When I saw them play this live around 2008 I couldn't hold back the tears as I sang along. As I looked around, I saw so many other people crying. It was a feeling I'll never forget. There are alot of people that have no idea that NIN did this song first and Johnny Cash covered it but they are such different songs. Both are great but this version will always be my favorite.
Same for me but 2007. I've never had a huge open air festival field feel as intimate as if they were playing my front room like that. Very very special. Worth searching Nine Inch Nails Hurt Reading Festival 2007, dear comment reader
There is an alternate mix of this song called "Hurt (Quiet)" which is pretty much the same song minus the guitar distortion and a shorter intro/outro. I only ever listen to the album version when I'm listening to the whole album. If I want to hear only this song in particular, I always go with the "Quiet" mix. Check it out sometime if you haven't already and like this song. About the line "I would find a way" being drowned out, I always read this as a suicidal song and that guitar might imply some sort of impact, maybe from a gunshot or from hitting the ground. Makes sense, seeing how this is the album closer. Alternatively if you don't like suicidal themes, you could also view it as the moment of realization, of the character being hit by an epiphany, finally figuring out where they went wrong, which decisions in life led them to this point.
I always found the context difference between this version and Cash's version to be so stark. This is the voice of an angry young man failing to find purpose in the world, and Cash comes and reads the same words as the voice of a dying man failing to find satisfaction in the life they've led. They're both so emotional and desolate, but they form an ouroboros representing both the beginning and end of their authors' respective music careers.
I don't know how close you are to the meaning of the track, The Downward Spiral is pretty much a loose concept record as far as I know, but I feel you pretty much nailed what it means. Your take on the production and how it tells a story as much as the lyrics and music itself really puts things in perspective. I just went and relistened to Cash's version after watching the video and I feel you'll really enjoy that one (even if you already know it), and there's some really interesting stuff to analyse on a comparative way between the two tracks. Great insight as always!
Saw them live for The Fragile album, I'm so glad the concert was general admission. When they played this I found a seat at the very top of the venue and just took it all in.
What an amazing breakdown. Thanks for this! If you’re interested in hearing more from NIN, I’d recommend Ruiner. The composition and production are INCREDIBLE
I’ve only listened to this album in my car on a cd, never with headphones until now. I just assumed the left pan cutting in and out was due to damage on the cd
You really should go down the NIN rabbit hole with reactions. Trent is a genius and would surprise you. I think you can see that a little here. He's more than closer and the hand that feeds.
Good early am from New England...I saw N.I.N. at WOODSTOCK 94 and they destroyed the stage....Trent was unstoppable back in the day....Great pick man..Peace from the Northeast...
Trent wrote this song. Johnny Cash got a life time achievement for his cover of this song post mortem. But Johnny coverd it after hearing it because he felt it beautifully conveyed his life in the music industry. As did his wife who is in his video of this song with Cash. This song is about herion. But to Cash's version, he was addicted to an industry that kept bleeding him dry, yet he needed it. The only lyric difference is "my crown of shit," original, to "my crown of thorns," Cash version because he does't cuss.
Nice breakdown. You pretty much understood it perfectly. Lip smacking, breaths. 100% intentional and probably had multiple takes to get it perfectly imperfect. Vocal placement intended to feel meek, hiding, personal. As far as what the ending means.. Trent will never say, but to me-- the abrasive washout combined with the absolute unconvincing manner in which he delivers "i will find a way" ( if you strain to listen to it.. its sort of monotone, like he knows its a lie as it comes out-- or has already dismissed the possibility that it would ever work ) But I do fancy your interpretation as well, its less pessimistic than mine.
"The Downward Spiral" is a concept album detailing the destruction of a man from the beginning of his "downward spiral" to his death by suicide. It is their top selling album. Johnny Cash put this song kind of a different perspective and it sounds a lot like a personal goodbye to his loved ones. Reznor praised Cash's interpretation of the song for its "sincerity and meaning,"
In this song I visualize a man in a broken run down home, talking to himself as he prepares his next fix. The chorus provides the only clarity (the ambient noise settles and the instruments become more clear) the person can find amongst dealing with a destructive addiction.
I love NIN! I love this cover! Next time you do this Original/Cover Week, you need to do Between the Buried and Me cover of Soundgarden’s “The Day I tried To Live” (and BTBAMs other covers) Also, you should react/review NINs first 4 albums, in their entirety Thanks for your hard work & expertise!!! 🙏
This is completely masterful on any number of levels. Amazing interpretation of the song, and the manner in which you assimilate it so quickly and skillfully displays remarkable talent. It would be amazing if you could do an entire series on Nine Inch Nails songs, including others off this album. Please let me know if you have a Patreon or any other means of providing support.
