In 1985, Kristofferson joined fellow country artists Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash in forming the country music supergroup The Highwaymen, and formed a key creative force in the outlaw country music movement that eschewed the Nashville music machine in favor of independent songwriting and producing. In 2004, Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As an actor, he is known for his roles in Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), Blume in Love (1973), Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974), A Star Is Born (1976) (which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor), Convoy (1978), Heaven's Gate (1980) and Blade (1998).
Kristofferson has said that he would like the first three lines of Leonard Cohen's "Bird on the Wire" on his tombstone:
Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
Me
Kris Kristofferson 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
Now that I know that I've needed 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 needed you
So help me Jesus, my soul's in Your hand
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
The lyrics of Kris Kristofferson's song "Why Me" can be interpreted as a conversation between the singer and God. The singer begins by expressing gratitude for the pleasures he has known in life, but also questioning why he is deserving of them. He wonders aloud to God, what he did that was worth loving God or experiencing the kindness that God has shown him throughout his life.
In the second verse, the singer confesses to God that he has wasted much of his life and begs for His help. He acknowledges that he knows what he is and that he needs God more than ever before. He entrusts his soul to God's care, seeking His assistance and guidance. In the final verse, the singer asks God how he can repay Him for all that he has taken from Him. He then resolves to use his own experiences to help others find their way back to God.
Overall, the lyrics of "Why Me" express themes of gratitude, humility, confession, and redemption. The song is a powerful plea for help and a declaration of faith in God's love and mercy.
Line by Line Meaning
Why me Lord, what have I ever done
I am questioning why the Lord has blessed me with such great experiences and I am feeling like I may not deserve it.
To deserve even one
I am wondering what in particular I may have done to earn such blessings.
Of the pleasures I've known
I am acknowledging that I have been privileged with many joys and happy moments in my life.
Tell me Lord, what did I ever do
I am asking the Lord to reveal to me what specific action or deed I have performed that was worthy of His love and kindness.
That was worth loving you
I am questioning if there is any particular reason or thing I have done to earn the love of the Lord.
Or the kindness you've shown.
I am perplexed as to why the Lord continues to show such benevolence towards me when I feel I may not have earned it.
Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so
I am reaching out to the Lord in a plea for help because I recognize that I may have squandered or misused some of the blessings He has bestowed upon me.
Help me Jesus I know what I am
I am humbling myself before the Lord and acknowledging my flaws and mistakes.
Now that I know that I've need you so
After considering my past actions and the gifts of the Lord, I realize that I cannot do it alone and I am in desperate need of the Lord's guidance and love.
Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand.
I am entrusting my soul to the Lord in the hope that He will guide me towards a more meaningful and fulfilling existence.
Tell me Lord, if you think there's a way
I am asking the Lord if there is anything I can do or any way I can repay Him for His kindness and blessings.
I can try to repay
I am expressing a willingness to work towards repaying the Lord for all that He has given to me.
All I've taken from you
I am acknowledging that everything I have and all my blessings come from the Lord.
Maybe Lord, I can show someone else
I am hoping to share my experiences and blessings with others to help lead them on a path back towards the Lord.
What I've been through myself
I am able to relate to others because of the experiences and challenges that I have gone through in my own life.
On my way back to you.
I am acknowledging that I may have strayed from the Lord in the past, but I am now making strides to return to Him and continue seeking His guidance and love.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Kris Kristofferson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind