Johnny's daughter commented to him after recording, "Daddy, it sounds like you're saying goodbye." His reply was, "It's because I was, sweetheart." His wife, June passed away just months after this song's release. Johnny would also pass about a year after this release. The way he closes the piano at the end of the video and runs his hands across the keyboard cover really struck me. To me, it was another sign he knew he was close to "the end." I've watched this music video many times. It always makes me emotional and still often brings me to tears.
I'm 72. I've carried a medallion in my pocket for years that has a skull surrounded with the Latin words Memento Mori. Broadly interpreted it means, Remember, you will die. We could all leave this realm at any time. Live accordingly.
REN’s How to be me reminded me of this - “My kingdom turned to dust and I watched all my riches rust”. And Hurt’s “ You can have it all, my empire of dirt. “.
I grew up listening to Johnny Cash with my grandfather. My mom didn't particularly like him. I showed her this when it first came out and my mom ended up speechless and crying. Now I'm in my 50's and people I grew up with, grew up listening to and watching, are passing away it seems like every day, and this song, even after hearing it dozens of times, manages to make my eyes water. ❤ 😢
Zack, I don't know if you'll ever read this, but I wanted to let you know what I thought about your reaction to this song. I've watched hundreds of reactors and your thoughts, feelings and emotions were all transparent for us to see. Your reaction was the best I've seen. And most other reactors had at least a working knowledge of Johnny Cash and his career, but you didn't and it still moved you. Many thanks for not editing it - it was beautiful and heartfelt. I like your honesty most of all. Thank you and the very best regards. I hope you have a joy filled holiday season and the happiest/healthiest/wealthiest New Year. Send and receive Joy, Peace, Love and stand steadfast in your honesty. Phyllis in N.C.
Sometimes there really isn’t much to say.. this is one of those times! Even tho he didn’t write this - it became his with this performance, and I believe Trent Reznor said so himself!! Thanks for your reaction!!
I believe the opening image of the statue is of the Greek titan Atlas who is known in mythology for carrying the weight of the world upon his shoulders. I think it's a metaphor comparing how he is feeling to how Atlas must have felt when shouldering the weight of the world. Johnny finds himself nearing the end of his journey and feels the weight of several regrets which is being compared to the weight of the world. In the video he not only has the regrets for his past drug use which had huge impacts on his personal relationships, but also the regrets of knowing that he is at the end and there is precious little time (or no time in some cases) left to make amends for all the things he regrets from his past. Coupled on top of that is the realization of his own (and everyone else's) mortality and knowing that in the end we all leave this world and our material things in the end mean absolutely nothing when compared to our relationships with our loved ones. This song serves as a cautionary warning to those willing to listen to his words and learn from his past mistakes. It hits hard and it is meant to, material things are meaningless in the end when compared to how we lived our life and affected the people we love around us.
There are very few times when a perfect song by one artist is covered perfectly by another. It's like this song was made for Johnny to come along later and sing. It fits so perfectly.
I’ve been listening to the song since well before cash covered it. I’ve watched countless reactions to this song over the years and your reaction. My friend, I believe is the most sincere. You picked up on what the message was is. And you were speechless and nearly crying. As are most of us when we heard this song for the first time.
Anybody who has heard this song, has come out the other side a better person. More thoughtful, more inciteful, more empathetic and more loving. Youre reaction sir, has been one of my absolute favorites. And Ive seen a metric shit ton of them. Thank you and Best wishes going forward.
I agree, this was a tough song request to throw at you without warning. I was a huge NIN fan back in the day and loved the original, but this one hit hard when it was released. Trent was hesitant at first but when he heard this version he said that it was no longer his song. It’s more than a cover. You can feel the pain and regret that he felt. The visuals captured it perfectly as well. And yes, he died shortly after, so the clip of him closing the piano sticks with you. You definitely need something uplifting after this.
Honest reaction...most people are literally speechless when the video ends 😶 I've heard others talk about this video coming with a warning! lol...and rightly so. ✌️
It's funny that older you get, You think on the stuff That made a great deal to you when you were younger. And you realize it doesn't really matter. It's just stuff, and you start to realize who & what really matters.
You should watch The Fairy Voice Mother reaction analysis of this. Then do a reaction to her version on her other channel Lolli Wren. Just as good if not better. she makes it her own just like Jonny did.
Honest and raw reaction - we feel it with you man - it’s such a human song, reflecting on a life, which Johnny certainly lived to the full, but still, knowing the end is close, so much to regret but also cherish. I’ve not checked but my understanding at the time this came out was that he knew he didn’t have long and he poured all he was feeling into reinterpreting what NIN version had been about - the same words, but somehow meaning something very different. And no…you are NOT old…not even close.
