Johnny Cash released his rendition of the synth-pop, blues rock song “Personal Jesus” by the British electronica band Depeche Mode on November 5, 2002. The cover was featured on his sixty-seventh and final non-posthumous studio album, American IV: The Man Comes Around. This was the B-side to his single “Hurt,” released in March 2003.
Rick Rubin, Cash’s music producer, helped bring out the singer’s dark yet spiritual side. Rubin asked guitarist John Frusciante, a member of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, to sample the acoustic riff of Martin Gore’s song into a blues style. Heavy-hitter musicians such as Nick Cave, Fiona Apple, and Don Henley assisted him in recording the backing vocals.
After working on the material, Cash told Rick Rub in the Studio, “That’s probably the most evangelical gospel song I ever recorded. I don’t know that the writer meant it to be that, but that’s what it is.”
One of the music icon’s last records, his rendition of “Personal Jesus” turned out to be one of Johnny Cash’s best song covers.
Meaning Behind the Song
Johnny Cash is no stranger to gospel songs, but his producer, Rick Rubin, wanted to give him a sparse style that would appeal to 2000s music fans. His cover of “Personal Jesus” was a deep reminder of the dark songsmith Cash could be in alternative hard rock.
Rubin helped in assembling the classic rock songs for Cash’s final album, and Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus” struck the icon the most. Depeche’s lead singer David Gahan originally wrote the song for the band, which led many to suspect the song’s intent in criticizing the commercialization of religion.
For You
However, the band’s guitarist Martin Gore clarified to Spin Magazine in July 1990 that the lyrics were inspired by Priscilla Presley’s relationship with Elvis Presley, described in her 1985 memoir Elvis and Me. “It’s a song about being a Jesus for somebody else, someone to give you hope and care,” Gore explained.
Growing up in a Christian family, Cash interpreted it in his own spiritual way. Cash’s delivery will make you imagine yourself in a ragged cowboy outfit, ready to settle your dispute in a one-on-one gunfight like a veteran gunslinger in the wild wild west. But given the lyrics — paired with his deep, baritone voice and a simple acoustic guitar mix — the only thing he was ready for was to receive comfort before meeting his Maker peacefully.
Shop Johnny Cash
- The Essential Johnny CashVinylWith “I Walk the Line” and “Big River”See it on Amazon
- At Folsom PrisonVinylHis 1968 live album, recorded at Folsom State PrisonSee it on Amazon
- Cash: The AutobiographyBookHis autobiographySee it on Amazon
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The “Jesus” in the song could refer to anything or anyone you can rely on for moral support. The belief that He will give a sense of meaning and security to a man’s life means you will be able to conquer any challenges ahead.
Thrive in your own faith while playing Johnny Cash’s country cover of “Personal Jesus” on your stereo.
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