6-1-11 - "Hurt" ~ Nine Inch Nails

I'm not a huge NIN fan, in fact I can't say I've ever actively listened to most of their works.  However, this song is pretty powerful and gripping.  Some say it's about Trent Reznor's addiction to drugs, others say it's about suicide, others still have differing opinions... guess it shows that art is in the eye of the beholder.  No matter how it was originally written, we can all relate to the self-destructive tendencies expressed in the song.  We all make choices in life that we regret or that end up ending poorly for us.  We all hurt the people we care about.  Life is all about getting through this and finding a way to carry on.  Reznor does seem to realize that there is more to life than what he's been doing, although the song doesn't delve into finding fulfillment but leaves you with the feeling that he thinks it's too late or that redemption is impossible...


The live music video with Reznor on keys is stunning; I've included the studio recording as well.

Studio: "Hurt"


"and you could have it all
my empire of dirt..."