Meaning of "Hurt So Bad" by Johnny Cash

The lyrics of "Hurt So Bad" by Johnny Cash depict a person who is spiraling into a state of despair, using self-harm as a way to cope with emotional pain. The protagonist is haunted by memories of past relationships that have ended, leaving them feeling isolated and abandoned. The reference to an "empire of dirt" suggests that the protagonist's life has crumbled and become meaningless. Despite a desire for redemption, the protagonist recognizes that they have hurt others and themselves irreparably. The song conveys a sense of deep regret and longing for a fresh start, symbolized by the wish to "start again a million miles away." Overall, the lyrics are a poignant reflection on the destructive nature of inner turmoil and the struggle to find solace and redemption in the face of overwhelming sorrow.