Lee was a musical prodigy and by the time she was two she would hear songs on the radio once and be able to whistle the complete tune. She was five years old when she started to gain wider attention when she won a local singing contest sponsored by the elementary schools. At age 11, she was offered a recording contract with Decca Records and released the song “Dynamite,” leading to her lifelong nickname, “Little Miss Dynamite.”
Lee was popular in the UK very early in her career, and her 1961 rockabilly release “Let’s Jump the Broomstick” did not chart in the US, but went to #12 in the UK. Her biggest hits during this time include a rockabilly version of the country classic “Jambalaya (On the Bayou),” “Sweet Nothin’s,” “I Want to Be Wanted,” “All Alone Am I,” and “Fool #1.”
In 1960, she recorded her signature song, “I’m Sorry,” which hit number one on the Billboard pop chart and was her first gold single. Her last top-10 single on the pop charts was 1963’s “Losing You,” while she continued to have other chart songs such as her 1966 song “Coming On Strong” and “Is It True?” in 1964.
During the early 1970s, Lee re-established herself as a country music artist, and earned a string of Top 10 hits on the country charts. Her biggest selling track of her career is, oddly enough, a Christmas song: “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” It was released in 1958, but it sold only 5,000 copies. However, it eventually sold over five million copies and remains a perennial radio favorite each December. In December 2023, Lee became the oldest artist to ever top the Hot 100, when "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" topped the chart 65 years after its release.
Over the ensuing years, Lee has continued to record and perform all around the world, previously cutting records in four different languages. She is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, and the Hit Parade Hall of Fame. In 1992, she recorded a duet with Willy DeVille; Chuck Berry also wrote a song about her. Lee has been married to Ronnie Shacklett since 1963, and they have two daughters and three grandchildren. She is the second recipient of the Jo Meador-Walker Lifetime Achievement award.
Throughout her career, Brenda Lee has released 41 studio albums, 12 compilation albums, and over 100 singles. She has had numerous top twenty hits on the Billboard Hot 100, Country, and AC charts in the US, UK, and Canada.
Why Me
Brenda Lee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To deserve even one
Of the pleasures I've known
Tell me Lord, what did I ever do
That was worth loving you
Or the kindness you've shown.
Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so
Now that I know that I've need you so
Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand.
Tell me Lord, if you think there's a way
I can try to repay
All 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 need you so
Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand.
The song Why Me? by Brenda Lee is a powerful introspective reflection on the meaning of life and faith. The lyrics show the singer's profound gratitude for the pleasures she has known in her life so far, despite feeling unworthy. The song starts with a plea to God: Why me, Lord? What have I done to deserve these pleasures when I have done nothing worth loving you or deserving of the kindness you have shown? Brenda Lee acknowledges that she has been blessed in life and wonders why she deserves it. The singer feels a need to repay God for all that she has taken from him. She wants to know if there is a way to do it and perhaps show others what she has been through herself.
The chorus, which repeats throughout the song, is a prayer for help from Jesus. Brenda Lee asks for his guidance as she feels she has wasted her life so far. She admits to knowing what she is and that she needs his help to get back on track. The singer reminds herself that her soul is in his hands, asking for mercy and salvation. The song is a touching hymn of confession, gratitude, and abject appeal to God.
Line by Line Meaning
Why me Lord, what have I ever done
I am unsure of why you have bestowed such kindness upon me, Lord. I cannot see how I could have possibly earned it.
To deserve even one
I cannot fathom how I am deserving of even a single pleasure, given the magnitude of your generosity.
Of the pleasures I've known
I have been fortunate enough to experience many moments of joy and happiness, which I cannot fully comprehend.
Tell me Lord, what did I ever do
Please reveal to me what action or quality of mine was enough to earn your love and compassion.
That was worth loving you
I am humbled to think that something I did could have been worthy of your divine love and affection.
Or the kindness you've shown.
The extent of your kindness and compassion is beyond my understanding, but I am profoundly grateful for it.
Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so
I fear that I have not made the most of the blessings you have given me, Lord. I am in need of your guidance and mercy.
Help me Jesus I know what I am
I acknowledge my flaws and shortcomings, Lord. I am in need of your grace and forgiveness.
Now that I know that I've need you so
I realize now more than ever that I am wholly dependent on you, Lord, and that I cannot navigate this life without your help and support.
Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand.
I entrust my soul to you, Lord, knowing that your love and protection will guide me through all of life's trials and tribulations.
Tell me Lord, if you think there's a way
If there is a way for me to show my gratitude and repay you for all that you have done for me, Lord, please let me know.
I can try to repay
I understand that I can never truly repay you, Lord, but I am willing to make an effort to show my appreciation.
All I've taken from you
I am aware that everything I have in my life is a gift from you, Lord. I have taken so much from you without fully realizing it.
Maybe Lord, I can show someone else
Perhaps there is a way for me to help others in the same way you have helped me, Lord. Maybe I can be a beacon of your love and compassion to others.
What I've been through myself
I have been through many struggles and difficulties in my life, Lord, and I believe that these experiences have given me insight and empathy that I can use to help others.
On my way back to you.
My ultimate goal is to return to you, Lord, and I will do everything in my power to live a life that is worthy of your love and grace.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BUZZ CASON, BOB BECKHAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind