Our last song focused on dealing with teenage depression. Today, in one of his greatest career moments, Johnny Cash addresses depression in the autumn of his years, in an unparalleled cover, but one that could be relevant at any stage in life. So as we revisit it, what is this really about? Self-harm? Suicidal thoughts? Drug-taking? The torment of Jesus? Contemplation of meeting one's maker? Cash’s American Recordings albums, of which this comes from number IV in the series, includes some of his most profound and powerful work, covering, with some surprise but wonderful results, mainstream bands including U2 and Depeche Mode. But, coming out in 2002, surely there is no better version of this song, from originally recorded by Nine Inch Nails in 1995 and written by frontman Trent Reznor. Cash, and his producer Rick Rubin, picked songs on the basis of their lyric content. Like our previous two selections, despite the background of old-age grief from a man who is losing all his friends and in a state of failing health, there is equally something profoundly uplifting and noble about this slow-building rendition with acoustic guitar and piano. And with it, what a legacy. Not an empire of dirt after all.
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 thorns
Upon my liar's 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 would keep myself
I would find a way
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