodbye" and he said "I am"...
Your journey into Johnny Cash will be an eye opener. His later days in life he mellowed out tremendously. Parts of his life he was walking train wreck. Larger than life artist.
There is a movie called Walk the Line about his life. Once you know his story this song hits harder.
Absolutely agree. They need to watch the move and then come back and tell us what they thought of it in their next reaction to his music.
...that would be the best way for these young people to understand J.Cs contribution to his art, and maybe understand how powerful his performance of this song
Great movie but it does have the hollywood problem with it isnt a true docementary but allways loved that movie. The soundtrack should have been an own album. And joaquin should had gotten hes first oscar.
Great movie but casing for his first wife was a bit off and they outlook a major source of the tension in his first marriage were the death threats that they received because people including the KKK thought his first wife was Black.
Would make sense but johnny cash didn't write this song. This is a song written by the band "nine inch nails"
i cant hear this song with out crying .. reminds me of my grandparents , died this year after 67 years together. only 2 days apart. but they had a Great life
My condolences.
Although it must have hurt to loose them both within such a short period of time … be happy for your grandparents that they only had to spend two days apart until they were reunited 🙂
@@nahemadee448 very true !!
sorry to hear that!! but beautiful they couldnt live without each other!! together again i belive
Although this was a cover of Nine Inch Nails, Trent Reznor has stated that this became Johnny Cashs’ song. He had things in common with Trent as far as addiction, depression, loss. Hell life. Brings a tear to my eye every time I listen to his version, and thankful that he did it.If you make it to Nashville, go to the Cash museum and spend a couple of hours there and marvel at who he was.
Trent Reznor saying this became Cash's song is up there with the story of Clapton saying Prince was the greatest guitarist in the world of bullshit internet legends that never happened.
Reznor said the first time he heard the cover it was like seeing someone else kiss your girlfriend. He also said having a legend like Cash want to cover his song was a bigger honor than any award.
@@endocry exactly, its amazing how many comments either take Reznors comments out of context and nuance or completely make shit up that he supposedly said.
@@endocry The same is true with R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Otis Redding wrote and released the song, but when Aretha sang it, Otis said it was hers from now on. Sometimes while a song may have a particular meaning at the time of writing, like any art it can mean so many different things to different people. A simple change of perspective can really drive a message home.
@@32Omicron32 Except my point is Trent never said that.
@@endocry Yes, Trent didn't "say" it is Johny's now. And even if an artist says a "song is now someone elses" the rights don't transfer and Reznor gets a cut of every playing of that song as does the Redding Estate for Respect. But Reznor isn't a fool and saw just how powerful Cash's cover is to the point of being interviewed about the cover and recommending people to partake. I like Reznor's version more but Cash's version has made its way to popularity to the point where it's recommended to many reactors before any NIN performed song is.
An absolute Genuine cover That "The Man in Black" owned.
Trent Reznor wrote and recorded it and is honored to have The Legend take and make it beautifully genuine. With Trent's version it's simply a person's struggle with drugs. Johnny Cash's comes from a life time time struggle. He was a pillar until he passed.
I dont want to be argumentative at all because yeah you're right,,,
But i dont know if Trent's song is so "simple", regarding one who has utterly lost themselves to addiction.
@@mokane86 A struggle with drugs is no simple task. You are right. My comment is just pointing out that Trent's version is only layered around his addiction. Whilst Jonny Cash's version is so much deeper with layers and far more story in his voice and internal dialogue. Where Trent made good song to continue to get f'd up and clap booty to, Johnny made the song more than just a cool song. Just being honest.
@@eyespyyourspy1328 100% agree...even Trent commented that he was blown away at how much more Johnny brought to this song, due to his own experience's interpretation of the lyrics.
Either way, both fantastic versions...if Trent didn't write it, Johnny might never have had his Goodbye Song for the world.
