Hurt was written by Jimmie Craine and Al Jacobs and first recorded by Roy Hamilton (Epic 9086) in 1954. His recording was a #7 rhythm & blues hit. In 1961 Timi Yuro took her version of Hurt to #4 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. Clyde Otis produced her recording. Other popular versions of Hurt include those by Little Anthony and The Imperials (DCP 1154) in 1966, a 1967 Italian version ("A Chi") by Fausto Leali on RiFi Records, and by The Manhattans (Columbia 10140) in 1975. Leali's release sold a million copies worldwide.

Elvis recorded Hurt on the night of February 5-6, 1976, at Graceland. His single release was a million-seller and had a 11-week stay on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, peaking at #28. It did much better on the country chart, reaching #6. Hurt was sung on the 1977 TV Special Elvis In Concert.