Remember When: Johnny Cash Forgave Himself During His Final Interview

We all live with some sort of regret. It’s inescapable. No one’s track record is perfect–not even legendary musicians. Johnny Cash lived a tumultuous life. His struggle with addiction was well documented over the decades of his career–as was anything else sordid he might have gotten into. Towards the end of his life, Cash was asked about his regrets. He had a refreshing answer. Revisit the moment Cash forgave himself in his final interview, below.

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Remember When: Johnny Cash Forgave Himself During His Final Interview

Cash gave his final interview on August 20, 2003. He sat down to discuss his final set of albums, dubbed American Recordings. In between discussing the music, he was asked whether or not he had regrets to speak of. His answer likely proved comforting for his fans.

Cash made many headlines over the years due to his struggle with addiction. He publicly struggled with alcohlism, amphetamine and barbiturates abuse.

“I got into the habit of amphetamines,” Cash once said about his addiction. “I took them for seven years. I just liked the feel of them. It lifts you and, under certain conditions, it intensifies all your senses.”

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We have to assume his reference to regrets had something to do with his addiction. Additionally, he seemed to be talking about missed career opportunities. Cash seemed to come to terms with both of those fronts.

“I used to, but I don’t,” Cash said about having regrets. “I forgave myself. When God forgave me, I figured I had better do it too, so it’s all right now.”

It’s a pretty black and white answer. Hearing Cash utter those words is almost haunting. But, given how near he was to the end of his life, it’s good to know he had wrestled with his regrets and won. May we all be so lucky.

Cash died on September 12, 2003 from diabetes complications. He left a giant hole in the hearts of country fans the world over. Prior to his death he amassed an unparalleled career. From his prison concerts, to timeless tracks, to unforgettable appearances, Cash was a singular force in country music.

Revisit his final interview just a month before his death, below.

(Photo by ITV/Shutterstock)