This song cures depression and sends you in it at the same time.

WOw...Wheeww, I almost let go one night listening to this song for hours,.homeless in a 6yr Meth Hell. I didn't mean to watch this, stumbled on it from someones Vlog Vid, takes me back to that night. Didn't realize it would hit me so hard! I got well, visited Rome, Madrid, Paris, lived in Manhattan 6mnths, have a Son, Home just crying thinking of all I would have missed. 21yrs Clean, Sober.

It's crazy to me how every single version of this song seems to have its own meaning. The album version is downright depressing, the older live versions are filled with far more cynicism, while this one has a slight feeling of hope to it, warmth even I'd say. On top of that we have the Johnny Cash cover which also stands on its own. It takes one hell of a talented songwriter and performer to create something like this.

This still brings out emotions in me that I thought were long dead

"My sweetest friend" is not an addmition to a lost relation or letting some one else down. This song is about yourself. It is about letting yourself down. About reaching in and realizing your "fragile" and sometimes you fail big time. I'm there right now. The bottom end of a bottle. I have to look at myself now and realize what I have become.

The song is over 20 years old now and still rips through me like the first time I heard it. I'm not a huge NIN fan, I like Reznor, but not a huge fan. But this is one of the 10 best songs from my generation I think. Oh, and I love Johnny Cash, but the emotional roller coaster Trent takes people on with this song is beyond what Cash did with the song. I know Trent said it was Johnny's song now, and I appreciate his respectful nature to a great, but Trent has to know the emotional impact of a live performance like this cannot be touched.

This is one of the few songs in music history that’s gotten more people sober and off of drugs than any other. This song has literally changed so many peoples lives.

Personally this is the live version that I enjoy the most. It's just beautiful in every aspect, Trent on the piano, the way it's directed, the crowd..

The thing I love about the live version I love is knowing that all the people singing with Trent have felt some of the same things I have. Knowing we’re not alone gives us hope through the hurt.

we're all in this together, even through the pain and suffering.

It may not be a popular opinion but this song actually bring me to tears of joy. It reminds me of a dark period of my life yes, but it also reminds me of how I overcame that darkness and came out of the other side a better man, husband and father.

Yesterday I was at a philosophical discussion. The subject was "Are there higher and lower forms of pleasure?". Someone suggested that opera was a higher form of pleasure than common hit songs. In order to appreciate opera you must make an effort to understand it. Than it struck me, this song is not pleasure, but it´s a high form of art. In order to understand this song you must be familiar with suffering. Those who are lucky to not have suffered very much are not likely to understand it. This song is also an example that high quality art can trigger very strong emotions. I can't listen, or even think of it without tears coming from my eyes.

Why do people have to always compare the 2 versions, can't we all accept that they're both beautiful insightful renditions with 2 very different meanings!

Why do people even compare?? It's 2 different artist and both do the song justice. Don't like one? Don't listen to it. But don't say it's better or worst cause it isn't.

I love (yet feel the anguish and pain is palpable still) the fact this man wrote this song at a time and in a state that most musicians sadly die,or fade into obscurity. He did neither.He was meant to carry on and beat the crap out of his demons.....Not many have the strength.He did.And I applaud his strength and fight,as much as I applaud his performance of this song so many years later.And I love how a small part of the piano is so slightly different at one point.(I know nothing of music,though I'm sure ppl know what I'm on about). Everyone hates a long post,but I feel justified.....Oh,and sanctified ;) Brilliant performance,Trent.

Both versions are the most beautiful songs I've heard on the subject of pain... Here's what Trent said about Cash's version... When Trent Reznor was asked if Cash could cover his song, Reznor said he was "flattered" but worried that "the idea sounded a bit gimmicky." He became a fan of Cash's version, however, once he saw the music video. “ I pop the video in, and wow... Tears welling, silence, goose-bumps... Wow. [I felt like] I just lost my girlfriend, because that song isn't mine anymore... It really made me think about how powerful music is as a medium and art form. I wrote some words and music in my bedroom as a way of staying sane, about a bleak and desperate place I was in, totally isolated and alone. [Somehow] that winds up reinterpreted by a music legend from a radically different era/genre and still retains sincerity and meaning - different, but every bit as pure

Almost 6 million views...hmmmm..And its for something that has meaning, thats not Ironic,thats not distasteful. This song can relate to any person from anywhere. Reznor you saved my life.

