This is a cover of a song by Sting. I haven't heard Sting's version but I am not a fan of what I have heard. Anyway, Cash's version is stripped down to the bare essentials, acoustic guitar and piano with a little bit of keyboard in the background to add some depth, but the music is secondary to the great mans voice. He's in his seventies, and all the age an experience in his voice just makes the youth and experience of the lyrics all the more poignant. His voice reminds me of my grandfather (May he rest in peace). The whole Album (American Recordings IV - The Man Comes Around) is incredible and this song is a stand out track among many, both original and covered.

Yes i think this is the most powerful version of the song, even better than Marley's. People go on about Hurt and with good cause, however i believe this is just as wonderful. Again he brings a different interpretation to the lyrics, given the past of both these men. I think you need to be older to capture this song, since we dont have Bob around i suggest you hear this.