@@jamosensei I can agree with that. Trent gave us Jonny's most hard hitting performance and an epic goodbye to his beloved June
This song brings a tear every single damn time I hear it. Every time. Probably the best cover I've ever heard and the saddest song I've ever heard.
If you really want to know what he was about, check out his song "Man in Black".
Me too
Great song
Only songs get to me fast are " nitty gritty dirt bands will the circle be unbroken and vince gills "Go rest high on that mountain". Cry from second or third not of those.
Me too...😫😭
Cat's in the cradle kills me everytime as well.
There just aren't any words sufficient enough to describe how great this version of this song is.
When they said, "I think Johnny Cash was famous ".........Holy shit. I laughed my ass off. 🤣
This song tears me up every time and I've listened to over the years. I appreciate you young folks hearing and appreciating music from the past.
When Johnny got older , in the 1990s , he made a record called American Recordings. It was later followed by American Recordings "II" through "V" . These were albums very different than Cash's previous work , and contained a lot of covers , and covers of older folk songs.
These albums brought Cash to the attention of a younger generation that didn't really know him , and got him attention outside the country genre.
They cemented him as a legend.
As a millennial I can confirm this. Not that I was ignorant to him prior. But those Rick Rubin albums really are what put him in my top ten list. And while I like a lot of his older stuff, these records will always be my favorites of his.
Same, and there are some truly amazing covers in those albums. His cover of Rusty cage by Soundgarden and the mercy seat by nick cave are my personal favorites.
There were six albums in the American series.
I listened to a lot of punk rock, metal, hardcore, etc growing up. One name that all of these different genres of bands respected and loved was Johnny Cash. Also, helped me become a fan of his.
Daughter Rosanne Cash: Jesus dad, it sounds like you're saying goodbye.
Johnny: I am
😂😂
@@CoboProdz Okay lol
@@vincent2053 That wasn't a lol thing people. I believe this actually happened before he died.
I've seen a lot of people repeating that quote over the years. Does anyone have a link for where she said it?
It's the exact same thing I thought when I heard the song!
Johnny cash is one of the best artists ever period. You guys need to look into him. Love the video as always
The only man to be inducted into every major music or songwriter hall of fame.
They need to? What's gonna happen if they they don't look into him, u gonna give them beating 😂😂
@@MrStaley haha? Kind of weird of you to think that way but oh well.
Yes it is Johnny Cash! He AND his wife practically got Country Music out of the mountains and on the radio!
mother-in-law actually. June was there and hugely important to country music, but her mother was a driving force among others at that time.
@@bcafed I live in Tennessee, and Cash had a cabin near where I live.
The thing that hits me the hardest about this song when Cash sings it is the overwhelming sense of nostalgia the song makes you feel. But then at the end, his last line is saying he has no regrets at all. Cash's version of this song makes me tear up every time I hear it.
Many of the songs people recommend to you guys have a very deep backstory. Sometimes it seems Lex picks up on the impact of the song, but sometimes, it might be good if you both just look some stuff up if you have questions about the song, and use it as content. Those of us who recommend these songs would also be interested in your reaction to learning the backstories and meanings behind them as well.
Most definitely a 'last breath' song, given that he passed some months after. Though the song is originally a Nine Inch Nails number. You started at the end with this one, which isn't a bad thing. Now go back to Mr Cash's beginning, it's gold mine of songs.
Great reaction as always from you both 👍👏👏👏
Johnny's music is some of that stuff that will always transcend human barriers. He speaks to everybody. As someone who has done time (quite a few times) it was always cool knowing Johnny thought of inmates and tried to humanize us. Not everybody locked up is a violent social deviant.
RIP Johnny!!
"I feel comfortable saying he's famous." My eyes nearly popped out my head. No, I wouldn't say he's famous. I would say he's revered.
The original song is by Nine Inch Nails. You don't have to react to it, but at least give it a listen!
To add to this if you are listened to the whole downward spiral, it will give context to closer. While many believe this cover better than the original, it is the jewel in the crown of that album are stronger in its setting.
