George Jones Recorded The Hymn That Brought Many To Tears, “Why Me Lord”

In 1974, George Jones recorded a version of “Why Me Lord” for his fifth collection of spiritual music, In a Gospel Way.

Jones’ love for gospel songs dated back to his childhood when he learned his first chords and songs at church, where his mother Clara played piano. Even if he achieved country superstardom years later, he continued to share his passion for gospel music. Throughout his career, he recorded three gospel albums as well as the one with his wife Tammy Wynette called We Love To Sing About Jesus.

The Passion George Jones Put Into His Rendition Is Beyond Compare

“Why Me Lord” was both written and recorded by Kris Kristofferson in 1972. Inspired by a church service he attended that included Larry Gatlin’s “Help Me Lord,” the song perfectly speaks to a sinner’s heart the moment one finally realizes just how much he needs the love and grace of the Lord and Savior. It’s absolutely a moment of pure bliss.

It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and was Kristofferson’s only major country hit as a solo recording artist. Several country acts also recorded the track before and after Jones’ did. This includes Elvis Presley, Tanya Tucker, David Allen Coe, Merle Haggard, and more – still, it’s Jones’ rendition that’s one of our favorites.

His voice is so genuine as he crooned the powerful words to the song that touched everyone to the bone. While it’s not one of the original George Jones songs, the passion he put into this recording can never be duplicated or imitated, making it stand out from all others.

You can listen to “Why Me Lord” by George Jones in the video below. There are really only a few songs that could speak to the heart.