The Darkness of Johnny and Bonnie

Rick Rubin gave the world quite the gift when he convinced Johnny Cash to record cover versions of modern songs. The most well known being Cash's brilliant cover of 'Hurt' originally done by Nine Inch Nails. The perfect final single for an American legend. Cash was able to perform songs by Soundgarden, U2, and Depeche Mode with honesty. This was a man who understood the depths of the songs. Many of the tracks he truly made his own and turned them into the definitive version. However, there is one song that Cash was unable to corral.

Although still a fantastic recording, 'I See A Darkness' exists in that special place where the song is better than anyone who records it. Originally by Bonnie "Prince" Billy  (stage name of Will Oldham) it can be found on the album of the same name. A dark song about a man having a (hypothetical?) conversation with a friend questioning the future.

"Many times we've been out drinking
And many times we've shared our thoughts
But did you ever, ever notice, the kind of thoughts I got"

Lyrically, it's the perfect song for Johnny Cash in this period. He does a perfectly fine job with it. Will Oldham even sings on it. Despite knowing Cash's version first, I still prefer the original. Well it's a good song either way. I'll always see a darkness.