Why Was I Born
Jerome Kern Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why am I livin'
What do I get
What am I givin'
Why do I want for things
I dare not hope for
What can I hope for
I wish I knew
To draw you near me
Why do I cry
You never hear me
I'm a poor fool
But what can I do
Oh baby why was I born
To love you
The lyrics to Jerome Kern's song "Why Was I Born" are a poignant exploration of the human condition, particularly the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. The opening lines express a sense of existential questioning, with the singer asking why they were born and what they are meant to achieve in their time on earth. This is followed by an introspective examination of their own desires and motivations, including a sense of longing for things they know they can never have.
The second half of the song introduces a romantic element, with the singer expressing their love for an object of their affection. However, this love is presented as a source of pain and frustration, as the singer laments their inability to truly connect with the person they love. The closing line, "To love you," seems to suggest that this love, while painful, is the one driving force in their life that gives them some measure of purpose and direction.
Overall, "Why Was I Born" is a deeply emotional song that explores themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a way that is both personal and universal.
Line by Line Meaning
Why was I born
What is the purpose of my existence?
Why am I livin'
What is the reason for my continued presence on earth?
What do I get
What material or emotional benefits do I receive from life?
What am I givin'
What contributions am I making to the world or to others?
Why do I want for things
What motivates me to desire things that I deem unattainable?
I dare not hope for
I am afraid to dream big because I fear disappointment.
What can I hope for
What is realistically within my reach to hope for or achieve?
I wish I knew
I am uncertain and wish to gain clarity.
Why do I try
What motivates me to make an effort in certain areas of my life?
To draw you near me
I yearn for your love and companionship.
Why do I cry
What is the cause of my emotional pain?
You never hear me
You do not sympathize with or acknowledge my emotional distress.
I'm a poor fool
I am foolish in my pursuit of love and happiness.
But what can I do
Despite my foolishness, there is nothing else I can do but pursue my desires.
Oh baby why was I born
My reason for existence is to love you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind