The song was written by Trent Reznor and first released by his band, Nine Inch Nails, in 1994. Eight years later, producer Rick Rubin suggested that Johnny Cash give it a try. Cash, then 70 years old and in poor health, recorded it for his album American IV: The Man Comes Around, released in November 2002.
In his deep, weathered voice, the song became something new. Lines about memories, regret and everything we gather and lose over a lifetime sounded like a man looking back on his own long road.
The music video, directed by Mark Romanek, was filmed in early 2003 at Cash’s home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and at the closed House of Cash museum. It mixes quiet shots of Johnny at the piano with old film clips from his younger days. His beloved wife, June Carter Cash, appears in the video, watching him with love.
June passed away in May 2003. Johnny followed her just four months later, in September 2003. That is why so many people see the video as his farewell.
The video won Video of the Year at the CMA Awards and a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video. Even Trent Reznor was deeply moved. After seeing it, he said the song wasn’t his anymore.
More than two decades later, it still brings people to tears.
Do you remember where you were the first time you heard Johnny Cash sing “Hurt”? Share this song with someone who loves the Man in Black.