It was originally written by Trent Reznor and performed by his group Nine Inch Nails. It is absolutely about self-harm and drug abuse, especially with the empty dissonant sound of the original.
In JC's version, he brings a different interpretation; an old man defeated by time getting by with medicine (or drugs) and contemplating the loss of his friends and his legacy. The steady tone of inner strength and defeat, and the video containing clips of Johnny's life make it a perfect end to the legacy of one of the greats. In fact, the video was made 3 months before Johnny's wife died and 7 before he himself followed.
Part of understanding the song is understanding the person and the moments in their life. Trent wrote the message you picked up on, while Johnny sang a very different message with the same words.
It was originally written by Trent Reznor and performed by his group Nine Inch Nails. It is absolutely about self-harm and drug abuse, especially with the empty dissonant sound of the original.
In JC's version, he brings a different interpretation; an old man defeated by time getting by with medicine (or drugs) and contemplating the loss of his friends and his legacy. The steady tone of inner strength and defeat, and the video containing clips of Johnny's life make it a perfect end to the legacy of one of the greats. In fact, the video was made 3 months before Johnny's wife died and 7 before he himself followed.
Part of understanding the song is understanding the person and the moments in their life. Trent wrote the message you picked up on, while Johnny sang a very different message with the same words.