“Why Not Me” is an english song by Eric Church, released on Eric Church’s official YouTube channel. Written by Eric Church, the song captures deep emotions of grief and reflection through its poignant storytelling. With its stripped-down, somber melody and raw lyrics, Why Not Me serves as a heartfelt tribute, resonating with themes of loss, fate, and survivor’s guilt. Church’s ability to blend personal pain with universal questioning creates an emotionally stirring listening experience.
The song grapples with the devastation of losing innocent lives in an act of violence, specifically referencing the tragic Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in Las Vegas. Church contemplates why certain individuals were taken while he was spared, wrestling with the unpredictability of fate. Through vivid imagery, he paints a sorrowful picture of those who lost their lives, questioning a higher power about why they were chosen. The recurring plea in the chorus—Why you and why not me?—captures the essence of survivor’s guilt, making the song an intimate reflection on loss and unanswered questions.
Why Not Me Details
| Song | Why Not Me |
|---|---|
| Artists | Eric Church |
| Written By | Eric Church |
| Label | Eric Church |
| Language | English |
| Released Date | Oct 6, 2017 |
Why Not Me Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Why you with your long brown hair flowing
And you with your fresh tattooed skin
And you from the Western Virginia
That you’ll never get to see again
As darkness descended the desert
And a bad actor starred in his play
Why you from Tennessee did life capture
And me from Tennessee get away
[Chorus]
And when the morning sun hit the mountain
And a glorious still calmed the breeze
I asked the God of all knowing wisdom
Why you and why not me?
[Verse 2]
Yeah the lord is my refuge and fortress
My God with whom I trust
But I’ll never know why the wicked
Gets to prey on the best of us
Why you full of life and promise
At the top of your lungs so loud
My songs that you sang so sweetly will ring
In my ears forever now
[Chorus]
And when the morning sun hits the mountain
And a glorious still calms the breeze
I’ll ask the God of infinite wisdom
Why you and why not me?
[Outro]
And every morning when the sun hits the mountain
And a glorious still calms the breeze
I’ll ask the God of my salvation
Why you and why not me?
Why you and why not me?
Why Not Me Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
Eric Church introduces the song with haunting imagery, describing individuals whose lives were cut short. He personalizes their stories—mentioning a woman with flowing brown hair, another with a fresh tattoo, and someone from West Virginia—highlighting the diverse lives lost in the tragedy. The contrast between their fate and his own survival becomes the emotional core of the song. The reference to a “bad actor” underscores the senseless nature of violence, portraying the shooter as a figure playing a dark role in a tragic event.
[Chorus]
The chorus shifts to a moment of quiet reflection in nature. As the morning sun rises and the breeze stills, Church confronts his grief with a direct question to God—why did others die while he was spared? The simplicity of this plea conveys the depth of his survivor’s guilt, as he struggles to understand the randomness of fate. The contrast between the beauty of nature and the weight of his sorrow adds to the song’s emotional impact.
[Verse 2]
Church leans into faith, referencing the Bible’s assurance of protection and trust in God. However, his belief is shaken as he questions why the wicked seem to go unpunished while the best of humanity suffers. He reflects on the victims’ vibrancy, their passion for life, and their love for music—suggesting that their voices will forever remain with him. The line about his songs being sung by those lost highlights the personal nature of the tragedy, as he was one of the festival’s performers.
[Chorus]
Reiterating the same plea to God, this section reinforces Church’s inner turmoil. The cycle of questioning continues as he revisits the painful contrast between the morning’s peace and the haunting memories of those lost. The repeated question, Why you and why not me?, emphasizes the weight of his survivor’s guilt and the emotional burden he carries.
[Outro]
The song closes with Church acknowledging that this question will remain with him forever. Each morning, as the sun rises, he will be reminded of the tragedy and the lives taken too soon. The repetition of the final lines underscores the lasting impact of grief and the unanswered questions that will follow him for the rest of his life. By ending on this unresolved note, Church captures the lingering sorrow and the deep, unanswerable nature of loss.
Why Not Me Official Video
FAQs
The "Why Not Me" song is sung by Eric Church.
The "Why Not Me" song by Eric Church lyrics was written by Eric Church.
Eric Church released "Why Not Me" song on Oct 6, 2017.
More Eric Church Songs
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