Just a shame Trent and Johnny didn't get a chance to get together for a live performance of this.

Why are people so bothered about which version is better. Although they are technically the same they are both completely separate pieces of art done by people in completely different circumstances with completely different motives

best version of the song

I love the stage lighting these guys have. You can never quite see their faces. It totally gives the show a sense of depth.

So much emotion in this song, I can really see why Cash covered it and at that late stage in his life where he was reflecting back on his mistakes, he probably related to this song in a major way.RIP johnny

Get goosebumps on the first riff... Then the first lyrics... I get them everywhere. The greatest song in history

You know you're the real deal when Johnny Cash rips your song

I first remember hearing this when I was but a kid on the album, "Downward Spiral". Being the last song after I'd listened to this immense new sound, this music I'd never heard before it was all ended with this song at the very end of the album. Having felt I just lived the very tale which was now sprawled throughout my mind I could only imagine the perception of life through this mans eyes. Years later, 2001 I believe, I hear this same tune and words coming through the radio from an old but familiar voice, Johnny Cash and it hit my soul like a brick. These two men have lived lives fractal to each other. Living vicariously through drugs and their loved ones only to be further damaged by the loss of both. Trent wrote this song in a very dark hour (so I understand) and Mr.Cash covered this song a very dark time toward the end of his life after the loss of his wife. I can only thank Trent for allowing such personal feelings to be shared in such a deep manner, as is with excellence in music.

Upon first discovering NIN, I spent a lot of time listening to this song and crying my heart out. I’m glad I did, it has a special place in my heart forever. Now I can listen to it with a comforting vibe forever within my heart.

I haven't used heroin for nineteen years in the upcoming 4th of December. I've stumbled upon this song a couple of times and it still hurts without being ironic. I wonder what he feels when the audience cheers while he is wide open with his pain and struggle.

this performance is so moving. all the feels right now.

I had always thought Cash's version was more emotional, whereas Trent's album version gave off a feeling of emptiness, but this right here does both. Absolutely incredible. A masterpiece.

There is no better version than this one...

Just skip to 3:15 close your eyes and imagine a crowd standing together after one of the many terrible events we are faced with struggling through together. A beautiful anthem of grieving and healing together.

This song meant something totally different to us in the 90's than it did for Cash in his version. I prefer Trent's version, but both are heartwrenching and beautiful and both make me cry. I was never substance addicted, but one can be addicted to many things that crush the soul and bring us close to death. This song speaks to all of us.

The Downward Spiral.Got me thru the toughest time in my life

In response to Johnny Cash's cover, Trent said it "was like watching someone else kiss your old girlfriend..." meaning something which was so intimate and personal to Trent has new been given a new purpose or life. Watching any video of Trent performing this beautiful song you can see how intimate it truly is for him... seeing him live chilled my bones. That's why to me, this version has so much more impact, because its so damn personal.

This is one of a very short list of songs I revisit again, again, again. It takes me to a place I can't explain, it hurts and heals at the same time. Trent Reznor is out of this world.

Johnny Cash couldn't even get close with that polished, country and clean radio cashy hit of him. When NIN performs it, I feel every single word, the pauses, the breathes, the images... When Trent sings it, his words, man it is heart wrenching, depressing, painfull, sad, despair all over it, almost suffocating and claustrophobic for not being able to get away from the inevitability of death. The best album in the history of the genre, for sure.

"what are you in for, Everything" -Rick feels man

I know its about Trents struggle with heroin addiction but the lyrics resonate with all the suicidal thoughts we all have every day. Peace out

I love the harmony of the crowd singing along

I miss Trent doing it this way. Something about the lone piano and just his voice makes it a lot more gut-wrenching in a beautiful way.

When the drums kick in, goosebumps all over the body..

I’m 71 nearly 72 and heard this amazing song for the first time yesterday 3/31/22 It has totally blown my mind.. In A Good Way!

3:55 when the rest of the background comes in ... pure magic ...

This is the best version of this in my opinion. The vocals are so much better than the original studio recording also. Regardless of his political beliefs which I believe are biased and misled. Unfortunately so many are either paid to say certain things or misled by propaganda. Too many people buy into one direction or another without any nuance or mind to discern properly.

Dear mr. Reznor Many thanks for this. I am a Phd in math in Montreal. Your music has kept me alive. Thank you

Shout out to the dude recording with a flip phone.

