Tell me why
Why can't I hear your answer
Why do I feel so all alone
Tell me why
I'm a believer
Bring me back into Your own
My God, the place I belong
I'm dedicated now
To the place I love
Nothing can hold me back
From the place of heaven above
The question to all these things is
Tell me why, why
How come I feel so
Why don't the moon beam go
Where the sun beam go
Tell me why
I'm a believer
Bring me back into your own
The place where I belong
If you start to try to separate
The light from the darkness
Only my God will know
We shouldn't judge
We should walk our walk
And talk our talk
Nobody knows what God knows
I want to know the answers
To all of these questions
Tell me why, why
Why
Why Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Al Green's song "Why" was released on February 3, 2017, presenting a contemplative and deeply spiritual reflection set to his signature sound. The track delves into fundamental questions of faith and existence, articulated through a direct address that seeks understanding and connection. It opens with inquiries about silence and feelings of isolation, immediately establishing a tone of searching and longing for a divine response and presence.
Central to the song is a declaration of belief and a yearning to be brought back into a sense of belonging, identified as a specific place that is home. This place is described with profound affection and dedication. The lyrics express a commitment that cannot be hindered, suggesting a spiritual journey towards an ultimate destination of peace and presence, further defined as the "place of heaven above." The repeating question underscores the deep human desire to comprehend the reasons behind feelings of distance and the workings of the world.
The song introduces a reflection on the separation of light from darkness, noting that ultimate knowledge in this process resides solely with the divine. This leads into a message about human conduct, emphasizing that individuals should focus on their own path rather than judging others. The lyrics highlight the limitation of human understanding in comparison to divine omniscience, reinforcing a theme of humility in the face of the unknown.
Ultimately, "Why" expresses a persistent desire for answers to the complex questions raised throughout the piece. It is a song of faith, doubt, hope, and the ongoing human quest for spiritual truth and a sense of being truly at home within the divine embrace. The lyrics serve as a meditation on the mysteries of faith and the call to trust in a power greater than oneself, recognizing the limits of human knowledge and the importance of personal conduct and belief.
