ABSTRACT

In this chapter, the author argues how the extraordinary elevation of Johnny Cash can be accounted for through specific sonic markers of vulnerability and nostalgia. He explores the extent to which Cash's rendition of 'Hurt' presents an opportunity to identify markers of vulnerability in a pop song. The author recognises that in 'Hurt' the aesthetics of the production are specifically devoted to Cash's voice and the sound of the acoustic guitars. By describing the advent of 'new male singer/songwriters', Ian Biddle has observed the following qualities: "A kind of openness to vulnerability, a commitment to social and sexual intimacy, and a tendency to want to avoid the overt spectacularization of masculinity". As Biddle suggests: It seems as if, for men to become gendered, they must now also entertain danger, an openness to hurt, the figure of masculinity operates without boundaries, as if it were always already the only position from which to wield a discourse.