Nine Inch Nails

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About Hurt

"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. It was released on April 17, 1995 as a promotional single from the album. The song received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Song in 1996, but ultimately lost to Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know". In 2002, Johnny Cash covered "Hurt" to commercial and critical acclaim; it was one of Cash's final hits released before his death, and the related music video is considered one of the greatest of all time by publications such as NME. Reznor praised Cash's interpretation of the song for its "sincerity and meaning", going as far as to say "that song isn't mine anymore."more »

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I hurt myself todayTo see if I still feelI focus on the painThe only thing that's realThe needle tears a holeThe old familiar stingTry to kill it all awayBut I remember everythingWhat have I becomeMy sweetest friendEveryone I knowGoes away in the endAnd you could have it allMy empire of dirtI will let you downI will make you hurtI wear this crown of shitUpon my liars chairFull of broken thoughtsI cannot repairBeneath the stains of timeThe feelings disappearYou are someone elseI am still right hereWhat have I becomeMy sweetest friendEveryone I knowGoes away in the endAnd you could have it allMy empire of dirtI will let you downI will make you hurtIf I could start againA million miles awayI will keep myselfI would find a way

Nine Inch Nails

Nine Inch Nails (abbreviated as NIN, sometimes stylized as NIИ) is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction. Nine Inch Nails' music straddles a wide range of genres. After recording a new album, Reznor (until the 2009 Wave Goodbye Tour) usually assembles a live band to perform with him. The touring band features a revolving lineup that often rearranges songs to fit a live setting. On stage, Nine Inch Nails often employs visual elements to accompany performances, which frequently include light shows. more »

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Sheet Music PDF Playlist

Written by: Trent Reznor

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

8 facts about this song

Emotional Power

"Hurt" is often regarded as one of Nine Inch Nails' most emotionally powerful and haunting songs, with lyrics that delve into themes of self-harm, addiction, and regret.

Cover by Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash recorded a cover of "Hurt" in 2002, which received widespread acclaim and brought the song to a whole new audience. The music video for Cash's version, directed by Mark Romanek, won a Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video.

Trent Reznor's Personal Connection

Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor wrote "Hurt" from a deeply personal place, drawing from his own struggles with addiction and depression. The raw emotion in the song is palpable, making it a fan favorite for its honesty and vulnerability.

Instrumentation

The stripped-down arrangement of "Hurt" emphasizes the rawness of the lyrics and the emotion behind them. The haunting piano melody and Reznor's plaintive vocals create a sense of intimacy and despair that resonates with listeners.

Music Video

The original music video for "Hurt," directed by Mark Romanek, features a powerful visual narrative that complements the song's themes of pain and regret. The video includes footage of Reznor performing in an empty room intercut with unsettling imagery, adding another layer of depth to the song's message.

Critical Acclaim

"Hurt" has received critical acclaim for its powerful lyrics, haunting melody, and emotional depth. The song has been praised for its honesty and vulnerability, with many fans and critics citing it as one of Nine Inch Nails' best tracks.

Live Performances

"Hurt" has become a staple of Nine Inch Nails' live performances, with Reznor delivering intense and emotional renditions of the song on stage. The song takes on new life in a live setting, with fans often describing it as a highlight of the band's concerts.

Influence

"Hurt" has had a lasting impact on popular music, inspiring numerous cover versions and tributes from artists across genres. The song's enduring legacy speaks to its universal themes of pain, loss, and redemption, resonating with listeners of all backgrounds.

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