Kristofferson – Why Me, is an American country and gospel song written and recorded by American country music singer and songwriter Kris Kristofferson.

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

Was Kristofferson’s lone major country hit as a solo recording artist, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in July 1973. The song peaked only at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, but had at 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. The song spent 38 weeks in the Hot 100 consecutively, almost tying the record set by Johnny Mathis’ song «Wonderful! Wonderful!» on the charts for 39 weeks. The song ranked sixth on the list of Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1973.

«Why Me» was certified gold for sales of one million units by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Kristofferson – Why Me
From the album Jesus Was a Capricorn
B-side «Help Me»
Released April 1973
Recorded July 8, 1972
Genre Country gospel
Length 3:26
Label Monument Records 31909
Songwriter(s) Kris Kristofferson
Producer(s) Fred Foster

COUNTRYPEDIA

Kristofferson – Why Me Lyrics

[Verse 1]
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 lovin’ you
Or 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’ve needed you so help me, Jesus
My soul’s in your hand

[Verse 2]
Try 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
[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’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
But 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

GENIUS