I recently did this same one listen analysis for the entire Downward Spiral album. It helped to put Hurt in perspective of the larger work, greatly increasing it's impact as a track. It's a 3.5 hour video so plan an evening around it 😄If you're interested: ua-cam.com/video/M4jc0Cr8ONw/v-deo.html I do have a Patreon and I accept song requests as well, under a program called Special Selections. You can find links to both in the description to any video.
@@CriticalReactions that’s fantastic! I was going to suggest a whole discussion on the downward spiral, but I thought that was too much to ask :-) it’s a challenging record, but I think it’s a remarkable cultural achievement.
@@ZappaorPri Couldn't agree more. I'm pretty sure the final remark I had was "the was phenomenal and I hope I never hear it again" or something to that effect. Definitely deserves to stand with some of the greatest, more challenging art of our time.
@@CriticalReactions Hah hah I can see where that’s coming from, it’s not an easy listen, although I do enjoy listening to much of it over and over. I’ll be very curious to hear your thoughts. Some of the time signatures, such as on “the becoming“ are very unorthodox.
Tori has done a few rock covers, huh? NIN and Slayer at least and Dark Suns has covered her work before. It's kinda wild how often her name keeps popping up.
Just my 2 cents on possible sound effects distortion. 1st sound present from 0:01 could be a hollow boiler plate like u would heat up IV drugs on & later at about 1:00 gas pilot light kicked to high. High pitched ambient mid-song could be a respirator tube cut in half sucking air. At 2:20 a midi accordion (one of Trent’s 1st instruments). 3:18 is a distorted kids vibraphone slapstick to sound like cicadas outside. The giant ending washout could also be the relapsing man stabbing the needle with the open tone being the head rush. The final tone (perhaps an upblast vent like over a restaurant roof’s stove) is the sucking wound on the “track”. But really who knows?
And yeah, the line between the protagonist of the album and Trent is pretty light, but the protagonist likely kills himself, and obviously Trent is still alive, so 🤷♀️
While I have heard this version when I went through NIN's discography years ago, I admit I haven't heard it nearly as much as Cash's version. Listening to it now with fresh ears it's definitely an excellent rendition in its own right (it helps that Reznor just wrote a hell of a song in general), but there's a reason why when Cash covered it even Trent Reznor said it was no longer his song and belonged to Cash.
Reznor didn't say that exactly... He only said that the song isn't his anymore, not that it belonged to Cash. “I wasn’t prepared for what I saw, and it really then, wasn’t my song anymore.” - Trent. What Trent Reznor was meaning there, was that Cash took his song and made it his own. It wasn't just "his" song anymore. It's now both of theirs. :) Which I think is beautiful. Both versions are incredible works of art.
I might be in the minority here, and maybe because I was already familiar with the NIN version (probably my favorite from them), but I just like NIN version better. Don’t get me wrong, I like what Johnny did with it, and it’s a great cover, but for me at least nothing beats the rawness and simplicity of the original.
Uh. How have I never seen any of your videos?? If this is what your channel is about, I’m in! You seem very young to have such a vast knowledge of music and production. RESPECT.
It’s the right brain vs the left brain…IMO. Purposely out of tune with the guitar and voice…making things uncomfortable. It’s a genius song…this whole album is great.
Got an odd recommendation for you since you appreciated the way the music was eroded. Unless you went for a truly marathon session, doing a reaction would be tough, but The Caretaker's Everywhere at the End of Time is a masterwork in this kind of destructive production. The album is intended to emulate the feeling of suffering from Alzheimer's, the slow erosion of a person was. Over the course of several hours, it steadily degenerates into a heartbreaking place, where it's almost unrecognizable as music. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everywhere_at_the_End_of_Time There's the Wikipedia article about it. Hearing you comment on the destructive production in this video brought it immediately to my mind. It's pretty easy to find on UA-cam if you wanted to look for it.
![Opera Singer's VOCAL ANALYSIS of Nightwish | Phantom of the Opera (2022)[1ST-TIME REACTION]](/img/n.gif)
When I saw them play this live around 2008 I couldn't hold back the tears as I sang along. As I looked around, I saw so many other people crying. It was a feeling I'll never forget. There are alot of people that have no idea that NIN did this song first and Johnny Cash covered it but they are such different songs. Both are great but this version will always be my favorite.
Same for me but 2007. I've never had a huge open air festival field feel as intimate as if they were playing my front room like that. Very very special.
Worth searching Nine Inch Nails Hurt Reading Festival 2007, dear comment reader
Same. I've seen them like 7 times and they always close w this and everyone sings and cries 🖤
There is an alternate mix of this song called "Hurt (Quiet)" which is pretty much the same song minus the guitar distortion and a shorter intro/outro. I only ever listen to the album version when I'm listening to the whole album. If I want to hear only this song in particular, I always go with the "Quiet" mix. Check it out sometime if you haven't already and like this song.
About the line "I would find a way" being drowned out, I always read this as a suicidal song and that guitar might imply some sort of impact, maybe from a gunshot or from hitting the ground. Makes sense, seeing how this is the album closer. Alternatively if you don't like suicidal themes, you could also view it as the moment of realization, of the character being hit by an epiphany, finally figuring out where they went wrong, which decisions in life led them to this point.
Reznor's production has always astounded me.
I always found the context difference between this version and Cash's version to be so stark. This is the voice of an angry young man failing to find purpose in the world, and Cash comes and reads the same words as the voice of a dying man failing to find satisfaction in the life they've led. They're both so emotional and desolate, but they form an ouroboros representing both the beginning and end of their authors' respective music careers.
Its also the difference between a producer whos actually a talented artist and an industry hack.
I don't know how close you are to the meaning of the track, The Downward Spiral is pretty much a loose concept record as far as I know, but I feel you pretty much nailed what it means. Your take on the production and how it tells a story as much as the lyrics and music itself really puts things in perspective. I just went and relistened to Cash's version after watching the video and I feel you'll really enjoy that one (even if you already know it), and there's some really interesting stuff to analyse on a comparative way between the two tracks. Great insight as always!
Saw them live for The Fragile album, I'm so glad the concert was general admission. When they played this I found a seat at the very top of the venue and just took it all in.
What an amazing breakdown. Thanks for this! If you’re interested in hearing more from NIN, I’d recommend Ruiner. The composition and production are INCREDIBLE
I’ve only listened to this album in my car on a cd, never with headphones until now. I just assumed the left pan cutting in and out was due to damage on the cd
You really should go down the NIN rabbit hole with reactions. Trent is a genius and would surprise you. I think you can see that a little here. He's more than closer and the hand that feeds.
Good early am from New England...I saw N.I.N. at WOODSTOCK 94 and they destroyed the stage....Trent was unstoppable back in the day....Great pick man..Peace from the Northeast...
Trent wrote this song. Johnny Cash got a life time achievement for his cover of this song post mortem. But Johnny coverd it after hearing it because he felt it beautifully conveyed his life in the music industry. As did his wife who is in his video of this song with Cash. This song is about herion. But to Cash's version, he was addicted to an industry that kept bleeding him dry, yet he needed it. The only lyric difference is "my crown of shit," original, to "my crown of thorns," Cash version because he does't cuss.
Nice breakdown. You pretty much understood it perfectly. Lip smacking, breaths. 100% intentional and probably had multiple takes to get it perfectly imperfect. Vocal placement intended to feel meek, hiding, personal. As far as what the ending means.. Trent will never say, but to me-- the abrasive washout combined with the absolute unconvincing manner in which he delivers "i will find a way" ( if you strain to listen to it.. its sort of monotone, like he knows its a lie as it comes out-- or has already dismissed the possibility that it would ever work ) But I do fancy your interpretation as well, its less pessimistic than mine.
You should listen to the follow up concept album The Fragile.
"The Downward Spiral" is a concept album detailing the destruction of a man from the beginning of his "downward spiral" to his death by suicide.
It is their top selling album.
Johnny Cash put this song kind of a different perspective and it sounds a lot like a personal goodbye to his loved ones. Reznor praised Cash's interpretation of the song for its "sincerity and meaning,"
If you found this one interesting, I recommend The Becoming from this same album. It's like listening to insanity with brief islands of awareness.
Great analysis especially about the last part and the environment!
In this song I visualize a man in a broken run down home, talking to himself as he prepares his next fix. The chorus provides the only clarity (the ambient noise settles and the instruments become more clear) the person can find amongst dealing with a destructive addiction.
Trent is just a genius period. I love everything from NIN and more. His voice and presence live makes you really feel.
"Inversion of Triumph" has got to be the name of a nine inch nails fan remix album.
In cold water it's only eight.
I would recommend their popular live performance video. It is a better package.
I love NIN! I love this cover!
Next time you do this Original/Cover Week, you need to do Between the Buried and Me cover of Soundgarden’s “The Day I tried To Live” (and BTBAMs other covers)
Also, you should react/review NINs first 4 albums, in their entirety
Thanks for your hard work & expertise!!! 🙏
This original?
