Song Library

Hurt

Johnny Cash

About this song worksheet

A printable ESL song worksheet for “Hurt” by Johnny Cash (2002), for Level 5 (advanced) learners, with a focus on modal verbs. Students listen and fill 14 gaps in the lyrics, then discuss the song.

Discussion questions

  1. How does Cash's age and life experience change the meaning of this song compared to the original Nine Inch Nails version?
  2. What does the metaphor 'empire of dirt' suggest about material success and legacy?
  3. Have you ever felt that physical pain was easier to deal with than emotional pain? Why might someone focus on physical sensation?

A printable song worksheet for Hurt by Johnny Cash, focusing on Modal verbs. Includes gap-fill, vocabulary, and discussion activities.

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