Johnny Cash's cover is understandably the most-loved version of the song, but I think NIN's original has its own greatness.

Sung by Trent Reznor in its original form, it's from the perspective of a man who is addicted to drugs and self-harm, and is likely jaded, having peaked years ago, and now just spends his days wallowing in his own sadness. "I wear this crown of shit" is a powerful line.

As for the Johnny Cash version, we see a man who is at the end of his life, has lost nearly everyone he's ever loved (especially his wife), and while he's had a life many only dream of, something in him just feels empty and full of regret. I like that he changed the aforementioned line to "I wear this crown of thorns", in reference to his Christian faith.

Yet, regardless of who sings it, both perspectives feel similar in a kind of eerie way. Two men just full of regret, full of hurt.

I'm probably playing Captain Obvious here, but yeah.