Side note good bye song Leonard Cohen "I'm ready my lord"
This.
And this version... With David Bowie ... Is everything.
th-cam.com/video/fhhEHuChFck/w-d-xo.html
I heard nin version of this and to be honest it stinks l love cash version better
@@jefffederer1807 we all appreciate different things. You will, however, excuse me if your comment makes me disregard your opinion
@@jefffederer1807 Yes. I love NIN but the original of this song sucks.
This is one you feel in your soul... I think it is about people as well, you can gather things, but all that is in the end is an empire of dirt... The people around you and in your life are more important than dirt. And you can see and feel the pain. This is a masterpiece of a cover song.
Just something to keep in mind...remember that "I wanna f*** you like an animal" guy with the bizarre music video? This is a cover of one of his songs.
I got a lot of respect for Johnny Cash, but I gotta speak up for my lifelong love of Nine Inch Nails.
I love when I think “I wonder if Brad and Lex listened to this one” and they deliver ❤
Johnny Cash was a huge Country Music Star, he died in 2003. He was known as "The Man In Black". You should listen to his song "A Boy Named Sue". You will love it.
Johnny wasn't just a country star,he was also the personification of a rock star...
❤ From England
The Man iN Black!, such a cool name to have and fitting!!
Is Johnny Cash famous? He was an international superstar loved by rappers, rockers and country music players alike
FYI: Hurt is a Nine Inch Nails song that was covered by Cash.
Then upon hearing this cover, Trent Reznor said it was now Johnny's song. Which is dope af of Trent.
Trent Reznor when he first heard Cash cover his song: “Tears started welling up. I realized it wasn't really my song anymore. It just gave me goose bumps up and down my spine. It's an unbelievably powerful piece of work. After he passed away I remember feeling saddened, but being honored to have framed the end of his life in something that is very tasteful."
@@Oliverklozov13 wrong buddy, he didn't like it when he first heard it. And never said it was a Johnny Cashnsong now. Although this seems to be regurgitated in any Cash Hurt reaction.
@@discreteentropy he didn't like it when he first heard it. He only liked it when seeing the music video.
@@yomo1690 he didn't say he didn't like it... he thought it was weird... it was a personal song about his own struggles... and someone else recording it was "like someone kissing my girlfriend". He later had immense appreciation for it. Both feelings are completely understandable.
Trust me, young folks....it most certainly DOES go by in a flash. Then your sitting there wondering, where did all the time go? Life is like a vapor. Here, then gone. In a moment in time. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, but even if you manage to live to be 100. What is 100 years of life... as compared to the eternity you will be dead? Enjoy every minute of life, but prepare for the afterlife. Set your affairs in this world in order. While at the same time prepare to meet your maker to give an account for the things you did in life. What you do in life echoes throughout eternity, young ones. Remember that as you navigate this life. Do unto others the way you would have done unto you. Peace Fam.
thank you for reacting to "Hurt" - just one note; at about 5:50 in, you wonder about the words "I would keep myself" - I believe he's saying he wouldn't lose himself (for example, in addiction) - or other things that pull a person away from their true selves. The "My empire of dirt" line, suggests, to me, that he would do things differently. Also, I just think it's so amazing that this country star latched until a song by Nine Inch Nails - an industrial rock band.
Yes, that's what I get out of it, too. He would stay true to himself and not get lost in addiction. When somebody is lost there, everyone they know keeps growing and evolving, but they are stuck right there in their addiction. That's the "you are someone else, I am still right here". And the "I will make you hurt", goes from the prison scene when he disappointed people, to his wife and disappointing her at times, and then there's Jesus with the cross at the end showing how Cash feels like his sins required the crucifixion and pain of Jesus to save his soul. Such a song of regret and apology.
@@HaphazardHomestead That's a wonderful way of hearing and seeing into the lyrics - thanks!
