Lyrics
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 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
But 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 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
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 souls in your hand
Jesus, my soul's in your hand.
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Why Me Lord is a confession of unworthiness, repentance, and dependence on Jesus. The opening question does not demand an answer; it marvels at undeserved kindness. Pleasures, love, and mercy are treated as gifts that the speaker cannot claim to have earned. This humility recalls the tax collector in Luke 18:13, where a sinner asks God for mercy rather than pointing to personal merit.
The refrain makes dependence personal: the soul is placed in Jesus’ hands after an honest acknowledgment of a wasted past. Yet the song does not end in self-condemnation. It turns outward with a hope that personal failure can help someone else return to God. That movement from remorse to service fits Psalm 51:17, which names a broken and contrite heart as a sacrifice God does not despise. The song therefore holds confession and hope together, presenting mercy as the ground for both surrender and a changed direction.
Related Scripture
- Luke 18:13–14 The tax collector humbly admits his sin and asks God for mercy.
- Psalm 51:17 God does not despise a broken and contrite heart.