Watch Johnny Cash’s Final Film Appearance in the Music Video for “Hurt”

It’s been 21 years since Johnny Cash tragically passed away. Though, he did not die in vain. Matter of fact, he did quite the opposite, as his music and persona have left an insurmountable mark on the entirety of American pop culture. Given his incomparable influence, fans continue to yearn for more and more Cash.

Since he died in 2003, sources and folks from his estate have slowly been releasing reimagined songs, rare footage, and other sources of content not shown during his life. However, one of the most formative memories folks have of Cash is in his final film appearance in the music video for his song, “Hurt.” In addition to the film’s visual sentimental quality, the story behind the video adds to Cash’s intense goodbye to the world.

An Accident for The Ages

Rolling Stone declared the film as the second-best music video of all time. Though, despite this placement, the video would have never happened if it was not for the opportunistic mindset of director Mark Romanek. According to Rolling Stone, Romanek viewed the power of the video as being entirely “accidental.” This can be attributed to the fact that he believed “Cash performing the somber Nine Inch Nails cover in his home, surrounded by a still life of rotting fruit and flowers, wouldn’t be enough to carry a full story.” Well, it was far more than enough.

Surprised by the finished product, Romanek stated, “There was something about the juxtaposition of Johnny as a young, vibrant man, and Johnny near the end of his life.” It was this artistic decision that ultimately led the video to be the success that it was. As lifelong fans of Cash experienced every age and phase he experienced, this video acted as his swan song.

Johnny Cash’s Dirge

Following the release of the video, Cash would go on to pass seven months later. Given the somber intensity of the video, Cash seemingly very well knew he could count his final days. With this in mind, he wore his heart on his sleeve and let it all out there—the fear of death and the celebration of his career.

To perform in the state Cash was in and have it released to the world is to say, at the very least, commendable. Most musicians don’t have the guts to show fans their demise, but not Cash. Check out the music video below.

Photo by Stephen Lovekin/FilmMagic