Why Me
Willie & Merle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 needed you, so help me, Jesus; my soul's in your hand
Try me, Lord, if you think there's a way I can try to repay
Maybe, Lord, I can show someone else what I've been through myself
On my way back to you
Lord, help me, Jesus
Jesus, my soul's in your hand
In Willie & Merle's song "Why Me," the lyrics express a sense of humility and gratitude towards God. The singer asks why they have been given so many pleasures and kindness from the Lord, realizing they have done nothing to deserve it. They question why the Lord would love them and show them such generosity. However, they also acknowledge their own flaws and mistakes, having wasted their blessings and their lives. They turn to Jesus for help, recognizing that their soul is in His hands. The lyrics suggest a desire to repay the Lord for all they've taken from Him and to use their experiences to help others on their own spiritual journey towards God.
The song is commonly interpreted as a gospel track, with its simple piano chords and powerful vocals. Though it was written and performed by country artists, its lyrics and themes have resonated with audiences across genres and generations. The song has even been covered by artists such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
Line by Line Meaning
Why me Lord, what have I ever done
Asking God why He has chosen to bless me with so many pleasures and comforts
To deserve even one
Expressing disbelief at having received so many blessings
Of the pleasures I've known
Acknowledging the abundance of good things in life that I have had the privilege of experiencing
Tell me Lord, what did I ever do
Wondering about the reason behind God's love and kindness towards me
That was worth loving you
Feeling unworthy of God's love and seeking to understand why He would choose to love someone like me
Or the kindness you've shown.
Reflecting on the many acts of kindness and mercy that God has bestowed on me
Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so
Admitting to having squandered the blessings I have received and asking for God's forgiveness and guidance
Help me Jesus I know what I am
Acknowledging one's own faults and seeking redemption and transformation through faith in Jesus
Now that I know that I've need you so
Realizing the importance of relying on God and choosing to trust in Him for guidance and support
Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand.
Surrendering one's life to God and trusting Him to guide and protect them
Tell me Lord, if you think there's a way
Seeking God's guidance and direction as to how to move forward and make amends for past mistakes
I can try to repay
Expressing a desire to make restitution for the wrongs committed and to live a life of service and gratitude
All I've taken from you
Acknowledging that the blessings and pleasures of life come from God and seeking to show appreciation through a life lived in accordance with His will
Maybe Lord, I can show someone else
Aspiring to be a positive example and to share the lessons learned through trials and struggles with others
What I've been through myself
Using one's own experiences of hardship, temptation, and redemption as a means of connecting with and helping others who may be struggling
On my way back to you.
Expressing a desire to return to God and to live a life that is pleasing to Him
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Kris Kristofferson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Don Owen
I love this already. I’m praying for a few more trips around the sun for these incredible musicians. Time will shed nothing but grace on the Nelson last name.
Ms. McConnell
Amen💞🙏
Leland Downs
@Wendy Lee love it
Wendy Lee
My life will change when those "trips around the sun's cease. I've been a fan since the 60's!
James Malcolm
Amen.
Tyler Scott
I've always loved this song. Thank you, for recording it again, Willie.
Paula Jane
I love everything about this song forever ♥️ 🤠🎸🎸♥️🤠
Patricia Pagano
Love from Brasil ! I love this song ! Willie Nelson you're a Legend !
kathy e
Theres nothing more beautiful than listening to the Nelson family come together in song. This one performed with exquisite musicianship and restraint. Bravo Nelson fam! Lukas’ lower range is fantastic on this one too. ✨🤍🙏🏽🤍✨
Georgene Capps
Great job Nelson family so good to hear y'all Capps family Bravo