Johnny Cash - Hurt

Most of my previous choices have been written by the performer, or supplied by a legendary songwriting team. However I still have an appreciation of a radical cover version, where an artist can expose layers that even the writer didn't know existed. Johnny Cash in his later years was the ultimate interpreter, bringing gravitas and insight with his honest and weathered voice.

Since 1950s Johnny  Cash had been a country legend, releasing over fifty albums, renowned for prison concerts and TV shows. Like his great friend Willie Nelson, an outlaw and an iconic national treasure.

In the early 1990s his career was in the doldrums, bereft of long time label Columbia, his music formulaic and safe, while wracked by pain from various medical conditions. But Rick Rubin recognised his unique talent, so revitalised Cash for the old and new generations with a series of "American Recording" albums. Stripped and authentic, mixing originals, standards and his distinctive take on recent classics like U2's "One", and Tom Petty's  "I Won't Back Down".

Rubin pressed him to be open minded, and included "Hurt" in the potential tracks for the fourth instalment. It seemed an unlikely selection, written by Trent Reznor for his industrial metal group Nine Inch Nails, a  tormented howl of self loathing, self harm and depression for his heroin addiction. However in Cash's hands, it transformed into a requiem to mortality, as his end rapidly approached.

The  poignancy of his loneliness ("Everyone I know / Goes away in the end") is remoulded from the pain of rejection to his viewpoint as the last man standing. Reviewing his tempestuous life ("What have I become?"), there is  inevitable pain he has caused loved ones ("I will let you down"), so he wants a chance to try again.  Even Reznor was astonished, admitting " that song isn't mine anymore".

Cash's weary vocals are accompanied, first by a desolate acoustic guitar, and then an increasing hammering piano.  

A stunning performance, but even more enhanced by the mourning video of Cash performing  in his decaying house /  museum, his haggard appearance, contrasted with flashbacks from his glorious career. Devoted wife and singing partner June Carter lends support. She passed away three months later and a broken Cash soon after.

"Hurt" would be one of his final releases, but a fitting and emotional testament to a long and distinguished career.

Hear Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AHCfZTRGiI

Hear Next -  There are over 100 compilation albums, but 3 CD "Love, God, Murder" encompassing the key Cash themes.