I rewatched this and came to the comments to say the same thing. In Cash’s case, he’s talking about ‘keeping himself’ instead of getting lost in the excesses of his life of celebrity. It includes drugs, obvs, but there’s more to it than that. There’s the womanizing, throwing money at frivolous things because you have so much money loses its meaning, the trashing hotels, feeling entitled, there’s the hubris that comes with thousands of people wanting just to see you each day, and there’s the sense of entitlement from being given things that you may have worked to deserve, but in extremes far beyond reason. All the things that turn celebrities into tropes and caricatures of themselves instead of the person you were before all of these other things changed you.
Johnny Cash is in the Gospel, Country Music, and Rock and Roll halls of fame.
“Sunday Morning Coming Down” Johnny Cash. One of his greatest songs. Although written by Kris Kristofferson.
Johnny Cash- Sunday Morning Coming Down is one of his best, nice reaction btw
He's the only person to be inducted into the rock n roll, country, and gospel hall of fame.
This is fact is worth taking a moment to think about.
its kind of difficult to relay how important an artist Johnny Cash was to these young people.Much less the impact of this song and video. I don't love his style of music, but he was cool as hell
lol those are empires of dirt.
Nope Elvis Presley is also in all three.
@@scottmeeks662Johnny wasn’t doing too bad if Elvis was his only competition. Both are legends
Congratulations on your new baby! Johnny Cash is a legend! To hear the full song you should watch the video, it fits it all together perfectly. The Professor of Rock has a good dissection of the video.
Johnny has SOOOO many AMAZING songs, but I think you should do The Man in Black. There is a good live version of the first time he performed it.
The Man in Black is a good song to understand Johnny Cash
Loved hearing him talk about writing it right before his first performance.
David Bowie did that with his last album, Blackstar. He was terminally ill with cancer and recorded the album secretly. His cancer wasn't publicly known until after his death. It was released on his 69th birthday and he passed away 2 days later. The songs are VERY haunting. He was so brilliant and did the album as a parting gift to his fans.
Both my grandparents said it sucks having to bury everyone you've known.
It is I have buried so many of my friends and family . Had a friend tell me at a funeral girl your gonna be the last one of us standing . The worst tho was when I had to bury my son at the age of 29 .
Did they also tell u the sun was hot? Ice is cold? Grass is green?
Bummer, I was really looking forward to that!
@@blakenokomis1573 🤣🤣
Sound wise… Lex has the ear of a producer hearing the quality of the ribbon microphone. Always a great reaction. Gotta do “David Bowie - Lazarus”
So, your theme is "final song to make all y'all ugly cry"? ;p
She’s very attractive for a colored women. If she was in a slave auction back in the early days of America and I was looking to buy, I would pick her and breed her myself.
"i feel like im in his mouth" Lex... always has a way with words
Love watching you two doing the vids, you genuinely seem like each others best friends as well as parners... so cute :) but you also each bring something different to the reaction and your own interpretation. Keep at it guys, you are doing brilliantly x
This is a cover of a Nine Inch Nails song. The singer of NIN said after Cash covered it that Hurt was Cash's song now. Cash died shortly after this was released.
i always see people reacting to the cash version and the NIN version is not only better but the original
i dont get it
oh well
@@joesmith5159 each version has its own place IMO. NIN version is about drug addiction and fucking up your loved ones. While Cash's version, speaks about dying and regret for your life's actions. I think Cash's version gets more clout because he died shortly after (I think it wad his last recorded song) and the fact he had the balls to cover this song and interpret it in the way he did. The video is also amazing so that might play into it.
ICON! His talent boundless, his life defines us all. His wisdom is timeless. Our youth must realize this.
Cash started and even toured with Elvis in his early days.
They came through my little Texas town! Played at the American Legion in early 1956.
And Roger Allen Wade back in the day
The Million Dollar Quartet!
it's okay, everyone ruminates upon their own mortality when they first hear this song, it's not just you xDD
He was part of a group called the million dollar quartet which included Elvis Presley,Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. They were called that because they were the top selling artists for the label Sun Records which helped launch their careers.
Oh man, this song, the video, the music...can't listen too it without choking up eyes watering. You hear the regrets, the hurt, the age in his voice, knowing its his last published recording, his life's struggles from the peak of fame to sitting their in his broken dusty run down museum of faded glory....the lyrics just completely hit you in the heart.
This song is so deep. I love this song
I started with the NIN version & as an addict with 3 yrs of sobriety TO ME this song always was about the pain of addiction. The 1st verse was always like when you’re high you can’t feel & that’s what you want but it doesn’t go away “ the needle tears a hole the old familiar sting try to kill it all away but I remember everything. & then the chorus is like your self reflection of “what have I become my sweetest friend everyone I love goes away in the end” because when you’re in active addiction 99.9% of ppl you love either leave or you drive them away. Then 2nd verse is like getting clean or thinking about it cuz when you 1st get clean everything’s fucked up you have to deal with all the shit in your head you’ve been trying to get away from “full of broken thoughts I can not repair” but the longer you’re clean the easier it gets “beneath the stains of time the feelings disappear” (although I’ve also interrupted these 2 lines to also be like a friend or relationship you had before becoming an addict “beneath the stains of time the feelings disappear you are someone else I am still right here” like you’ve gone on to getta job & have a good life & I’m still right here getting high) 3rd verse is all about accepting yourself accepting your disease & being good with the person you are. That’s my interruption of the song & I think it holds great with both Johnny Cash & Trent Reznor since both are addicts… Normally I would comment do “Attack The Radical” by Pantera but today I’m gonna say do “ Something I can never have” by Nine Inch Nails
What I've always gotten from this song is exactly what Brad discussed. "Enjoy the moment". Learn from, but don't worry about the past (could've, should've, would've). And don't stress on the future (what if?, what if?, what if?).
You guys are really likable. You're thoughtful and amiable. I found one of your videos by accident, and now I keep watching more.
The movie "Walk the line" is his story. Worth watching. R.I.P. Man in black.
Rick Ruben getting Johnny Cash to do this cover was genius.
This was originally a 9 inch nails song. He was tormented when June passed. I spent my childhood in the 70’s and 80’s going to the gates of their house on family vacations and the Grand Ole Oort. It was his regret for all he did. June had died two weeks before this and he died a week after this. The closing of the piano is so poignant. He was a brutal but profound husband. Their story is iconic
...And most importantly the money never meant a thing to him, he just had something to say. And it resonated.
Love the ideas in this video! You two nailed it and wish you couple nothing but the very best!
The American Recordings that Cash did with Rick Rubin at the end of his life were some of the best of his entire career. Though they were mostly covers, I think they were all written for Johnny to perform. None more so than Nine Inch Nails’ Hurt. He was the greatest.
Johnny Cash is the only person in the Songwriters, Country Music, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fames.
Experience & Perspective - every time I watch one of these - my first reaction is - HOW? How do they not know of this Artist? How could they have not heard this song? Then I think about the age difference (30+ years?) and how much of the music they grew up listening to, I've never heard. Experience shapes perspective.