Its been over 17 year since I heard this version. I was always partial to the johnny cash cover, but seeing this performance live really blew my 15 year old mind. I completely forgot they were recording for a DVD that night. So glad it to be able to revisit this memory. Thanks for the tickets Danny. Hope life treated you well.

Am I the only one who thinks that this becomes a happy song when the audience sings the chorus with him?

a true historian of it only gets better from here....97 to 2016..Trent your songs always stick..

The reason why I love this song is the way it makes you feel every emotion of being hurt; you feel really sad at the verse then a sense of desperation on the pre chorus/chorus and the rotten cherry on the top is the last line which makes you feel rage. And not just rage, it's pure hate. The song is amazing... If you've ever been hurt this song is the embodiment of it.

This is and always will be one of the most emotional and beautiful songs ever written.

This is probably my favorite version of hurt bcuz the audience is like a fuckin tribute to Trent's genius and I get the chills every time I listen to this. I like to think that he did too.

What makes this song beautiful are the dissonant chords.🖤

this song... hurt my heart, but cure my soul! Magnific!

When I see and listen to trent reznor's version, I really feel so related to his voice, his words, his pain.. I love johnny cash's version too and also he keeps that feelings on his own way and life But when it comes to trent, man I feel very connected to him. I wish someday I could sit with him and just talk about life, about those lyrics, about how it was to him to fit those shoes.. What a great performer.

The only song that will make you hurt and heal you simultaneously.

his voice gives me so many fucking goosebumps!!

I hurt myself today To see if I still feel I focus on the pain The only thing that's real The needle tears a hole The old familiar sting Try to kill it all away But I remember everything What have I become My sweetest friend Everyone I know Goes away in the end And you could have it all My empire of dirt I will let you down I will make you hurt I wear this crown of shit Upon my liars chair Full of broken thoughts I cannot repair Beneath the stains of time The feelings disappear You are someone else I am still right here What have I become My sweetest friend Everyone I know Goes away in the end And you could have it all My empire of dirt I will let you down I will make you hurt If I could start again A million miles away I will keep myself I would find a way

Just saw NIN live two weeks ago in Amsterdam. Whenever they play Hurt I get sad and excited at the same time. Excited because it is an incomprehensibly touching and transforming song. Then I get sad because I know they close all their concerts, always, with Hurt. Bless this man

Saw NIN at the royal opera house, London a few years ago. Best gig I’ve ever been to

Probably the most somber and heartfelt performance ever. Back when people had lighters.

Johnny does an excellent version. It's awesome. Trent however owns it. He makes me cry. It's actually painful.

I cant decide which version I like better. They're both great. Gives me chills every time.

Man that's a powerful performance,Trent is such a awesome artist.He never fails to deliver! He's One of the few musicians that never gets old and always gives me goosebumps!

I see a lot of debate about which version is better but most of you fail to realize the fact that Johnny Cash's version is a "cover" and without the original (and permission from the artist) there would be no debate just something to think about when you debate whose is better

i listen this song the first time on a version of johnny cash and i just have to say both versions are breathtaking and the lyrics do the job to make u tear up a little bit

One of the best live performances of all time. Listen to the crowd.

because of its individuality cash´s version is one of the greatest cover-versions ever. but the original here is the real thing, the real sensation, intensity, originality.

This song destroyed me. Hearing this song at his North American tour this year is one thing I'll never forget. I just wish I could go back and listen to it again.

IMO this song MUST contain that descending piano riff. This song is about being in a hole and not being able to crawl out of it and even dragging ppl down with you (due to drug addiction or whatever other destructive affliction someone may be dealing with). that piano riff is so indicative of the essence of the song. johnny cash did a moving rendition but it was nowhere as emotionally provoking as the original.

My favorite song of all time. Goosebumps every time. Been listening to NIN for over 20 years

There go my feels

This song is so powerful. For me, Its like being visited by God himself

This song means so much to me. Thank you NIN

This concert was insane, best concert I have ever been too. I’d see Trent live again in a heartbeat.

Here are my two cents on the discussion on the which version is "better". The main difference in Original and Cashes cover is the emotion they convey. Trents version is full of self-loathing , it was written as a medium with which to get the anger at self out. Trent said it was something he wrote se he could stay sane and live through that shitty situation he was in. Cash's cover is much different. It is a grimm realization of ones own mortality. You see a dying man, a leggend at the very end of the road. The lyrics lend themselves perfectly to the reimagined purpose. Everyone he knew, from his glorious past, was either dead or dying, while he is siting there wondering if anything even remains to live for. On me Cash's version has a deeper emotianal impact. However if I was in a depression I would likely prefer the original.

Love NIN They are so unique Reznor back hope for a tour soon.

This is how I take this songs many versions Newer live(NIN): Hopeful and proud that he changed Older live(NIN): With more anger and thoughts that life is a rut Album(NIN): Depressing look into how life can truly harm anyone and get away with it no matter who and they're circumstances Cash version: With embarrassment and confusion that his near 50 year career made him someone he hated but couldn't change because it was to late

The words are as prolific as the piano keys, This song echoes through me as its timeless, ageless. Johnny cash did what we all have done with this song, somehow make it 'our own' and applicable to our own lives. That’s part of the skill Trent has, not only are his talents obvious, but they stir something in everyone that hears his work... Heartbreaking, Genuine, Raw and relatable - not written for anyone but, hauntingly personal to everyone.

Truly introspective. Talking to myself, crying my entire heart out. Sobriety hurts so bad right now but I will find a way. Did this crap to myself, the pain is bad but it will be okay.

“What are you in for?” “Everything.”

Wow so much emotion in those vocals

There's something very haunting about that chord progression. It feels broken, damaged. Beautifully written.

this is the best and only real version of hurt by NIN everyone else sucks.

I've heard this song so many times it has lost it's ability to give me the creeps and blow my mind the way it did when I first heard it but this live version brought all those emotions back to life and makes me feel again

I heard this live the first time back in 1995 when NIN played at MSG. I was 21 and I was all sorts of fucked up and I needed it as angry and hopeless as it was. Now I’m 2022 at 47 this version is exactly what I need now. There’s a completely different edge to it. Somehow I’m in many ways the same screwed up girl I was back then. I just hide it a bit better now I suppose. Shit time goes by way too fast….

At the end of the day, the week, the year, everything, you have to look in the mirror. Truly see yourself for what you are. This song describes whats inside

This song is that light in the darkness.

Trent Raznor, you're a genius !!!! Thank you again for all these emotions (20 years and it is always so beautiful)

I remember listening to this as a teen, and I thought I understood him. I know now that I was silly. I never will.

I didn’t know Cashes version was a cover because I heard it first, and then a few days later I heard the studio version and now I’ve heard three different versions of the same song that all invoke completely different emotions. This song is truly incredible

I've been trapped in my addiction for a long time. I've made the decision to quit a long time ago. And I've failed countless times... I've come to relalise that "my sweetest friend" means me. A part of me at least, that's been lingering around for about 13 years now, being a shadow, protecting me, from the 'real' me. It's right about time for me to say goodbye. No turning back, no exceptions, no more loopholes. It's either do or die trying. This night is only mine, and the only questions that remain: how deep does the rabbit hole goes? And who will I become, when I manage to emerge from it? Time will tell my tale.

You're not alone dude, trust me. I for one didn't knew either, even though I've got quite a collection of NiN tracks, I missed out on this one.

Well, for all of you who don't know, this is an original Nine Inch Nails song. Research before you judge people. I doubt that Cash would've written a song about heroin.

Honestly one of the most true and emotionally pure songs I've ever heard. This speaks to all spectrums of people who have experienced loss or hardship. While sad and true, it inspires change. A deep feeling of connection that leads to a moment of self realization and discovery, and hopefully transformation. Bravo

The last verse this song hits me a lot, and thats what I'm doin now...

I have to respectfully disagree with anyone who says Johnny Cash made this his song, while Cash's version was good, this is GREAT. If you don't understand addiction, all you have to do is look up these lyrics.."the needle tears a hole, the old familiar sting... try to kill it all away, but I remember everything..."

For all of you who don't know, Trent Reznor, the front man for NIN, wrote Hurt. It was released on their album Downward Spiral in 1994. Cash covered it and released it on his album American IV: The Man Comes Around in 2002. In other words, Cash is not the original writer of Hurt.

The beauty in this song is the dissonance and eerie sound in the verses, transition into the hopeful, beautiful chorus with the major chords.

This is one of the best songs ever written great job Nine Inch Nails