Country Legend Kris Kristofferson Reveals Profound Spiritual Journey Behind "Why Me Lord"

Nashville, TN – Country music legend Kris Kristofferson recently shared a deeply personal and moving account of the inspiration behind his iconic gospel song, "Why Me Lord," during a segment of "Ralph Emery’s Country Legends, Vol. 2." The intimate discussion, featuring fellow artists Willie Nelson and Janie Frickie, revealed a profound spiritual awakening that led to the song's creation. Kristofferson recounted attending Jimmy Snow's church the day after a benefit concert in Cookeville for Dottie West's high school band. "I had a profound religious experience during the session, something that had never happened to me before," Kristofferson stated. He described a moment when the preacher asked if anyone felt lost, prompting an unexpected and overwhelming urge to raise his hand. "I was hoping nobody else was looking," he admitted with a chuckle, "and all of a sudden I felt my hand going up." He further detailed the experience, saying, "I don't really know what he said to me. He said something to me like, 'Are you ready to accept Jesus Christ in your life or something?' And I said, 'I don't know.' I didn't know what I was doing there." Despite his initial uncertainty, Kristofferson found himself walking to the front of the church. "Whatever it was, was such a release for me that I found myself weeping in public," he shared, describing a sense of forgiveness he "didn't know I even needed." The segment culminated in a powerful performance of "Why Me Lord," with Kristofferson on guitar and harmonica, joined by Willie Nelson and Janie Frickie on vocals and guitar, delivering a heartfelt rendition that resonated with the audience. The emotional depth of Kristofferson's testimony and the subsequent performance underscored the enduring spiritual message of the song.

American Songwriter

2 months ago

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