Brad and Lex,This has been by far my most favorite espisode you've done! THANK YOU! This means alot to me. This song, "Hurt" is very personal to me because I can relate alot to the lyrics. Back in 1994 , I was a junkie /crackhead and spiraling downward more and more in addiction. The price of my addiction led me to lose custody of my 2 young kids, my son and my daughter, some stints in county jail, homelessness, detoxes,rehabs, whatever else drama and chaos happened . In 1998 , I had to relinquish my parental rights with my daughter. My mother couldn't take care of both of my kids financially and emotionally. It was the most difficult thing ,I had to do in my life but, I loved my daughter very much and I wanted her to have a life that I know in reality couldn't give her. But, after that, I felt like a failure, ashamed , guilty, "HURT". So,that gave me the excuse to keep doing what I was doin'. I pretty much gave up ; I didn't care anymore,escpecially what would happen to me. Also, I just want to say, THANK GOD FOR MY MOTHER because she used alot of "TOUGH LOVE " on me many , many times through my addiction. I truly believe, by her doing that, saved me and my life! God was watching over me too. Back in 2004, I saw on MTV , Johnny's rendition of, "HURT".Even though I was in a haze and a daze, it made such a huge impact on me, that I FINALLY decided to get myself clean and sober, FOR ME,NOT ANYBODY ELSE! ME! It was the 2nd hardest thing I had to do in my life. Getting clean and sober sucks at 1st, for a couple of years even. But, with alot of support and actually doing what I NEEDED TO DO,sticking with it at all costs......HERE I AM! I have been in recovery from crack and heroin since 2004;alcohol since 2011. I feel truly grateful and blessed. I should've been dead yeeeeeeeeeeeears ago! Life isn't perfect but it sure beats the hell of me being 6 feet under! When I still hear this song, I break down and cry. It's very cleansing for me and reminds me just how far I've overcame. Now,my mission is to help those strugglin' with addiction/ alcoholism and/or mental illness . With all, that being said, THANK YOU, BRAD AND LEX FOR SHARING AND DOING THIS EPISODE! I APPRECIATE YOU AND WHAT YOU DO! YOU ROCK! 🤘😎 By the way, CONGRATS ON YOUR LITTLE ONE AND GOD BLESS YOU BOTH AND YOU LITTLE ONE.❤
This song was a cover of a Nine Inch Nails song, it's actually about heroine addiction. Trent Reznor said it became Johnny Cash's song after the cover was done.
You are missing alot of nuance in what Reznor actually said. He said its nit mine anymore, in that this song took a new life and meaning and reached a whole new audience and so his "ownership" of this deeply personal song was somewhat relinquished.
@@yomo1690 Well, that, and it wasn't the cover so much as the video. He actually said he was basically unimpressed on just hearing it, then he saw the video.
I always interpreted the "I would keep myself a million miles away" as I would stay away from you so I do not hurt you.
This song really does "Hurt" to listen to
🥁
Hurt" is a song by American industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails from their second studio album, The Downward Spiral (1994), written by Trent Reznor.
The song includes references to self-harm and heroin addiction, although the overall meaning of the song is disputed. Some listeners contend that the song acts as a suicide note written by the song's protagonist, as a result of his depression, while others claim that it describes the difficult process of finding a reason to live in spite of depression and pain and does not have much to do with the storyline of The Downward Spiral.
It’s an interesting thought: what would an artist produce at the end. David Bowie completed an entire album while terminally ill. It was released on his birthday, and two days later he died. And it’s an incredible piece of work.
As is this cover by Jonny Cash. He’s totally made it his own.
The video for Lazarus was as much of a goodbye to the fans as Hurt was for Johnny. Very emotionally driven.
THE Johnny Cash!!!
A freakin legend! Sooooo glad to see yall do this song. Powerful.
Are you two actually getting to watch the video that goes along with this song? It hits really hard being a Cash fan since I was younger. I appreciated his songs even more after the movie Walk the Line. He was an amazing story teller. This song always makes me cry for him. RIP Man in Black.
This was Johnny's last recording. His wife June died 3 months after this and Johnny followed her 4 months later. He knew the end was near and I believe this was his final farewell and he had a message for us all he wanted to pass along.
This will become your best rabbit hole. R. I. P. Man in black. Please do his poem ragged ole flag.
"it's almost like a storytelling"
Johnny was a storyteller par excellence.
He didn’t write this though, but yeah it fit his own story of drug addiction perfectly
This version always brings a tear to my eyes
An artist that did make an album while dying is David Bowie. He reinvented himself literally to the very end - his swan song Lazarus is a raw and brilliant reflection on dying.
