Rick And Morty Season 5 Episode 9 End Song

Ever feel like a song just gets you? Like it perfectly captures that weird mix of emotions bubbling inside? Well, the end song of Rick and Morty Season 5 Episode 9, "Forgetting Sarick Mortshall," is that song for a whole lotta people.
It's called "Hurt," originally by Nine Inch Nails, but the version we hear is the iconic cover by Johnny Cash. Yeah, that Johnny Cash. Prepare for feelings.
Why "Hurt"? A Match Made in Existential Crisis
So, what makes this song such a perfect fit for an episode about letting go and finding new (albeit often dysfunctional) relationships? Think about the episode's storyline.
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Rick's hurting because Morty's moving on, finding his own Rick-like companion in a crow. It's a classic tale of abandonment, but with a sci-fi twist and a talking bird.
The song's lyrics, like "I hurt myself today, to see if I still feel," resonate with Rick's self-destructive tendencies. He's pushing Morty away, almost daring him to leave.

Then you have Morty dealing with his own stuff, trying to find a connection that isn't tied to Rick's toxic brilliance. "Hurt" echoes his internal struggle, the pain of growing up and separating from a powerful influence.
Cash's Version: The Heart of the Matter
Nine Inch Nails' version of "Hurt" is powerful in its own right, raw and industrial. But Johnny Cash's rendition brings a different kind of weight. It's stripped down, vulnerable.
Cash's voice, weathered and full of life experience, adds layers of meaning to the lyrics. He sounds like someone who knows pain, someone who's lived through the consequences of his choices. That's Rick in a nutshell!

The simple acoustic arrangement allows the lyrics to really sink in. It's not just a song; it's a confession, a lament, a desperate plea for understanding.
More Than Just a Song: It's a Moment
The beauty of using "Hurt" in this episode isn't just the song itself. It's the context.

The visuals playing alongside the song show snippets of Rick and Morty's fractured relationship. Moments of joy interspersed with moments of anger, resentment, and ultimately, sadness.
It's a montage of memories, highlighting the complex bond that ties them together, even as they try to pull apart. It’s a reminder that even the most chaotic relationships have moments of genuine connection.
The song choice also subverts expectations. Rick and Morty is known for its irreverent humor and meta-commentary. Using such a sincere and emotionally charged song is a bold move.

It shows the creators aren't afraid to explore the darker, more vulnerable aspects of their characters. It’s a reminder that beneath the sci-fi craziness, there's real heart (and hurt) in this show.
So, next time you hear "Hurt," whether it's Nine Inch Nails or Johnny Cash, think about Rick and Morty. Think about letting go, finding your own path, and the bittersweet pain of growing up (or getting interdimensionally divorced from your sidekick).
You might just find a new appreciation for a song that speaks to the messy, complicated, and ultimately human experience of being alive.
