- Hurt, Jan 30, 2019, 3:34, 243K views
- You make me smile, Original song. Jan 30, 2025
Today marks the 6th anniversary of Frank's poignant cover of "Hurt," shared with his international fan base on January 30, 2019. At 71 years old, Frank continues to touch hearts with his soulful interpretations. Here's to many more years of your heartfelt music, Frank!
The 820+ comments on Frank Watkinson's cover of "Hurt" are overwhelmingly positive and appreciative. Several themes emerge:
- Emotional Impact: Many commenters mention being moved to tears, feeling a deep emotional connection to the performance, and finding it comforting or healing. Words like "beautiful," "amazing," "stunning," and "wonderful" are frequently used.
- Comparison to Johnny Cash: Several commenters compare Frank's version favorably to Johnny Cash's iconic rendition, some even saying it's better or that Cash would be proud.
- Appreciation for Frank's Talent: Commenters consistently praise Frank's voice, guitar playing, and overall talent. They admire his ability to convey emotion and connect with the audience.
- Gratitude and Admiration: Many express gratitude to Frank for sharing his gift and say they are now fans. Some even call him a "treasure" or an "inspiration."
- Personal Stories: Some commenters share personal stories of how the song or Frank's version has impacted them, including memories of loss and finding solace in the music.
- Humor and Lightheartedness: A few comments add a touch of humor, like the one asking Frank to be their grandpa, which has garnered many replies. Someone also mentions spotting a dog in the background.
- International Appreciation: There are comments in multiple languages, showing that Frank's music resonates with people from around the world.
Overall, the comments section is a testament to the power of Frank Watkinson's performance and the emotional connection he creates with his audience. It's a space filled with admiration, gratitude, and shared appreciation for his unique talent.
Lyrics
I hurt myself today
To see if I still feel
I focus on the pain
The only thing that's real
The needle tears a hole
The old familiar sting
Try to kill it all away
But I remember everything
What have I become?
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know goes away
In the end
And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt
I wear this crown of thorns
Upon my liar's chair
Full of broken thoughts
I cannot repair
Beneath the stains of time
The feelings disappear
You are someone else
I'm still right here
What have I become?
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know goes away
In the end
And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt
If I could start again
A million miles away
I would keep myself
I would find a way
Frank Watkinson’s ‘Hurt’ Cover Resonates Deeply: A Testament to Timeless Music and Raw Emotion
An Unlikely YouTube Sensation Captures Global Hearts with a Haunting Rendition of Johnny Cash’s Classic
Introduction:
In January 2019, British musician Frank Watkinson uploaded a stripped-back cover of Johnny Cash’s Hurt to his modest YouTube channel. Nearly five years later, the video has amassed 243,000 views and over 800 comments—a tidal wave of emotion from listeners who call Watkinson’s rendition “breathtaking,” “healing,” and “a gift.” Cash’s 2002 cover of the Nine Inch Nails song is widely regarded as one of the most powerful reinventions in music history. Now, Watkinson’s version is carving its own legacy, proving that great songs only grow richer when passed through vulnerable, human hands.
A Global Chorus of Emotion: Fans Share Their Stories
Watkinson’s cover has become a refuge for listeners navigating grief, loneliness, and existential uncertainty. Many commenters describe weeping openly, moved by the raw simplicity of his voice and acoustic guitar.
- @lauraserafini322 (1 year ago):
- “Today I was feeling discouraged with everything that happens in the world and losing faith in humanity. Your music came to me and it was like being hugged.”
- @sgtknife2852 (4 years ago):
- “A kid I know committed suicide in high school. The first time I heard this song was played at his funeral… I will never forget moments in life like that.”
- Others, like @haus05, highlight Watkinson’s authenticity:
- “This man renews my faith in humans! What a beauty—I just want to sit down and have a cold beer with this man and talk about life!”
“Johnny Cash Would Be Proud”: Bridging Generations Through Song
Cash’s shadow looms large, but fans argue Watkinson honors the Man in Black while making the song his own.
@JohnnyPrinz (3 years ago):
“Johnny Cash is looking down and smiling!! You are an inspiration to pick up my guitar everyday!!”@tgmoose8238 (3 years ago):
“Johnny would be proud. Bravo.”
Watkinson’s minimalist approach—no flashy production, just earnest delivery—echoes Cash’s late-career vulnerability. @jasminehulsey7956, raised on Cash’s version, admits:
“I usually don’t like covers of songs… but this is awesome.”
The Power of Simplicity: Voice, Guitar, and Vulnerability
Commenters repeatedly praise Watkinson’s “calming” voice and deft guitar work, which strip the song to its emotional core.
@annac9529 (4 months ago):
“Beautiful guitar and voice. Absolutely amazing.”@davidbrenes4719 (3 years ago):
“The simplicity with which you transmit so much sensitivity is appalling… There is, for me, a before and after I heard Mr. Frank Watkinson.”
Even Trent Reznor fans, like @up2specks978, applaud the delivery:
“Excellent job. Big NIN fan.”
From Mexico to Brazil: A Cover Without Borders
The comments section reads like a United Nations of gratitude, with messages in English, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.
@e3724 (2 years ago):
“Greeting from Mexico! I love this cover.”@YNG1313 (1 year ago):
“Aqui é do Brasil!… Você é inspirador, um abraço!” (“This is from Brazil!… You’re inspiring, a hug!”)
Watkinson’s global appeal lies in his universality. As @rephlexc notes:
“It means so much to many. It’s a beauty.”
Legacy in the Making: Watkinson’s Unexpected Rise
At 71, Watkinson has become an unlikely YouTube icon, with fans pleading for albums and dubbing him “grandpa.”
@davidfontes3024 (4 years ago):
“Can you be my grandpa?” (1.7K likes)@wendiled9463 (3 years ago):
“Are you some sort of divine being sent to soothe us through this moment in time?... Please make an album.”
His covers, spanning Cash, Leonard Cohen, and Nirvana, resonate as antidotes to modern chaos. @justethan2731 writes:
“You’re so talented, Frank—I hope you recognize your gift.”
In-Depth Summary: Why Watkinson’s ‘Hurt’ Matters
Frank Watkinson’s Hurt thrives in the digital age’s paradox: a platform built on speed delivers a slow-burning, analog-style masterpiece. The cover’s success hinges on its refusal to compete with Cash or Reznor. Instead, Watkinson taps into the song’s timeless themes—regret, mortality, redemption—through a lens of quiet humility.
Commenters don’t just praise his technical skill; they thank him. For older listeners, he’s a kindred spirit keeping Cash’s spirit alive. For younger audiences, he’s proof that raw emotion transcends generations. In a world of algorithm-driven virality, Watkinson’s organic rise—fueled by word-of-mouth and tearful emojis—feels like a minor miracle.
As @ashok2018 declares:
“Nobody can ever cover this song better than this person.”
Whether that’s true matters less than the truth beneath the comments: Watkinson’s Hurt isn’t just a cover—it’s a companion for those who need it most.
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