About the song
Good evening, my friends, and welcome to another moment of musical reflection. Tonight, we’re going to turn our attention to a song that, while seemingly straightforward in its title, delves into some of the deepest and most universal human questions. We’re talking, of course, about Kris Kristofferson’s profoundly moving and intensely personal composition, “Why Me Lord”.
For those of us who have followed Kris Kristofferson’s remarkable career, we know him as a formidable songwriter, a poet of the working man’s soul, and an artist unafraid to expose his vulnerabilities. He’s given us countless classics that probe the complexities of love, loss, freedom, and the often-gritty realities of life. Yet, “Why Me Lord” stands somewhat apart, a stark and honest moment of spiritual reckoning from a man who, by his own admission, had experienced the heights and depths of human existence.
Written and released in 1973, at a time when Kristofferson was at the peak of his fame as both a songwriter and a performer, “Why Me Lord” might have surprised some of his more secular listeners. It wasn’t a rambling tale of a rambling man, nor a heartbroken ballad of lost love. Instead, it was a raw, unvarnished prayer, a dialogue with a higher power prompted by a moment of profound gratitude and, perhaps, bewilderment at the blessings bestowed upon him.
The genius of “Why Me Lord” lies in its utter simplicity and its unpretentious honesty. It doesn’t present theological arguments or grand pronouncements. Instead, it offers a humble, almost childlike query: why, in the face of my own shortcomings and past transgressions, have I been shown such grace? This question, posed with genuine humility, resonates with anyone who has ever felt undeserving of the good fortune or kindness they’ve received. It’s a sentiment that transcends religious dogma, speaking directly to the human experience of grace, redemption, and the search for meaning.
When Kristofferson sings “Why Me Lord”, his delivery is imbued with a quiet awe and a deeply felt sincerity. There’s no showmanship, no vocal acrobatics; just the resonant voice of a man openly grappling with profound emotions. This authenticity is precisely what gives the song its enduring power and its ability to connect with listeners on such a deeply personal level. It’s a reminder that even the most seemingly jaded or unconventional among us can find themselves wrestling with spiritual questions, seeking solace, and acknowledging a presence greater than themselves. For an audience of our vintage, one that has undoubtedly faced its own share of life’s trials and moments of unexpected beauty, “Why Me Lord” offers a poignant reflection on gratitude, humility, and the ever-present mystery of divine grace.
Video
Lyrics
Why me Lord
What have I ever done
To deserve even one
Of the blessings I’ve known
Why me Lord
What did I ever do
That was worth love from you
And the kindness you’ve shown
Lord help me, Jesus
I’ve wasted it so
Help me, Jesus
I know what I am
Now that I know
That I’ve needed you so
Help me, Jesus
My soul’s in your hand
Try me Lord
If you think there’s a way
That I can repay
What I’ve taken from you
Maybe Lord
I can show someone else
What I’ve been through myself
On my way back to you
Lord help me, Jesus
I’ve wasted it so
Help me, Jesus
I know what I am
Now that I know
That I’ve needed you so
Help me, Jesus
My soul’s in your hand
Jesus
My soul’s in your hand
