Johnny Cash - Hurt - Lyrics Meaning

The song "Hurt" by Johnny Cash was a song off of the 2002 album titled "American IV: The Man Comes Around." However, if the song songs familiar it is due to the fact that it is a cover performed by Johnny Cash. The original version of the song is credited to Trent Reznor who wrote the song. Trent Reznor is a member of the band Nine Inch Nails.

There have been numerous speculations about the meaning behind the song's lyrics. However, the meaning of the song was even more speculated when Johnny Cash did a cover of the song. This is because the Johnny Cash version changed a few lyrics in order to take out profanity and also changed a line to "crown of thorns." Before this line was altered, the line was profane. Johnny Cash made this change not only to eliminate the profanity, but also to reference Christ in the song.

Perhaps it is this change that has people speculating the meaning of the song. The Johnny Cash version makes a reference to Christ, but the original version does not. The original version of the song hurt has a more tragic sound which implies a meaning of suicidal tendencies or thoughts.