The video for “Hurt” from American IV: The Man Comes Around (2002) is the most poignant I know. In fact, the whole album is heartbreaking. His best ever, I reckon.

The lyrics of Hurt are fantastic, penned by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. After seeing this video Reznor insisted the song is no longer his, but Johnny’s.

Click PLAY or watch the video on YouTube.

The late, great Cash was hospitalized in 1998 with severe pneumonia, which damaged his lungs. The albums American III: Solitary Man (2000) and American IV contained Cash’s response to his illness and eventual death.

June Carter Cash died of complications following heart valve replacement surgery on May 15, 2003 at the age of 73. Johnny died 4 months later.