Empire of Pain
A poetic tribute to Johnny Cash’s cover of the Nine Inch Nails song ‘Hurt’.
Cash’s version of ‘Hurt’, sung during his dying days, maintains the raw power to hit me where it hurts, with a baritone made for an emotional crescendo (and sometimes a therapeutic blub) as the pain pours out.
I’ve done my best to rekindle the song’s lyrical soul with this poetic tribute. Feel free to place your handkerchief on standby.
‘Empire of Pain’ - A poetic tribute
I bear the weight of sin upon my tired soul. I've tried to live a life, but always lost control. The drink dulls the hurt, fogs the mind, a familiar burn. The medicine rinsed down grants the emptiness I yearn. To ease the pain of parting, the blade cuts familiar marks. But can’t brighten my abyss, the all-encompassing dark. What did I turn into, my dearest one? Everyone I cherished dissolved when I was gone. I tried to give you everything, except what’s never seen. I promised no more grieving over my life’s sunk debris. Can we start our time again, despite being torn apart? Can you wipe my bitter tears, as I clasp your missing heart?