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Kris Kristofferson - Why Me Lord (live)

Why Me is an American country and gospel song written and recorded by Kris Kristofferson.

Kristofferson had become the toast of Nashville in the early 1970s, with the massive success of compositions including "For the Good Times," "Me and Bobby McGee," "Sunday Morning Coming Down," "Help Me Make It Through the Night" and many other songs. He had a hit of his own as well, with "Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again)."

"Why Me" was recorded by Kristofferson in 1972, and features backing vocals by soon-to-be wife Rita Coolidge and up-and-coming singer-songwriter Larry Gatlin. It was included on the album, Jesus Was a Capricorn and, in 1973, the song became the biggest hit of his career.

According to country music historian Bill Malone, Kristofferson wrote the song during an emotionally low period of his life after having attended a religious service conducted by the Rev. Jimmie Rogers Snow. Wrote Malone, "'Why Me, Lord'" - as the song is sometimes known - "may seem greatly out of character for Kristofferson, but it can be interpreted as his own personal religious rephrasing of 'Sunday Morning Coming Down.' In this case, he is 'coming down' not from drugs, but from the whole hedonistic euphoria of the (1960s)." Malone also described Kristofferson's gruff vocal styling as "perfect" for the song, since "he sounds like a man who has lived a lot but is now humbling himself before God."

Kristofferson met June Carter Cash, and Johnny Cash in a hotel room in 1972 wanting to play them two songs he had written. Kristofferson had just attended a rough screening of a movie Johnny and June were heavily involed in entitled, "Gospel Road." According to Johnny Cash's book, "The Man in Black" Larry Gatlin sang a song called, "Help Me" at the Evangel Temple which inspired Kristofferson to write the song. Kristofferson also played Cash the song, "Burden of Freedom" which was used in, "Gospel Road.

"Why Me" was Kristofferson's lone major country hit as a solo recording artist, reaching No. 1 of Billboard magazine's Hot Country Singles chart in July 1973. The song, despite peaking only at No. 16 of the Billboard Hot 100, had, to that time, one of the longer runs (19 weeks) in the top 40 and the most chart reversals in one run on the Hot 100. As a result, ironically, the song managed to be ranked as the sixth most popular Hot 100 single of 1973.

"Why Me" was certified gold for sales of 1 million units by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Other notable performances

Elvis Presley incorporated the song, titled as "Why Me Lord", into his live shows beginning in January 1974 up until his last concert tour. It was first released on the live album, Elvis Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis in June 1974. The recording is from his March 20, 1974 concert in Memphis, Tennessee. He often introduced the song for J.D. Sumner to sing "one of his favorite songs." Sumner would sing the verses and Elvis would join on the chorus along with the back-up singers. He also recorded the other side of the single, "Help Me", written by Larry Gatlin in December 1973 and which remained part of his live shows as well.

Johnny Cash also recorded a version of the song titled "Why Me Lord" on his 1994 album American Recordings.

Merle Haggard recorded a version, released on the 1981 album What a Friend We Have in Jesus.

Chicago punk band The Smoking Popes recorded a version of this song for their 2001 covers album The Party's Over.

David Crowder Band recorded a version for their final album, Give Us Rest, which was released in 2012.

The lyrics:

verse 1:

why me lord?

what have i ever done,

to deserve even one,

of the pleasure i've known,

tell me lord,

what did i ever do,

that was worth lovin' you,

for the kindness you've shown,

chorus:

lord help me Jesus,

i've wasted it so help me Jesus,

i know what i am,

but now that i know,

that i needed you so help me Jesus,

my souls in your hand,

verse 2:

try me lord,

if you think there's a way,

i can try to repay,

all i've takin' from you,

maybe lord,

i can show someone else,

what i've been through myself,

on my way back to you,

chorus (x2)

Jesus, my soul's in your hands