@@Enochulator yeah, my bad 😥
It's such a good album ender, and I think they've closed like 99% of their shows with it too.
This is completely masterful on any number of levels. Amazing interpretation of the song, and the manner in which you assimilate it so quickly and skillfully displays remarkable talent. It would be amazing if you could do an entire series on Nine Inch Nails songs, including others off this album. Please let me know if you have a Patreon or any other means of providing support.
I recently did this same one listen analysis for the entire Downward Spiral album. It helped to put Hurt in perspective of the larger work, greatly increasing it's impact as a track. It's a 3.5 hour video so plan an evening around it 😄If you're interested: ua-cam.com/video/M4jc0Cr8ONw/v-deo.html
I do have a Patreon and I accept song requests as well, under a program called Special Selections. You can find links to both in the description to any video.
@@CriticalReactions that’s fantastic! I was going to suggest a whole discussion on the downward spiral, but I thought that was too much to ask :-) it’s a challenging record, but I think it’s a remarkable cultural achievement.
@@ZappaorPri Couldn't agree more. I'm pretty sure the final remark I had was "the was phenomenal and I hope I never hear it again" or something to that effect. Definitely deserves to stand with some of the greatest, more challenging art of our time.
@@CriticalReactions Hah hah I can see where that’s coming from, it’s not an easy listen, although I do enjoy listening to much of it over and over. I’ll be very curious to hear your thoughts. Some of the time signatures, such as on “the becoming“ are very unorthodox.
Trent Reznor is genius)
god
Trent put a lot of work into this album.
The most vulnerable is of course your beloved Tori Amos - Me and a Gun ❤
I prefer the NIN version, but mostly because they're more my style.
Tori has done a few rock covers, huh? NIN and Slayer at least and Dark Suns has covered her work before. It's kinda wild how often her name keeps popping up.
Just my 2 cents on possible sound effects distortion. 1st sound present from 0:01 could be a hollow boiler plate like u would heat up IV drugs on & later at about 1:00 gas pilot light kicked to high. High pitched ambient mid-song could be a respirator tube cut in half sucking air. At 2:20 a midi accordion (one of Trent’s 1st instruments). 3:18 is a distorted kids vibraphone slapstick to sound like cicadas outside. The giant ending washout could also be the relapsing man stabbing the needle with the open tone being the head rush. The final tone (perhaps an upblast vent like over a restaurant roof’s stove) is the sucking wound on the “track”. But really who knows?
And yeah, the line between the protagonist of the album and Trent is pretty light, but the protagonist likely kills himself, and obviously Trent is still alive, so 🤷♀️
Lastly yeah, it is a concept album that clarifies a bit, but as far as I can tell you're pretty spot on.
While I have heard this version when I went through NIN's discography years ago, I admit I haven't heard it nearly as much as Cash's version. Listening to it now with fresh ears it's definitely an excellent rendition in its own right (it helps that Reznor just wrote a hell of a song in general), but there's a reason why when Cash covered it even Trent Reznor said it was no longer his song and belonged to Cash.
Reznor didn't say that exactly... He only said that the song isn't his anymore, not that it belonged to Cash. “I wasn’t prepared for what I saw, and it really then, wasn’t my song anymore.” - Trent.
What Trent Reznor was meaning there, was that Cash took his song and made it his own. It wasn't just "his" song anymore. It's now both of theirs. :)
Which I think is beautiful. Both versions are incredible works of art.
I might be in the minority here, and maybe because I was already familiar with the NIN version (probably my favorite from them), but I just like NIN version better. Don’t get me wrong, I like what Johnny did with it, and it’s a great cover, but for me at least nothing beats the rawness and simplicity of the original.
Uh. How have I never seen any of your videos?? If this is what your channel is about, I’m in! You seem very young to have such a vast knowledge of music and production. RESPECT.
Yup, this is what I do. Listen to a 5 minute song, talk about it for 20+ minutes 😅
It’s the right brain vs the left brain…IMO. Purposely out of tune with the guitar and voice…making things uncomfortable. It’s a genius song…this whole album is great.
Got an odd recommendation for you since you appreciated the way the music was eroded. Unless you went for a truly marathon session, doing a reaction would be tough, but The Caretaker's Everywhere at the End of Time is a masterwork in this kind of destructive production. The album is intended to emulate the feeling of suffering from Alzheimer's, the slow erosion of a person was. Over the course of several hours, it steadily degenerates into a heartbreaking place, where it's almost unrecognizable as music.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everywhere_at_the_End_of_Time
There's the Wikipedia article about it. Hearing you comment on the destructive production in this video brought it immediately to my mind. It's pretty easy to find on UA-cam if you wanted to look for it.