Belgrade, Serbia-based country rock band Backsprint have released their powerful new cover of “I Hung My Head,” originally written by Sting for his 1996 album Mercury Falling.The track gives the well-known song a harder, full-band treatment inspired by the rock interpretation Bruce Springsteen brought to the song.
Unlike Johnny Cash’s stripped-back version, Backsprint turn the track into a driving country-rock performance built around a 4/4 rhythm, harder vocals, and a strong guitar-led arrangement. The song’s dark narrative remains unchanged, following a young man facing execution after accidentally killing a stranger.
Interestingly, Sting’s original uses an uneven 9/8 rhythm, while Backsprint reshape it into 4/4, giving the song a more direct rock feel.
The band recorded the track using their trademark live approach: multiple takes, no overdubs, no pitch correction, and no click track. Featuring vocals and harmonica from Uroš Jojić alongside a five-piece instrumental lineup, the recording captures Backsprint’s raw energy.
Backsprint will perform “I Hung My Head” live at Bitef Art Cafe in Belgrade on September 24, opening for American funk bassist Nik West.
