Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, with his family when he was 13 years old. His music career began there in 1954, recording at Sun Records with producer Sam Phillips, who wanted to bring the sound of African American music to a wider audience. Accompanied by guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, Presley was a pioneer of rockabilly, an uptempo, backbeat-driven fusion of country music and rhythm and blues. In 1955, drummer D. J. Fontana joined to complete the lineup of Presley's classic quartet and RCA Victor acquired his contract in a deal arranged by Colonel Tom Parker, who would manage the singer for more than two decades. Presley's first RCA single, "Heartbreak Hotel", was released in January 1956 and became a number one hit in the United States. With a series of successful network television appearances and chart-topping records, he became the leading figure of the newly popular sound of rock and roll. His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines during a transformative era in race relations, made him enormously popular—and controversial.
In November 1956, Presley made his film debut in Love Me Tender. Drafted into military service in 1958, Presley relaunched his recording career two years later with some of his most commercially successful work. He held few concerts however, and guided by Parker, proceeded to devote much of the 1960s to making Hollywood movies and soundtrack albums, most of them critically derided. In 1968, following a seven-year break from live performances, he returned to the stage in the acclaimed television comeback special Elvis, which led to an extended Las Vegas concert residency and a string of highly profitable tours. In 1973, Presley gave the first concert by a solo artist to be broadcast around the world, Aloha from Hawaii. Years of prescription drug abuse severely compromised his health, and he died suddenly in 1977 at his Graceland estate, just 42 years of age.
Presley is one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the 20th century. Commercially successful in many genres, including pop, country, blues, and gospel, he is the best-selling solo artist in the history of recorded music. He won three competitive Grammys, received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36, and has been inducted into multiple music halls of fame.
Why Me Lord
Elvis Presley 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.
Elvis Presley's song "Why Me Lord" is a soulful prayer asking for forgiveness and guidance. The song starts with the character questioning why he has been graced with so many blessings when he is aware of his own shortcomings. He then humbly asks God for help, acknowledging his own mistakes and thanking Him for the kindness He has shown. The second verse expresses the character's regret and recognition of his own flaws, asking for Jesus to help guide him back to a righteous path. The bridge asks for guidance on how to repay what he has taken from God and how to help others in the same way he has received help.
The song reflects a deep connection to spirituality and a recognition of the importance of humility and gratitude. It speaks to the idea of redemption and the desire for a second chance to make things right. The powerful vocals and honest lyrics make the song a moving and emotional experience for the listener. It also serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can always turn to faith for guidance and support.
Line by Line Meaning
Why me Lord, what have I ever done
Why have I been so fortunate, Lord? I'm not sure I've done anything to deserve it.
To deserve even one
I feel unworthy of even a single blessing.
Of the pleasures I've known
The good things in my life have been plentiful and I am grateful, Lord.
Tell me Lord, what did I ever do
Please remind me, Lord, of what I did that was worthy of your love.
That was worth loving you
I struggle to see how I could have merited your love, Lord.
Or the kindness you've shown.
The mercy and grace you've shown me have been beyond what I could ever earn, Lord.
Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so
I've squandered my blessings, Lord, and I need your help to set things right.
Help me Jesus I know what I am
I acknowledge my faults and shortcomings, Lord, and I need your guidance to do better.
Now that I know that I've need you so
I realize I cannot go on without you, Lord, and I eagerly seek your help and guidance.
Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand.
I trust that only in your hands, Lord, will my soul find peace and true fulfillment.
Tell me Lord, if you think there's a way
Lord, I humbly ask if there is a way for me to make things right.
I can try to repay
If there is a way for me to make amends, Lord, I am willing to try.
All I've taken from you
I'm aware that I have taken much from you, Lord, without giving much in return.
Maybe Lord, I can show someone else
If you allow me, Lord, I would like to help others see the light and find their way, just as you have done for me.
What I've been through myself
I can use my own experiences, Lord, to help others who are struggling.
On my way back to you.
I want to come back to you, Lord, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to get there.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network
Written by: Kris Kristofferson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@harrysunkim
Why me Lord, what have I ever done
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
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.
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.
@bonniej.rayburn3219
Elvis was placed in this world by God for a great purpose. Elvis used his talent to spread love, joy, peace and God's word. No one will EVER be as special as Elvis was to this world. He was an amazing man!
@christakulikowski7567
ELVIS used his talents to help people with his lovely songs to get courage for their lives. And his music is uplifting the soul which makes very happy!
@janemarkham4133
I agree little sister>>AMEN & AMEN!!!!! Howard Markham 😊🤟🤘👍👍❤
@user-ge8lt1mw9o
I just love his Religious albums. Just listening to them and the way Elvis sings the hymns, he sings them from deep within his heart - so heart warming. I know he had some faults, what person doesn’t, but he was truly a God fearing man and so good hearted. God gave him a wonderful singing voice and gorgeous looks also in one package!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❤❤❤❤❤🕺🏾🎶🎼💜💜💜💜✝️✝️✝️✝️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏RIP Elvis.
@marylouhemann5906
How lucky we were to have this exceptional Christian Singer in my 76 yrs!
@CoopsterJr
My 7 grand kids love his music and we have all been to Graceland. So nice.
@carollawrence9910
My husband passed away almost three years ago. Elvis music has kept me out of the pits of despair.
Yes he was heaven sent and his works will live on through eternity. God Bless 🙏🌈❤️🇨🇦
@MarcosBryant-gk1jv
What do you admire most about Elvis
@angelamartin2811
The greatest singer of all time Elvis Presley!
Elvis was touring singing all the songs that we all love and he told his friend I want to sing one of my gospel songs and Elvis didn’t know how the crowd would react so he sung how great thou art and the audience gave him a standing ovation with tears in their eyes. So after that Elvis would sing how great thou art at his concerts Elvis said he was happiest when singing the gospel he wanted to praise God he said if it wasn’t for god he wouldn’t have his voice. Elvis was an original he never forgot his humble beginnings always giving he never denied God in front of millions. He stopped a concert because people were yelling he was king he said there’s only one king and that Jesus Christ.
Elvis sings the gospel from his heart. 🙏
@jackiecrosby9045
Best EVER! No one then or now can sing a gospel song like Elvis!!! God given talent he shared with the world!