"He called me to ask how I'd feel if Johnny Cash covered Hurt. I said I'd be very flattered but was given no indication it would actually be recorded."Hearing it was like someone kissing your girlfriend." "Aug 5, 2008" - Dad actually met JC personally, his daughter was a fan of Steppenwolf (dad played bass) and invited them to the Grand Ol Opry house to see JC perform. After the show backstage JC invited them to his house for breakfast. Only Dad and John Kay took him up on it. JC told stories in his robe while Roseanne sat there with him and his wife cooked breakfast. Imagine that! Steppenwolf members were the first "Long Hair Hippies" to EVER go backstage at the Grand ol' Opry = who was going to stop them when they were JC's guest?! LoL #RIP #legend
Steppenwolf's "Monster" LP had a lot to do with shaping my politics.
When I heard you say "I think I've heard of him, is he famous?" Johnny Cash was about as famous as famous can be. This is a cover song he did right before he died, the guy was a legend. Absolute legend.
It's a cover song. The nine inch nails did the original but I like this version.much better.
Trent Reznor has confirmed... Hurt is now a Johnny Cash song
They'll forever be inseparable to me. Two perspectives on two stages of life, like bookends, telling the same story.
Great reaction for not knowing his history. 😊 Classic Johnny Cash songs in his younger years are A Boy Named Sue written by Shel Silverstein and Man in Black written by Johnny. The best is the live recording of Man in Black when he performed it for the first time. It is true Johnny Cash.
Everyone feels their own mortality when they hear this song.
This video makes me cry without fail. Not tear up, not sniffle, that shit's real crying. Gah.
Thank you for sharing this with me Mr. Cash is one of a kind . We were raised up on country and western in the 50, 60’s and 70’s old school check it out
If you do more Johnny Cash I highly recommend “the Man comes around” and “God‘s gonna cut you down “ but there are so many great ones. Folsom prison blues” live from Folsom prison deserves mentioning too
I just have to say, Whoever mixed this track is an audio genius btw, its perfect
Are y’all kidding about never hearing of Johnny Cash? He’s one of the greatest country singers of all time.
With the amount of songs they don’t know or at least Lex doesn’t know, I’m starting to wonder if they grew up in a fundamentalist group or something 🤭. Like how does anyone not know some of the most played out songs to exist?
By being born after the vast majority of these artists no longer perform?
Also, if you think about how long records were (and still are) around, then the rapid fire succession of short life music mediums since (8 track, cassette, CD...), a lot of music doesn’t get ported over from one medium to the next without serious effort.
Not just country, Rockabilly, Gospel as well.
It's really worth watching the video that accompany's this song. It is incredible.
Regret is the focus of Cash's version. He's recalling all those he hurt. At the end he says if he could start over again that he would "keep himself." Meaning he would remain true to himself. He would find a way. One doesn't wish to start over and "find a way" except in regret for past mistakes.
Johnny was looking to do some cover songs with meaning as a farewell to the music. He knew he didn't have time left. A friend of his was playing Nine Inch Nails in a car and he listened to Hurt and he got in Contact with Trent Reznor, the singer of NiN and here is the crazy part. Trent was feeling down, useless that his music wasn't good enough to reach anyone. He was contemplating leaving the music industry. He'd pretty much stopped singing and was doing music for movies and games. But he wasn't feeling it. His Agent called him and said "Trent you sitting down. I have someone here. Johnny wants to talk to you." And Trent went "Johnny who?" and on speaker he heard "Cash, Son. I'd like to talk to you about your music." And Trent apparently screamed. He said "What do you have in mind?" three months later Johnny sang his cover of Hurt and then passed away shortly after.
Thanks to nine inch nails' trent reznor that this song exists. U might want to check that out later on ur own, i believe the original has more despair and sadness in it.
I agree with this statement, however this version has a lot more soul and heart to it. Both are great, this one however can bring a tear to my eye.
Maybe the most clear eyed summation of a man's life by that man. Unspeakably heavy.
God's Gonna Cut You Down is the greatest song he ever wrote!
It was against the elites, warning them that God YAH Almighty is coming for them.
I don't believe he actually wrote that... Many of them songs on those later albums were covers and older folk/gospel songs.
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/God%27s_Gonna_Cut_You_Down
That’d be scary if nonsense like gods existed.
Johnny Cash, country and rock icon, recorded his first song in 1955. He was famous before I was born and was still recording until his death in 2003.
If you ant a good example of a "end of life" song check out Leonard Cohen's "You Want it Darker".
He released it about a month before he passed away, at the age of 82.
Johnny Cash endured a lot of pain in his life, and his pain is expressed through, and forever cemented through this masterpiece.
The original by Nine Inch Nails was life changing for me 🔥
This is one of THE most authentic, honest and vulnerable songs any songwriter has ever written. For those that know his life, he is saying a fantastic amount with these very simple words. And wasn't that his gift? He always found such beautiful ways to expose such common truths, and always using language that was so evocative AND accessible. This song would mean very different things to people at different stages of life. That is a huge part of its genius.
Except for he didn't write this song. It fits his story very well which is probably why he chose to cover it and make it his own.
@@robfrey9881 Yeah, maybe I should have added that. So many others mentioned it that it felt moot at the time. But yes, it isn't his. Although, even the songwriter felt that Johnny owned it after singing it the way he did. They shared a heroin addiction I believe. So the younger man may have heard more life experience behind lines he meant just as sincerely, but that he had sung after fewer miles and years.
Although I do love Johnny Cash’s version, it’s a cover. The original version is by Nine Inch Nails, and honestly it’s way more devastating to me. You guys should probably give it a listen, but it’s a pretty heavy song emotionally, so be prepared haha
Johnny Cash made it a completely different song. Trents original version is about his drug addiction and you can feel how it starts with him being apologetic and ending with him angrily defensive about having to apologize. Johnny's version comes off as him apologetic and trying to come to terms with his failures and ends with him admitting he would be the same person if he started over. Both are hard hitting but it's amazing how the same lyrics came off as different songs.
@@michaelsangster2354 Yes, I know, I agree that Cash made a completely different version AND meaning, and I love it as well, but I do enjoy more NIN's version.
Yeah but to me, NIN’s version on an emotional scale was like getting shot with a 50 cal. While JC was more like getting nuked.
This song is so fuckin real. It hits me hard now that I've had a few deaths in the family and seen a few friends grow away from you - even successful musicians like Johnny Cash end up with nothing in the end. Live in the moment and enjoy life as much as you can
You have to see the Nine Inch Nails version first to get a feel for how the song is supposed to sound.
This is how is it supposed to sound.
Yeah. The superior version is the NIN version.
He was a legend in Rockabilly, Folk then Country who crossed over to mainstream popularity. His wife June Carter was part of the Carter Family dynasty in folk and country whose popularity started in the 20s.
He also had a lot of pain in his life ….drugs, jail, violence whose career was turned around to reach a peak in the 80s and 90s.
This song is a NIN song about addiction but Cash made it about how life goes fast. I hear you guys enjoying being young and treasure that time. I am 52 and time just keeps moving faster. It feels like I was 25 a few years ago. We will all relate to this song as Cash did. Hours are like diamonds don't let them waste.
you guys are perfect for each other. completing each other with opposite complimentary emotions and thoughts
more Johnny. Do a boy named sue youll love it, its funny.
The movie won some awards. Pretty dope movie and that's how I found out about Johnny Cash, other than just hearing the name.Yhx👍
it's a great cover though the best Cash song has got to be "a boy named sue" but his most famous song is probably "ring of fire"
Prison, Dope, alcohol, His life before he met his wife June Carter, also a singer. She helped him straighten up, and gave him a reason to live. They were married almost 40 years, June passing 3 months after this video, and Johnny 4 months later. There is a live video of this that shows more details. Very moving.